Trout Fishing in the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Why has fishing not been prominent in the Smokies, along with the many other leisure activities available in the park?  Until recently fishing in the Smoky Mountains has been limited due to ecological danger to the brook trout, the native to our streams.  The brook trout were almost non-existent in the park waters in the early 1900's, when logging operations left the streams silted and degraded. Then, non-native rainbow and brown trout were introduced to park streams for fishermen. Those fish outcompeted the brook trout and virtually replaced them in most streams. Recently biologists have determined that the population can survive recreational fishing.

For the first time in 81 years, every stream in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open to fishermen.  The park still wants to ensure the long-term protection of a unique species by preserving a healthy, reproducing population of brook trout. It also wishes to provide the opportunity to experience the Southern Appalachian tradition, heritage, and culture associated with brook trout fishing.  Right now to help preserve the trout population there are restrictions in place.  There is a 7-inch size limit, 5 fish possession limit and fishermen can only use a single hook with artificial lures. In addition to fish restoration projects, park biologists are also working hard to improve water quality across park streams. These continued efforts to improve water quality and restore native fish populations will expand habitat for all fish species and these fish-bearing streams.

For more information on fishing guidelines please go to the National Park Service's website.

Statistics and information about the project found in articles from WBIR and the Knoxville Daily Sun.

Also, check out Bear Camp Cabins for your fishing expedition!