Location: GSMNP East Tennessee
Nearest Town: Townsend, TN
Species: Rainbow & brown trout
Average Size: 6-10” (Some browns exceeding 20”)
Stream Size: Moderate
Pressure: Moderate to Heavy
Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain
Boat Access: None
Best Times: Spring and fall
Favorite Flies: Attractor dries, beadhead nymphs, stonefly nymphs
Nearest Fly Shop: Little River Outfitters – Townsend
Lodging: Docks
Talley-Ho
Camping: Little River Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Directions:
From Townsend, travel southeast on 73 to GSMNP entrance. At the “Y” in the road, turn right on Laurel Creek Road (toward Cades Cove). Take your first left (toward Tremont Institute). This road will follow Middle Prong for approximately five miles. The first two miles (to Tremont) are paved and the three miles above Tremont are gravel. The river above Tremont Institute typically offers the most consistent fishing, particularly in the warmer months, but don’t disregard the lower stretch as many fine brown trout are seen and caught here. There are numerous pull-offs along this five mile stretch that ends at a fairly large parking area. Just above the parking area Lynn Camp Prong and Thunderhead Prong converge to form the Middle Prong. Both are accessible via trail from this point.