Smoky Mountains Fishing

Great Smoky Mountain National Park has more than 21 fishable streams within its boundaries, and an impressive 2,115 total miles of streams.
Fishing Dates and Times
Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, with the exception being streams and tributaries upstream from the Bear Creek and Forney Creek Junction in N. Carolina and Lynn Camp Prong in Tennessee.
Fishing Licenses
You must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. Either state license is valid in the park and no trout stamp is required. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby towns or online.
For Tennessee Fishing Licenses
For North Carolina Fishing Licenses
Fish Species
Inside Smoky Mountains National Park you’ll find rainbow trout, brow trout, and smallmouth bass. Be sue to check current regulations regarding the use of live bait and our lures.
Catch Limits
Daily possession limits are five (5) rainbow or brow trout, smallmouth bass or a combination of these, with size limits being a 7-inch minimum.