If you love to fish during your vacation, you will be happy to know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has approximately 2,900 miles of streams available for fishing! These streams offer a wide variety of angling experiences ranging from remote trout streams to large smallmouth bass streams. While you might be anxious to cast your line, there are several details and requirements that are important to know before heading out! Here is everything you need to know about fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. License Requirements
If you want to enjoy fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are required to have a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. A license from either state is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required. While fishing licenses are not available in the park, you can purchase a fishing license online or at several locations near Amazing Views Cabin Rentals. Some of the convenient locations include Gatlinburg City Hall, Ace Hardware of Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky Outfitters, Smoky Mountain Angler and the Walmart in Sevierville.
2. Time Restrictions
Fishing is permitted year round in the open waters at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Moreover, fishing is allowed in all of the streams. You can fish from 30 minutes before the official sunrise time until 30 minutes after the official sunset. After getting a fantastic night of sleep in your cabin at Amazing Views Cabin Rentals, head into the national park early for a relaxing morning of fishing!
3. Daily Possession and Size Limits
When fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are subject to a daily possession limit. This means the limit is 5 brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass or a combination of these. In addition to these limits, you may keep a maximum of 20 rock bass. The minimum size limits for brook, rainbow or brown trout, and smallmouth bass are 7 inches, but there is no minimum size limit for rock bass. Keep in mind that trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length must be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken.
4. Bait and Equipment Specifications
Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only permitted with the use of a single hand-held rod. In addition, only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Therefore, bait such as minnows, worms, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds and liquid scents are strictly prohibited. Please note that fishing tackle and equipment are subject to inspection by authorized personnel within the park.
5. Safety
While fishing is an enjoyable activity, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind! Standing in cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia. This is a very dangerous condition! Symptoms include loss of strength and muscular coordination followed by mental confusion and irrational behavior. You should also monitor the water level at all times as rising water levels from sudden mountain storms happen quite often. When standing in the water, remember that footing can be treacherous on wet and moss covered rocks.
Now that you know all the details about fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to plan your vacation! We look forward to seeing you soon at Amazing Views Cabin Rentals!
