So you’re off to the Smokies to do a little fly fishing. Well, like thousands of other anglers, you’ve picked just the right spot! And just in case your forgot to pack something – a rod, some line, your favorite fly, Sevierville has you covered! Orvis Sevierville is a short 15 mile drive from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and its abundance of native brook, rainbow and brown trout.
Sevierville Orvis is known for their quality rods, reels, and fly-tying equipment, set up shop in Sevierville and has enjoyed nothing but success ever since. Not only to they carry all the flyfishing gear you’ll need for your next adventure in the stream, they’ll cloth you with a wide assortment of men’s and women’s outdoor, casual, and dress wear. Looking for a new set of travel gear, they’ve got it. They even carry the finest in gear for your dog. Anything from treats, beds to leashes and much more.
Maybe Orvis’ most valuable asset is the staff’s local fly fishing and outdoors knowledge. If you’re looking for some tips on fishing and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some basics on fishing in the Smoky Mountains, as seen by the staff at Sevierville Orvis:
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smokies boast over 650 miles of fishable water. To be blunt, if you can’t find a good stream, well, I don’t think it’s our problem. Anyways, brook trout are found in greater numbers in your higher elevations. That is, streams 3000 feet and above in elevation. The lower you get, the more rainbow and brown trout you’re bound to find nipping at your line. No stocking here, these are all wild. For you bass fishermen out there, stick tot he park’s borders, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find. Thank me later.
Types of fish you’ll find: Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as smallmouth at the borders of the park.
Angler Type: Wading
How to get there: Park Roads and various trails.
Type of fly: Large dark mayflies early in the year, becoming lighter mayflies and stoneflies as the season wears on. Carry as many dries and nymphs as you can, or stop by the Sevierville store and pick up a few.
Rod: 7 – 8 and a half foot rod in a 3wt. to 5wt are best. Higher elevation streams sometimes call for shorter rods, visa vi longer rods in lower elevations.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has stocking programs just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stocking is carried out in the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River, The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River – you must present a special Gatlinburg fishing permit here, and the Little River in Townsend. Rainbow trout is the main species here, but brown trout and smallmouth bass can also be caught.
Type of fish you’ll find: Rainbow and Brown Trout, Smallmouth, and Pan fish
Angler Type: Wading or Canoe
How to get there: Public parks or TWRA access points
Type of fly: Be prepared, these streams will test your experience. Pack dry flies and nymphs in sizes 10 to 18. Bass prefer crawfish as well as imitations. Rods 8 foot to 9 foot, 5wt. or 6wt. are great.
If you’re having trouble finding what you need, or have an even more specific question, the associates at Sevierville Orvis are happy to help. Stop by next time before you get in the stream!