Page 14 - TRC Website Guidebook 2022

Fishing

National Park and Cades Cove

To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license.
Licenses are NOT available in the Park, but can be obtained from sources in the towns adjacent to the Park. Non-resident
3-day permits can be purchased in adjacent towns’ outfitters, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and online.

Fishing is permitted year round in the National Park from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

Know your fish before you go—the possession of speckled brook trout is prohibited. A combination of five rainbow and
brown trout per day (minimum 7 inches) is the limit. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod
is permitted. Some streams are closed to fishing to protect and study the threatened brook trout. Stop by a ranger station

to obtain maps and get answers to questions. For more info and pricing for fishing licenses visit: www.cadescove.net/

Fishing for Kids in Gatlinburg

The most well-known children’s section is located by Herbert Holt Park on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Fishing is closed on Thursdays when they restock with trout. Children 13 and under do not need a fishing license. Dudley
Creek from Hwy 441 to the West Prong and LeConte Creek, from the National Park boundary to Painters Branch are the
other two reserved children’s areas. These areas are easy access and have plenty of trout for kids to catch. During the
Catch and Keep season it is legal to use bait while fishing these waters. To get started, go to The Smoky Mountain Angler
(865.436.8746 or www.smokymountainangler.com) in Gatlinburg and they will get you everything you need.

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