Trout Fishing in the Smokies

There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.

1. Settle In and Get Cozy

Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.

3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip

November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.

If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.

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!