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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.
ATTENTION
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
licenses 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.
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CHILDREN'S FISHING AREAS
no adult fishing allowed!
- LeConte Creek from Painter's Branch upstream to Park Boundary
- West Prong of the Little Pigeon River from 100 yards above the North
Gatlinburg Park Entrance downstream to the Gatlinburg By-Pass Bridge
- Dudley Creek, from Highway 441 bridge downstream to the West Prong of the
Little Pigeon River
Creel limit is 2 trout per day for kids 12 years old and under who are
fishing in the Children's Streams. Only one hand-held rod and single hooks
allowed.
Children's Non-Residence Licensing
Requirement
- 8 years old and under: No License Required
- 9 years old to 12 years old: in Gatlinburg waters only you need
Gatlinburg One-day Permit ONLY (Type 99) cost $2.50
- up to 13 years old in regular waters (NON GATLINBURG):
No License Required
- age 13 to 15 years old: Junior Hunt and Fish (type 70-cost is
$6.00, good for one year) -Inside
Gatlinburg waters, they will also need Gatlinburg One-day permit (type
99-cost is $2.50 per day)
- OR they may purchase a Gatlinburg One-day Non-resident Permit (type
97-cost $10.50)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fishing
Regulations
Title 36 of the Code of Federal
Regulations :
A copy of the Code can be obtained at most ranger stations and
visitor centers.
Licenses:
You must have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina state fishing license to
fish all open Park waters. Licenses must be presented on demand by a Park
Ranger.
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 (see license cost in "short version" above.
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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Daily Possession Limits
The possession of brook trout is prohibited because the Park is pursuing an
aggressive program to protect and restore the brook trout to a self sustaining
level. Logging operations in the early 1900s eliminated the brook trout from its
natural range.
Five (5) rainbow or brown trout, small mouth bass, or a combination of these
(7 inch minimum), each day or in possession. Any brook trout caught must be
immediately returned unharmed to the water.
Lures, Bait, and Equipment
(a) Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod.
(b) Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used.
(c) Fishing tackle and equipment including creels and fish in possession are
subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
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Gatlinburg
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