Deep Creek

brown trout deep creek north carolina
Deep Creek Brown

Location: GSMNP Western North Carolina                                                             Nearest Town: Bryson City, NC
Species: Rainbow, brown, and brook trout                                                              
Average Size: 8-10” (brook trout average smaller, some browns exceeding 20”)
Stream Size: Open (lower stretches) to tight (headwaters)                                                           
Pressure: Heavy (around campground), light (headwaters), moderate (in between)
Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain                                                          
Boat Access: None
Best Times: Spring and fall                                                              
Favorite Flies: Attractor dries, beadhead nymphs, stonefly nymph

Lodging:

Numerous hotels in Bryson City, NC and Cherokee, NC                                                          

Front Country Camping: Deep Creek Campground
Smokemont Campground

Backcountry Campsites #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, & #60

Directions: 

From Bryson City, turn from Main Street (Hwy 19) onto Everett Street.  Turn right onto Depot Street.  Depot Street bends hard to the left and becomes West Deep Creek Road.  Continue on West Deep Creek Road until you reach the campground entrance.  There are also numerous signs in Bryson City directing you toward the campground. 

Once at the campground, you will have immediate access to the stream.  To gain further upstream access, follow the Deep Creek Trail from the campground.  The trail follows the stream for approximately ten miles, providing ample stream access as well as access to numerous backcountry campsites along the way.  The first half mile of stream above the campground is designated tubing water which you’ll want to skip during season, but no tubing is permitted beyond that half mile point. 

Alternate access is also available to the top, headwater portion of Deep Creek from Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441).  Just south of Newfound Gap, there is a pull-off at the other end of the Deep Creek Trail.  Expect to hike at least four miles to Backcountry Campsite #53 before reaching access to some of the better water.  Beware that while it is a rather simple hike in, it is a grueling uphill hike back out, particularly after a day of fishing.  Allow plenty of time to get back out and be certain you’re in good physical condition before attempting. 

West Prong Little River

west prong little river
West Prong Little River

Location: GSMNP East Tennessee                          

Nearest Town: Townsend, TN

Species: Rainbow trout                                            

Average Size: 6”

Stream Size: Moderate                                           

Pressure: Moderate

Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain                      

Boat Access: None

Best Times: Spring and fall                                      

Favorite Flies: Attractor dries

Nearest Fly Shop:    Little River Outfitters – Townsend

Camping:      

Little River Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Backcountry Campsite #17

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).  You will immediately pick up the stream on the right and find a few pull-offs where you can access the stream.  At approximately two miles, the road ceases to follow the stream.  There is a parking area at this point where you can access the backcountry portion of West Prong, but there is no trail so you will have to return through the stream. 

A trail does intersect the stream approximately two miles up from the road.  This is the West Prong Trail and can be accessed directly across the road from the Tremont Institute.  Again, the trail does not follow the stream at any point but will grant you access to the upper reaches of West Prong at their intersection at Backcountry Campsite #17.  To reach the trailhead, travel southeast from Townsend on 73 and turn right at the “Y” on Laurel Creek Road.  Take your first left toward the Tremont Institute.  The Tremont Institute is approximately two miles back on your left, and the trailhead is at the parking area on the right, across the road from Tremont. 

                                  

                                

                       

                     

Thunderhead Prong

Location: GSMNP East Tennessee                                                              

Nearest Town: Townsend, TN

Species: Rainbow trout (maybe a very rare brown or brook trout)                                     

Average Size: 6-8”

Stream Size: Moderate                                           

Pressure: Light

Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain                                                          

Boat Access: None

Best Times: Spring through late fall                                                             

Favorite Flies: Attractor dries

Nearest Fly Shop:    Little River Outfitter – Townsend                                                    

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 the Middle Prong of Little River for approximately five miles.  The first two miles (to Tremont) are paved and the three miles above Tremont are gravel.  The road comes to an end at a large parking area, located where Lynn Camp Prong and Thunderhead Prong converge to form the Middle Prong of Little River.  From the parking area, cross the bridge and take the trail on the right.  It is unmarked and does not appear on maps, but remains fairly clear due to frequent foot traffic. 

The trail follows Thunderhead for probably a mile or better, just beyond where Sam’s Creek enters the stream, before coming to an abrupt halt.  From this point you will have to make your way through the stream and by bank when available.  Of course you will have to return the same way.  All and all, there is probably a little more than four miles of Thunderhead to be fished.      

Abrams Creek

Abrams Creek Tennessee
Abrams Creek

Abrams Creek is one of the best known trout streams in the national park if not the southeast.  While its reputation is probably based more on how well it used to fish, it is still a top quality fishery and a very worthy destination. 

Once a prolific brown trout fishery, Abrams consists primarily of rainbows these days.  Though nobody seems too certain of the reason for the decline in brown trout, comfort is taken in the quality of rainbows that make this stream home.  Abundant food and a slower flow of water likely account for these larger than average rainbows.  However, with rainbows up to 18” in length a possibility, an 8” to 10” fish is more the norm. 

There is really no road access to this stream but a trail follows it through the majority of the best trout water, which is located between Cades Cove and the Abrams Creek Campground.  The stream actually originates above the cove from Anthony Creek.  However, it is difficult to distinguish where Anthony Creek ends and where Abrams Creek begins.  As a matter of fact, it is difficult to follow Abrams Creek at all as it flows through the pastures of Cades Cove due its temporary disappearance underground and reappearance in the form of springs. 

In Cades Cove

It maintains this smaller spring creek characteristic throughout its journey through the cove and is difficult to reach with no road access. Furthermore, there is no trail through this stretch, and the terrain through Cades Cove is much rougher than you’d think!  Cades Cove consists of an eleven mile, one lane driving loop that encircles the cove and grants tourists access to historic structures and viewable wildlife, all from the comfort of their automobile.  During peak seasons, it can take up to three hours to drive around the loop with the always possible “bear jam” capable of shutting down traffic completely.

While there is no road that follows the stream through the cove, there are two roads that cut across the loop, Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane. Both of these roads cross Abrams Creek.  Sparks Lane is the first one you will encounter and will allow the quickest access.  To reach it, enter the loop and drive .09 miles and it will be on your left.  It will cross Abrams approximately .08 miles back.  After fishing, you can exit by continuing on Sparks Lane to the other end and turning left, back onto the loop. 

From this point you will only have about a mile and a half of the loop to travel before exiting.  The second option is Hyatt Lane.  To reach it, enter the loop and it will be 2.8 miles back on your left.  Hyatt Lane crosses the stream about a mile back.  As with Sparks Lane, you can exit by continuing back Hyatt to its end and turning left on the loop.  From there you will have an approximate 3 mile drive before exiting the loop. 

Upper Abrams Creek, Tennessee
The “Cove Section”

All of the water in the cove is relatively small and relatively slow moving. As a result, the fish can be extremely spooky.  The best time to fish this stretch is typically after a decent rain when the water is a little high and slightly off color.  I also tend to focus on early season to fish this stretch when water temps are lower and traffic in the cove is at a minimum.  Winter fishing in the park is generally not fantastic but if you do decide to try your luck in January or February, this would probably be one of your better bets. 

Above the Falls

After flowing out of the cove, the stream passes by a large parking area, also accessible via the loop road, and begins its approximate 15 mile tumble to Chilhowee Lake, with about half of that distance paralleled by trail.  There are two practical ways to access this section of trail.  The first is via the loop road. 

Upon entering the loop, drive 4.8 miles and turn right at the sign indicating the Abrams Falls Trail.  After turning, drive another half mile and there will be a large parking area.  At this point you can actually fish upstream a pretty good ways, accessing the last of the “meadow water.”  There is not trail access but you’ll see many well-beaten fisherman’s paths.  You can also access Abram’s Falls Trail here, which will lead you downstream. 

Although this trail parallels the stream for most of the way, there are several stretches where it is high above the water or there is enough thick growth to prevent access.  So you may have to do a little scouting to plan your way in and out of the stream.  When doing so, beware of the shoe! 

The Infamous Horseshoe

One of the most notorious stretches of Abrams Creek is the horseshoe.  When hiking the trail, you lose site of the stream for a short time, crest a ridge, and soon see the stream again.  To the casual observer it might appear that you could hop in at one point and easily fish your way to the other, when in fact, the stream flows a considerable distance away from the trail, forming a horseshoe shape.  This horseshoe of water is about a mile and a half long and requires a full day to fish.  Furthermore, you have to fish pretty quickly. Failure to recognize this could result, as it has for many, in a feeble attempt to bushwhack back to the trail and ultimately spending the night there.

Abrams Creek, Tennessee
Fishing the Horseshoe

The horseshoe can be a great, remote stretch of water to fish.  Just go in there properly prepared and plan to spend the day – a LONG day.  Get an early start, pack a lunch, and take a buddy.  If something happens, you’ll be very hard to find!  I also recommend taking a handheld GPS if you have one.  This allows you to track your progress through the stretch and can let you know if you need to pick up the pace. 

Continuing down the trail, there is another similar stretch of water just above Abrams Falls referred to as the “little shoe” or “baby shoe.”  It provides the same scenario as the horseshoe, only it is shorter in length.  At least a half day should be dedicated to this stretch and the same precautions should be taken. 

Below the Falls

The trail continues past Abrams Falls and then requires a short detour on Hatcher Mountain Trail and another change to Little Bottoms Trail to stay with the stream.  Little Bottoms Trail, like Abrams Falls Trail, will parallel Abrams Creek but offers only select locations to get in and out.  Ultimately, Little Bottoms Trail joins Cane Creek Trail and delivers you to the Abrams Creek Campground.  Since you can reach this campground by automobile, driving to it and hiking up the trail make the most sense to access the stretch of Abrams below the falls. 

To reach Abrams Creek Campground, travel south on 129 and turn left just past Foothills Parkway onto Happy Valley Road.  Drive 5.8 miles back and turn right at the sign for Abrams Creek Campground.  About a mile back, you will find a place to park just before entering the campground.  The campground will allow you access to a little more of Abrams Creek before you get on the trail. 

Abrams Creek, Tennessee
Lower Abrams

Below the campground, Abrams Creek is very difficult to access and much of it is too deep to wade.  Because of this,the best way to fish this portion of the creek is to take a canoe up from the mouth of Abrams Creek – where it enters Chilhowee Lake. I’ve also seen fishermen in float tubes on this stretch.

While this lower stretch does get runs of trout from Chilhowee, particularly in the early part of the year, it is primarily home to smallmouth bass.  The smallies grow to better than average sizes here and while they will take the occasional top water bug, they’ll much more likely fall victim to streamers and large nymphs. 

From the campground to the falls, you’ll find a mix of rainbows and smallmouth with the percentage of rainbows steadily increasing the further up you go.  From the falls up, it is almost entirely rainbows and it is this stretch, from the falls to the cove that I would deem the most consistently productive trout water on Abrams Creek.

Recommendations and Tips

When fishing this stretch, felt soles are a must if you want to stay upright.  And even with felt there are no guarantees.  With its long sloped rocks and silty bottom, this is without a doubt the slickest stream I’ve ever waded.

Soft Hackle Wired Caddis
Soft Hackle Wired Caddis

You’ll do much better here in spring and fall.  Furthermore, all of the standard Smoky Mountain fly patterns should serve you well here.  Just make sure your fly box includes a selection of caddis in #18 – #14 range as hatches can be prolific.      

Jakes Creek

Location: GSMNP East Tennessee                                                              

Nearest Town: Townsend, TN / Gatlinburg, TN

Species: Rainbow trout (occasional brown)                                                             

Average Size: 6”

Stream Size: Tight                                                              

Pressure: Light

Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain                                                          

Boat Access: None

Best Times: Spring through late fall, after a good rain                                                         

Favorite Flies: Attractor dries

Nearest Fly Shop:    Little River Outfitters – Townsend                           

Camping:       Elkmont Campground

                        Backcountry Campsite #27

Directions:

From Townsend, travel southeast on 73 to GSMNP entrance.  At the “Y” in the road, turn left toward Gatlinburg on Little River Road.  Follow approximately twelve and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground.  Or, from Townsend, turn on Wears Valley road at the only traffic light in town.  At about six and a half miles, turn right on Lyon Springs Road.  This road will eventually end at Little River Road at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area.  Turn left and follow for about four and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground.  Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow past the Little River Trailhead. You’ll enter a short, one lane loop that will take you to the parking area for the Elkmont Historic District. You can access the lower part of the creek here, or walk up the gated gravel road that leads to the Jakes Creek Trailhead. This small piece of road will provide access to another portion of Jakes Creek and the trail will provide access to another three miles of stream, as well as Backcountry Campsite # 27.  Be aware, however, that much of this trail is high above the streambed with only a few locations allowing reasonable access to the stream.  The best bet is to identify these locations and fish from access point to access point.

From Gatlinburg, travel southwest on 73/321 and merge south onto 441/71 toward Cherokee, NC.  Just past the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right toward Townsend on Little River Road and follow approximately four and a half miles.  Soon after passing Laurel Falls trailhead, turn left toward Elkmont Campground. Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow past the Little River Trailhead. You’ll enter a short, one lane loop that will take you to the parking area for the Elkmont Historic District. You can access the lower part of the creek here, or walk up the gated gravel road that leads to the Jakes Creek Trailhead. This small piece of road will provide access to another portion of Jakes Creek and the trail will provide access to another three miles of stream, as well as Backcountry Campsite # 27.  Be aware, however, that much of this trail is high above the streambed with only a few locations allowing reasonable access to the stream.  The best bet is to identify these locations and fish from access point to access point.

East Prong Little River – Backcountry

Little River Backcountry GSMNP Tennessee
Little River Backcountry

Location: GSMNP East Tennessee                          

Nearest Town: Townsend, TN / Gatlinburg, TN

Species: Rainbow & brown trout                             

Average Size: 8-10”

Stream Size: Open to moderate                              

Pressure: Moderate to light

Type of Water: Freestone, Mountain

Boat Access: None

Best Times: Late spring through late fall

Favorite Flies: Attractor dries, beadhead nymphs, stonefly nymphs

Nearest Fly Shop:    Little River Outfitters – Townsend

Lodging:         Talley Ho

                        Docks                                                 

Camping:       Elkmont Campground

                        Little River Campground

                        Backcountry Campsites #24 & #30

Directions: 

From Townsend, travel southeast on 73 to GSMNP entrance.  At the “Y” in the road, turn left toward Gatlinburg on Little River Road.  Follow approximately twelve and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground.  Or, from Townsend, turn on Wears Valley road at the only traffic light in town.  At about six and a half miles, turn right on Lyon Springs Road.  This road will eventually end at Little River Road at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area.  Turn left and follow for about four and a half miles and turn right toward Elkmont Campground.  Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow to the parking area at the end of the road.

From Gatlinburg, travel southwest on 73/321 and merge south onto 441/71 toward Cherokee, NC.  Just past the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right toward Townsend on Little River Road and follow approximately four and a half miles.  Soon after passing Laurel Falls trailhead, turn left toward Elkmont Campground.  Upon reaching the campground entrance, turn left toward Little River Trailhead and follow to the parking area at the end of the road.

The trail follows Little River for about six miles providing frequent river access along the way.  The further up the trail you go, the smaller the stream will become and the fewer people you will see.  Backcountry Campsite #24 is about four miles up the trail, and Backcountry Campsite #30 is located near the trail’s end at six miles.  A visit to Backcountry Campsite will also put you in close proximity to Rough Creek and Fish Camp Prong.

Middle Prong Little River

Middle Prong Little River Smoky Mountains

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.     

East Prong Little River – Roadside

Little River GSMNP
Little River

Location: GSMNP East Tennessee                          

Nearest Town: Townsend, TN

Species: Rainbow & brown trout, smallmouth bass

Average Size: 8-12” (Some browns exceeding 20”)

Stream Size: Open                          

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

                                    Elkmont Campground

Directions: 

From Townsend, travel southeast on 73 to GSMNP entrance.  At the “Y” in the road, turn left toward Gatlinburg on Little River Road.  This road will follow Little River for approximately twelve and a half miles and provide numerous pull-offs throughout.  The lower stretch has fewer trout but offers opportunities for smallmouth.  The trout you find in this stretch will be a mix of wild fish and the occasional stocker from Townsend.  The trout fishing gets much more consistent above “The Sinks,” which is about five and a half miles up the road.  Near the twelve and a half mile point, you can turn right toward Elkmont Campground and continue to access the river by road up to the campground entrance.  The river winds through the campground and can be accessed by foot. 

Alternate Route:

To skip approximately the bottom eight miles of river, you can come in from Wears Valley Road which runs from Townsend to Pigeon Forge.  From Townsend, turn on Wears Valley road at the only traffic light in town.  At about six and a half miles, turn right on Lyon Springs Road.  This road will eventually end at Little River Road at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, approximately two and a half miles above “The Sinks.”