Do I need a fishing license to fly fish in the Smoky Mountains?

Yes. A valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A trout stamp is not required inside the park, but anglers must follow all park fishing regulations.

Can beginners go fly fishing in the Smoky Mountains?

Yes. Many Smoky Mountain fly fishing guides specialize in teaching beginners. Guided trips include instruction on casting, fly selection, and stream techniques, making it easy for first-time anglers to enjoy trout fishing in the park.

What fish are in Smoky Mountain streams?

Great Smoky Mountains streams are home to wild rainbow trout, brown trout, and native brook trout. These cold, clear mountain waters provide excellent year-round fly fishing opportunities.

Are guides allowed to fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Yes. Licensed and permitted fishing guides operate within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding rivers. Guided trips typically take place on park streams or nearby tailwater rivers depending on conditions and angler goals.

What are the fishing rules in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is limited to artificial flies or lures with a single hook. Bait is not allowed. Anglers must also have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license and a parking tag for trailhead access.

When is the best time to fly fish in the Smoky Mountains?

Fly fishing in the Smoky Mountains is productive year-round. Spring and fall offer the most consistent trout activity, while summer provides excellent high-elevation brook trout fishing and winter offers low-pressure conditions with clear water.

Fly Fishing Guides in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains are a dream destination for fly fishing, with hundreds of miles of clear mountain streams filled with wild trout. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, hiring a local guide is the best way to experience Smoky Mountain fishing.

Here are some of the top fly fishing guides serving the Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Western North Carolina Smokies.

Smoky Mountain Angler

Smoky Mountain Angler is one of the region’s most established fly-fishing outfitters, offering guided wade trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and float trips on nearby tailwaters. Trips are available for all skill levels, from first-time anglers to experienced fishermen looking to explore remote mountain streams.

Fly Fishing the Smokies

Fly Fishing the Smokies offers guided fly-fishing trips throughout both the Tennessee and North Carolina Smoky Mountains, including Gatlinburg-area streams. Options include:

Half- and full-day wade trips
Float trips on regional rivers
Group and family trips
Bass fishing excursions on Fontana Lake

Their guides specialize in helping beginners learn techniques while still providing excellent fishing for experienced anglers.

Smoky Mountain Guides

Smoky Mountain Guides provides guided trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding rivers, including unique multi-day backcountry fishing adventures.
Trip types include:

Wade trips for wild trout
Float trips for smallmouth bass
Kids-focused fishing experiences
Backpacking + fly-fishing trips

Fishing Regulations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fishing inside the national park has special rules:

Artificial flies or lures only
Single hook only (no bait)
Valid TN or NC fishing license required
No trout stamp needed inside the park
Parking tag required for trailhead access

These conservation rules help protect the Smokies’ wild trout population.

Why Hire a Fly Fishing Guide in the Smokies

The Smokies have nearly 700 miles of fishable streams with wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Local guides help you:

Find productive water
Learn casting and presentation
Choose effective flies
Navigate park access points

A guided trip is the fastest way to experience successful Smoky Mountain fly fishing.

Fly Fishing Guides in the Smoky Mountains