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Fishing in The Great Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg Fishing Regulation Areas:
- West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary downstream to Gnatty Branch, except those sections set aside as Children's Streams
- Dudley Creek from Park Boundary downstream to West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Children's Streams
- Roaring Fork from Park Boundary downstream to West Prong of Little River
- LeConte Creek from Painter's Branch downstream to the West Prong of
Little River
Gatlinburg has a very active stocking and breeding program, and requires a special licensing permit. "Catch and Release" program is in effect from November 1 until April 1 every year. You still MUST have full licenses to fish there, and ALL Gatlinburg waters are closed every THURSDAY. Fishing is permitted with single hook only and with no more than one hand held rod.
Licensing Requirements for Age 16 and over (for more information ask TWRA agent for assistance):
- Three day fishing no trout: TYPE 77-Cost $10.50 (Not Valid for Gatlinburg Waters)
- Three day All Species: TYPE 78-Cost $20.50 For Gatlinburg, but in addition, you need a type 99 license to fish the Gatlinburg Waters
- Ten day Fishing no trout: TYPE 79-Cost $15.50 not valid for Gatlinburg Waters
- Ten day all species: TYPE 80-Cost $30.50 For Gatlinburg, but in addition, you need type 99 license to fish the Gatlinburg Waters
- Annual all fish: TYPE 81-Cost $51.00 For Gatlinburg, but you need the daily type 99 to fish in Gatlinburg waters in addition to TYPE 80
- One day non-resident Gatlinburg waters only: TYPE 97-Cost $10.50
- Gatlinburg One-day Permit (Type 99-cost $2.50) must be used in addition to type 78, type 80, or type 81 unless under the age of 13.
New winter fishing regulations are being enforced in Gatlinburg waters! The new rules are in effect from December 1 through March 31.
All trout caught must be immediately returned unharmed to the water. You cannot keep ANY trout.
- Artificial lures with a single hook MUST be used. You cannot use any bait such as corn, bread, minnows, worms, or power bait.
- You still MUST have a city of Gatlinburg permit. Fishing is closed every Thursday year round.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides 700 miles of wild trout streams that meander through the unspoiled forests. Fishing is permitted from dawn to dusk year round in most of the streams in the park. Check park regulations at a ranger station or visitor's center before you fish. Please note that possession of any brook trout is prohibited.
Licenses: A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park and both are good throughout the park. Trout stamps are not required in the park but once you cross the border of the Park to fish, be sure you have the right state license and a trout permit. Fishing licenses are not sold in the park but numerous local stores and outfitters in towns surrounding the Park have them for sale.
Tennessee License Requirements:
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older need a license. The exception is residents who were 65 prior to March 1, 1990. These persons require only proof of age and Tennessee residence.
North Carolina License Requirements:
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license. Residents age 70 and older may obtain a special license from the state. Persons under 16 in North Carolina and under 13 in Tennessee are entitled to the same limits as adults and are subject to all other regulations.
The Park does not sell state fishing licenses. They may be purchased in surrounding towns. Season Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters. Time: Fishing is allowed from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
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