Your Guide to Fishing in Gatlinburg TN

Whether you are new to fishing or you’re a seasoned angler, you’ll love the fantastic opportunities for fishing in Gatlinburg! This area has many miles of streams that support a variety of native fish species. The lower elevation, slower speed, and warmer temperature of streams in Gatlinburg are ideal for aquatic diversity and perfect for fishing! Use this guide to help you plan a safe and successful Gatlinburg fishing trip.

Types of Fish to Catch in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park are home to more than 50 native fish species, ranging from darters to suckers. The most popular species for fishing in Gatlinburg are trout, including brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. In the city of Gatlinburg, trout are stocked in the city’s waters each week, providing a great chance for catching fish! There are a number of other gamefish pursued in the nearby area as well, such as smallmouth bass, walleye, striped bass, and white bass.

Where to Go Fishing in Gatlinburg

There are quite a few great spots for fishing in Gatlinburg! The city of Gatlinburg operates a Trout Rearing Facility, and fish reared at the facility are deposited into the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River every week. This helps make most of the streams and rivers in Gatlinburg ideal for fishing during your vacation! Some of the best Gatlinburg fishing spots that are open to all ages include:

• West Prong of the Little Pigeon River from the national park boundary downstream to Gnatty Branch
• Dudley Creek from the national park boundary downstream to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River (except sections set aside as children’s streams)
• LeConte Creek from Painter Branch downstream to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River
• Roaring Fork from the national park boundary downstream to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River

There are also children’s streams in Gatlinburg where only kids are allowed to fish. These include:

• West Prong of the Little Pigeon River from Herbert Holt Park downstream to the Gatlinburg By-Pass bridge
• Dudley Creek from Hwy 441 downstream to the West Prong of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River
• LeConte Creek from Painter Branch upstream to the national park boundary

Gatlinburg Fishing Requirements

If you want to go fishing in Gatlinburg, you will need a valid Tennessee fishing license. Children 12 and under do not require a license, but anyone 13 years old or older will need to purchase a permit or fishing license. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours only, and you may only use a single hand-held rod and a single hook. Only children 12 years old and younger may fish in any of the children’s streams. Gatlinburg streams are closed for fishing every Thursday due to stocking.

Seasonal Regulations

Catch and release season runs from December 1 through March 31. During this time, all fish caught must be released and no bait may be used. Open season is April 1 through November 30. During open season, the daily creel limit is 5 fish per person for general streams and 2 fish per child on children’s streams. In the city of Gatlinburg, there is no size limit during open season, and any type of bait may be used.

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg TN

Fishing in Gatlinburg is a fun activity that all ages can enjoy during your vacation! When you stay at Park Place on the River, you have easy access to an excellent fishing creek right near your condo rental! Check out our wonderful selection of Gatlinburg condos for rent to book the perfect accommodations for your next trip!