Re: [VFB] Tennessee

[Flyguy2795]

If you fish inside the Smoky Mountains National Park you can fish with either a Tennessee or North Carolina license without a trout stamp. I second a stop at Little River Outfitters, they also have a website. They are about ten minutes from the park entrance and are a very complete fly shop with good advice. The first time there I fished the Little River and Abram's Creek  in Cade's Cove. Caught plenty of fish on dries& nymphs. The Thunderhead pattern is a local dry favorite. Looks a lot like a parachute Adams. The second trip to the park the guys at Little River sent me to some hike in streams where I walked about 2-3 miles up an old railroad grade along a stream that was just  gorgeous. Cascades, falls and pools. Stopped wherever I wanted, climbed down and caught fish. Many hikers, no other fishers. Small rainbows and higher up small brookies. Wonderful experience. Going back and fish the NC side this summer. On the Little River and Abram's I used a 9' 3wt and 5x tippet. On the little hike-in I used a 7' 3 wt. Not much stealth needed, these streams are nutrient poor and the fish are hungry. Am currently building a 4pc 7wt to make the hike easier. These trips occured in June & July. Biggest fish was a 13" rainbow out of the Little River, guys at the flyshop said 'wow'.

Have a great time.
Carl Kocian, AKA 'wet butt'