Whether you’re an experienced angler or you’ve never held a fishing pole, you can enjoy fishing in the Smoky Mountains with the help of a seasoned fishing guide. Use these tips to find the right guide for your skill level.
What to Expect
Generally, here’s what to consider when booking a fishing trip.
- Fishing gear. Does the guide provide all the gear you’ll need?
- License. You’ll need one! They’re easy to get online at this website.
- Catch limits. Some species are catch-and-release only. Look here for details.
- Types of trips. Do you want a wade trip or a float trip (fishing from a boat)?
- Length of trips. Consider whether you want a half- or full-day outing.
1. The Smoky Mountain Angler
The oldest authorized fishing guide service for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smoky Mountain Angler teaches techniques and lures for fish in wild streams or stocked rivers.
2. Smoky Mountain Fishing Company
Providing services for Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville, this company emphasizes a memorable, fun experience. Float trips are a specialty. The company also offers bird hunting trips with bird dogs.
3. Fightmaster Fly Fishing
Fishing guide Rob Fightmaster specializes in fishing the waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from remote streams to easy-to-access roadside fishing. Fightmaster’s offerings include winter fishing for large rainbow trout during the “delayed harvest” fishing season.
4. Heart of the Smokies Fly Fishing
Heart of the Smokies guides float and wade trips, with a focus on all-inclusive fishing packages and safe, kid-friendly fishing.
5. Big Ridge River Guides
Ridge Palmer specializes in fishing for smallmouth bass from a custom jet boat or raft. Trips include rivers and lakes outside the national park, like the French Broad and Holston Rivers.
6. Fly Fishing the Smokies
Located in Bryson City, NC, this outfitter serves East Tennessee too, offering float trips plus specialty trips including night fishing.
7. Trout Cowboys
Stuart Griffin tailors trips to each angler’s interests and skills. Fishing trips are “walk and wade” experiences. If you’re new to fly fishing, Trout Cowboys teaches basics so you can start angling right away.
Make a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabin your home base for a fishing trip to the Smoky Mountains. Reserve a private, luxurious cabin today and relax, knowing you’ll come home to peace and quiet after a long day on the river!
