Ian & Charity Rutter
Townsend, Tennesssee
(866) SMOKY-FLY

Smoky Mountain Stream Fishing Trips

We limit ourselves to a maximum of two anglers per guide so we can give each angler a maximum of attention.

We consider the streams in Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park to be our home waters. Depending on weather and seasonal considerations we'll fish a variety of streams.

Full Day - $225 plus $25 for 2nd angler

These trips are usually about eight hours long. The full day allows us more choices. We can explore more water on the East and Middle Prongs of Little River where rainbows and brown trout are common. Hike-in fishing can be done on Abrams Creek or the East Prong of Little River above Elkmont. Native brookies are a possibility if we head for the Middle Prong of the Pigeon or the upper reaches of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. We might also fish the Oconaluftee, Straight Fork, or Deep Creek but allow for extra travel time. We'll provide the flies, drinks, and lunch. We also keep extra rods and reels on hand if you need a set up.

Half Day - $150 plus $15 for a 2nd angler

These trips are typically around four hours long. We'll usually fish roadside sections of the streams on the Tennessee side of the park. Rainbow and brown trout are the usual catch. We'll provide the flies and drinks.

Deposits & Cancellation Policy

50% Deposit is required upon booking. If cancellations occur less than 14 days prior to scheduled trip, deposit will not be refundable. Deposits are refundable in the event of inclement weather or high water. Payments may be made with Visa, Mastercard, or personal check.

What to Expect When You Come

Spring will find us on the large to medium size streams. Hatches of mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies should allow us to cast dry flies to rising fish. Our best hatches are Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Hendricksons, March Browns, and Yellow Sallies. Nymphs are also effective this time of year. Fishing picks up in early March and becomes steady by mid month. Fishing continues to be excellent through May.

By summer we will begin moving into the higher elevations. Temperatures remain cool here and the fish stay active. These are smaller streams with rainbow and brook trout. We might use nymphs, but dry fly fishing is standard in the summer. Warm weather allows us to wade wet without waders. Fishing in late July, August, and early September can be tough in the large streams, but we usually find willing trout in the small streams.

Fall brings a return to cooler temperatures and the opportunity to get back on the larger streams. This is our busiest time of year, and with good reason. Bright fall foliage and great weather make autumn a prime time to fish. Conditions are best early October through mid-November. Fish will rise to small dries in the afternoons. Experienced fly fishermen may successfully cast to large brown trout in excess of 18 inches. This is a rare opportunity but several of our anglers get a few shots every season.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains is tough for fishermen, but not so tough as other locations. Water temperatures are cold and trout are sluggish. However, it's not uncommon to get short periods of mild weather with good fishing. This is not a good time for novice fishermen, but it can provide a pleasant escape for the experienced angler. Expect modest catches. We often schedule these trips as tentative and watch the weather forecast before finalizing plans.