Tennessee Side

Fishing

There are more than 200 mi of wild trout streams on the Tennessee side of the park. Trout streams are open to fishing year-round. Among the best trout streams on the Tennessee side are Little River, Abrams Creek, and Little Pigeon River.

Licenses

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. A Tennessee fishing license, required of anyone 13 and over is valid throughout the park and also for fishing in other areas of Tennessee. A one-day, non-resident adult fishing license good for all types of fish including trout is $11; a three-day license is $33.50; 10-day is $50.50; and an annual nonresident license is $81. Licenses for Tennessee residents vary but cost less. A special trout-fishing nonresident license for the Gatlinburg area (outside the park) costs $11.50 for one day and $13 for three days—these are in addition to the state license. Note that to buy a Tennessee fishing license, you have to provide all types of personal information, including citizenship status, your Social Security number, driver's license number, height, weight, and much more. For nonresidents, North Carolina fishing licenses are significantly cheaper and require less government red tape, and since either NC or TN licenses are good anywhere in the park, you'll save time and money by buying a NC license. 3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown, TN, 37814. TWRA Sales Office, Box 41729, Nashville, TN, 37204. 888/814-8972 buy fishing license by phone. www.tn.gov/twra.

Outfitters

For backcountry trips, you may want to hire a guide. Full-day trips cost about $200-$300 for one angler, $250-$300 for two. Only guides approved by the National Park Service are permitted to take anglers into the park backcountry.

Little River Outfitters. This large fly-fishing shop and school has been in business since 1984. It specializes in teaching beginners to fly fish. Although it does not offer guide services, it can hook you up with guides for fishing in the Smokies or elsewhere. 106 Town Square Dr., Townsend, TN, 37882. 877/448-3474 or 865/448-9459. www.littleriveroutfitters.com.

Rocky Top Outfitters. Fly or spin trout-fishing trips are available at Rocky Top Outfitters. A full-day trout fishing trip for two is $250-$270, and a half-day trip for two is $200-$210. 2611 Ruth Hall Rd., Pigeon Forge, TN, 37863. 865/661-3474. www.rockytopoutfitter.com.

Smoky Mountain Angler. This well-equipped fly-fishing shop also offers equipment rentals, fishing licenses, and half-day and full-day fly- and spin-fishing trips with guide. Full-day guided trout fishing trips in the park are $250 for one person and $300 for two. 466 Brookside Village Way, Ste. 8, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738. 865/436-8746. www.smokymountainangler.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bicycling
• Fishing
• Hiking

• Horseback Riding
• Skiing
• Tubing