Just on the other side of GSMNP is Gatlinburg, TN where tourism is booming. It is also home to some great trout streams that the city stocks heavily and only allows fishing with a special license. Their promotion of trout fishing is fantastic! I fished both inside and outside of the park with greater success than in NC. And, unlike NC, this trip offered very easy access to streams, especially in the city limits.
I pulled into Gatlinburg earlier than expected, so I went to a local fly shop to pick up a city license. They recommended some streams with bigger water and bigger fish. I went off on my own and hit Roaring Fork Creek. The scenery was different with crystal clear water flowing through tall, concrete walls. Not bad, just not what I was used to. The little creek produced many gorgeous rainbows that were not large, but very healthy.
That night, I got some inside intel about restaurants to eat in town. I went for the Smoky Mountain Brewery and was not disappointed. The burgers are delicious and their beer is phenomenal. My favorite, by far, was the Black Bear Ale. The brewery was the perfect way to end the day.
The next day was time to hunt for brookies. It only took a short 15 minutes to find the trailhead and start fishing. When I parked, there was a giant sign stating the trail was closed due to a recent wild fire. That didn't stop me! The trail followed very close to the water, but I prefer to hike up the creek itself. This creek has endless small falls and pools with hungry trout. What was even better, it was 100% natives! My readings told me this creek was "fair" fishing, but I beg to differ. The trout were 6 inches on average and very plentiful. Every pool held multiple trout that wouldn't hesitate to slam a well placed nymph.
That night, I got some inside intel about restaurants to eat in town. I went for the Smoky Mountain Brewery and was not disappointed. The burgers are delicious and their beer is phenomenal. My favorite, by far, was the Black Bear Ale. The brewery was the perfect way to end the day.
The next day was time to hunt for brookies. It only took a short 15 minutes to find the trailhead and start fishing. When I parked, there was a giant sign stating the trail was closed due to a recent wild fire. That didn't stop me! The trail followed very close to the water, but I prefer to hike up the creek itself. This creek has endless small falls and pools with hungry trout. What was even better, it was 100% natives! My readings told me this creek was "fair" fishing, but I beg to differ. The trout were 6 inches on average and very plentiful. Every pool held multiple trout that wouldn't hesitate to slam a well placed nymph.