Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for it’s excellent trout fishing. The 500,000 acre park has over 800 miles of fishable trout streams. Wild rainbow amd brown trout inhabit most of the rivers and small streams. Brook trout can be found in the higher elevation streams. Stocking was stopped in the early 70’s so what we have here is a sustaining population of wild trout.

Most streams are freestone, free flowing and clear. There are no dams in the Smokies. Test your skills on the larger rivers with road access or hike into the backcountry using the numerous trails to get away from people and back to nature. Rainbow and Brown trout live in the lower elevation streams. Brook trout are found in the higher mountains.

Aquatic insects here are diverse. Mayflies, caddis and stoneflies make up the major hatches that you will encounter during Troutfest. May is one of the best months to fish here.

Little River flows out of the Smokies and through Townsend. The entrance to the Park is 2 ½ miles from the Troutfest site. There are three prongs of Little River nearby and all offer excellent fly fishing. Abrams Creek is close to Townsend in Cades Cove one of the most beautiful places in the world. Abrams is a limestone stream fed by springs

To fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park you will need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. If you are from out of state you can purchase a 3 day, 10 day or annual Tennessee license in Townsend.

Make Troutfest a fishing vacation. You could not pick a better time or place.