One of the great outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is trout fishing. Whether you’re a pro or just got your first pole, the City of Gatlinburg has several streams that are easily accessible and are sure to have that fish you’ll be talking about for years. Most days, you can fish inside the city limits or in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re interested in fishing when you visit, check out our guide to fishing in Gatlinburg:
About Fishing in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is one of the top places to go fishing. It offers some of the best trout fishing in all of Tennessee. If you plan on fishing in Gatlinburg on your vacation, know that Gatlinburg requires a special license for fishing within the city limits. You can purchase your license by stopping by the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, located on the right as you come into town on 441 South! Or, you can purchase your license online. Visitors can get a 1-day trout permit or a 3-day trout permit in addition to the applicable licenses.
There are some rules and regulations and different license requirements that we’ve listed below so you’ll know exactly what to expect in planning your fishing trip.
Resident licenses can be purchased by:
•persons who possess a valid Tennessee Drivers License
•persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the intent of making Tennessee their home
•military personnel on active duty in Tennessee and their immediate family
•students enrolled in a Tennessee college or university for at least six months.
NOTE: Tennessee Residents with a Sportsman License (Type 40) or a Lifetime Sportsman License do not need any other license or permit.
•Ages 12 and under – NO license or permit required
•Age 13-15 years – Gatlinburg permit, One-day (Type 99) or Three-Day (Type 96) PLUS Junior Hunt, Fish, and Trap License (Type 02).
•Age 16 to 64 years old – Gatlinburg Permit, One-day (Type 99) or Three-Day (Type 96) PLUS Annual Trout (Type 22) and ONE of the following: Annual Hunt and Fish Combination (Type 01), County of Residence (Type 20), and One-day Fishing (Type 21).
•Age 65 years or older – Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (Type 166) or Annual Senior Citizen Permit (Type 167)
Non-Residents – (Out of Tennessee)
Ages 12 and under – NO license or permit required
Age 13 to 15 years old – Gatlinburg Permit, One-day (type 99) or Three-Day (Type 96), PLUS Non-resident Junior Hunt and Fish (Type 70)Age 16 and over- Non-resident Gatlinburg One-day (Type 97) ONLY OR a combination of the following: Gatlinburg One-day (Type 99) or Three-day (Type 97) PLUS one of these
Non-resident licenses: Jr. Hunt/Fish (Type 70); Annual Fishing – No Trout (Type 76); Three Day – No Trout (Type 77); Three Day All Fish (Type 78); Ten-Day – No Trout (Type 79); Ten-day All Fish (Type 80); or Annual All Fish (Type 81)
If you’re a fan of fishing, you’ll love fishing in Gatlinburg! It’s one of the best ways to spend time in the great outdoors.
Tips for Fishing in Gatlinburg
If you’ve never been fishing in Gatlinburg before, we’ve put together some tips to help guarantee you have a fun time.
- Don’t stand in the same spot and fish. After you’ve made a few casts in an area, we recommend moving upstream. The trout will see your line, leader and maybe even you, and won’t eat after that. If you keep moving, you’ll be more successful.
- Fly fishing is the best way to catch fish in Gatlinburg. Fly fishermen have the best chance of making multiple catches of trout and bass in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Once you get the hang of a few techniques, you’ll be able to easily catch a few trout in the Smokies.
- If the trout sees your fly line, you most likely won’t catch the trout. Don’t let your line float over a spot where trout might me. You’ll want to get your fly and leader in that spot first for the best chance to catch the fish.
You don’t have to be an expert fisherman to catch trout in Gatlinburg! You don’t need an inside knowledge of secret fishing spots in the Smokies — trout are abundant in all of the streams. You also don’t need any huge amount of expensive fly gear for fishing in Gatlinburg!
Where to Go Fishing in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is home to so many great fishing spots! There are plenty of creeks and streams throughout the city and the national park where you can fish. Upper Abrams Creek, Little River at Elkmont, Cosby Creek, LeConte Creek are just a view of the many great spots for fishing in Gatlinburg!
Fishing Cabins in Tennessee
Did you know that we have cabins in Tennessee that provide their own fishing opportunities? Rippling Waters is a beautiful, private log cabin that has its own property fishing area! The private creek is stocked with bass, bluegill and crappie that are just waiting to be caught. Your cabin is right by the creek, and you’ll have your own private fishing spot! Rippling Waters also comes with a hot tub, an arcade game, a full kitchen, and more. You’ll love this fishing cabin in Tennessee!
If you and your family love to fish, you’ll love fishing in Gatlinburg on your vacation! Stay in our fishing cabin, or choose another one of our gorgeous rentals that put you near rivers and creeks that are perfect for fishing. Take a look at all our Gatlinburg cabins and find the perfect one for your stay.
