5 Places
Fishing & Guide Services
Cast a line in some of the best trout streams in the East or try your luck bass fishing on Douglas Lake. Local guides know every hole worth visiting.
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Little River Trail
Scenic 12.4-mile river trail
Pigeon Forge
Wranglers and Razors
Western wear and grooming services
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Little River (Fishing)
Popular Trout Fishing Spot
Sevierville
Douglas Lake Fishing
Large Lake with Bass & Walleye
Pigeon Forge
Big Rock Dude Ranch Fishing Pond
Family trout fishing pond
What to Know
Best Seasons
Trout fishing is good most of the year, with spring and fall the prime seasons in the mountain streams. Summer is best early and late in the day, and the lakes heat up for bass. Winter fishing is quiet but productive for the prepared.
What to Bring
A valid Tennessee fishing license, which is required for everyone of age, plus your gear or a guide who provides it. Add polarized sunglasses, layers, and wading shoes for the streams. Check the park regulations, which differ from state waters.
Finding Your Fishing Trip
For Wild Mountain Trout
The streams inside the park hold wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout in beautiful, clear water. Hire a guide from one of the local fly shops or fish the easy access stretches with light tackle and small flies.
For Lake Fishing
Douglas Lake offers warm water fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish, with marinas and boat access nearby. It is the choice when you want open water, a boat, and a relaxed day rather than wading a stream.
For Families and Beginners
A stocked trout farm or pond is the easiest, most reliable way to fish with children. No license is needed on private water, gear is provided, and the catch is close to guaranteed, which keeps the day fun.
Tips and Getting There
Insider Tips
- For wild trout in the park, fish the mornings and bring small flies. The fish are spooky in the clear, low water of summer.
- A guided fly trip is the quickest way to learn the streams and actually catch fish if you are new to the sport.
- Taking kids? A stocked trout farm or a pond removes the license hassle and almost guarantees a catch, which keeps young anglers hooked.
Getting There and Parking
The mountain streams run through the park near Townsend, Elkmont, and Greenbrier, the fly shops and guides are based around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and the lake fishing is out toward Douglas Lake and Dandridge. Drive times vary, so plan around your water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
What kind of fish can I catch?
Can I fish inside the national park?
Is a guide worth it?
What is best for young kids?
When is the best time to fish?
Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide
Fishing & Guide Services
Fishing in the Smoky Mountains. Fly fishing guides, trout streams, bass fishing on Douglas Lake, and marina boat rentals.
Scan for live
hours & details
What to Know
Best Seasons
Trout fishing is good most of the year, with spring and fall the prime seasons in the mountain streams. Summer is best early and late in the day, and the lakes heat up for bass. Winter fishing is quiet but productive for the prepared.
What to Bring
A valid Tennessee fishing license, which is required for everyone of age, plus your gear or a guide who provides it. Add polarized sunglasses, layers, and wading shoes for the streams. Check the park regulations, which differ from state waters.
The Checklist
| Place | Rating | Hours | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Smoky Mountains NP | |||||
| Little River Trail | 4.6 ★ | Sunrise to Sunset | Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains NP | ||
| Little River (Fishing) | 4.7 ★ | 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | ||
| Pigeon Forge | |||||
| Wranglers and Razors | 4.4 ★ | 9 AM - 8 PM | (865) 337-0675 | 2850 Parkway, Suite 13B, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | |
| Big Rock Dude Ranch Fishing Pond | 4.3 ★ | Daily 9am-5pm (seasonal) | (865) 453-4644 | Pigeon Forge, TN | |
| Sevierville | |||||
| Douglas Lake Fishing | 4.5 ★ | 24 hours | Douglas Lake, Sevierville, TN | ||
Picking the Right One for Your Group
For Wild Mountain Trout
The streams inside the park hold wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout in beautiful, clear water. Hire a guide from one of the local fly shops or fish the easy access stretches with light tackle and small flies.
For Lake Fishing
Douglas Lake offers warm water fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish, with marinas and boat access nearby. It is the choice when you want open water, a boat, and a relaxed day rather than wading a stream.
For Families and Beginners
A stocked trout farm or pond is the easiest, most reliable way to fish with children. No license is needed on private water, gear is provided, and the catch is close to guaranteed, which keeps the day fun.
Insider Tips
- For wild trout in the park, fish the mornings and bring small flies. The fish are spooky in the clear, low water of summer.
- A guided fly trip is the quickest way to learn the streams and actually catch fish if you are new to the sport.
- Taking kids? A stocked trout farm or a pond removes the license hassle and almost guarantees a catch, which keeps young anglers hooked.