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The best park streams for smallmouth fishing include East Prong of Little River from where it enters the park near Townsend to the Sinks and Abrams Creek from its embayment with Chilhowee Reservoir to Abrams Falls. Among these fisheries is an excellent stream smallmouth opportunity in the Pigeon River and its many forks. Fly-fishing with wet or dry flies can be effective, and you can also tempt big bass with soft plastic lures and baits that imitate crayfish. Rainbow trout reach up to 20 inches in length. Rainbows are stocked weekly in Gatlinburg, while wild brook trout are seldom found downstream from the national park. Offering trout fishing that gets much of the angling attention from the crowds around Gatlinburg, an hour and a half's drive along I-40 to the North Carolina border will put you near Walter's Dam and the main portion of the Pigeon River. “The Little Pigeon River in Sevierville is hands-down the best river smallmouth bass fishing in the nation.” Just why is smallmouth king in Sevierville? He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009. Popular species include Smallmouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Largemouth bass. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. But that’s not the only reason to cast a line in Sevierville. As it has a sister stream known as the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River, aka. Here you will find a two mile stretch of delayed harvest waters stocked with Rainbow, Brook and Brown trout. Fly-fishing is effective, and you can usually catch fish by imitating whichever insect species is hatching at the time of your visit. Is Fishing Permitted on the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Little Pigeon River. Little Pigeon River is located entirely within Sevier County, Tennessee and is made up of a series of streams which flow together on the dividing line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Sevierville’s waters will be teeming with … For the sake of argument (and all dedicated smallmouth anglers like to argue), Fiss says his opinion ranks them in order from the Pigeon, Holston, Buffalo, Nolichucky, and then the Duck River. Smallmouth bass inhabit the water as well. Fish as large as 2 to 3 pounds are commonly caught by anglers. The river splits into three forks in the Sevierville area, and the West Fork of the Pigeon River flows through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Is Fishing Permitted on the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Only one smallmouth at a minimum length of 20 inches can be kept per day. Gatlinburg, TN Details: Smallmouth Bass. While mercury levels in smallmouth bass from the Middle Prong Little Pigeon River near Pittman Center were elevated in some fish, average levels were below the trigger. was 18 inches. While trout fishing is permitted in the city of Pigeon Forge, these fish become more plentiful farther upstream. The Pigeon river is located near Asheville NC, Waynesville NC, and Gatlinburg TN, so no matter where your staying you are not far from the pigeon river and great smallmouth bass fishing. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. Smallmouths tend … Fishing is also excellent in Douglas Lake, a high mountain lake that is the headwaters for the Tennessee River. Brook trout tend to be smaller, but these fish are less common and much more wary of anglers, which makes catching them all the more rewarding. There are actually 3 forks to the Little Pigeon River. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and the native brook trout are the fish that are primarily targeted by fisherman inside the park. These three just happen to be close by. A current Tennessee fishing license is required to fish in Pigeon Forge or anywhere else along the Little Pigeon River. However, summer months like those in July have proven to be some of the most outstanding times to fish for smallmouths in the Pigeon River. Smallmouth bass thrive in the lowland rivers of Tennessee. Anywhere in pigeon forge has smallmouth and rockbass. The Pigeon has several great things going for it. Additional information on smallmouth bass in the state of Tennessee is provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/SMBPLAN/SMBPLAN%20final.pdf, Report by Brandon Simcox, Fisheries Technician, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road However, the streams of the Great Smoky Mountains do offer other angling opportunities. The Little Pigeon as it is known to locals and many fisherman is officially called the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Next, and perhaps most important, the scenery is top notch. A special limit of one fish per day with a 20-inch minimum length limit is in place for smallmouth bass from the mouth of the Little Pigeon River through Pigeon Forge to the national park boundary. According to Ward, the smallmouth bass in Sevierville are genetically superior and enjoy a longer growing season feeding … The Riverwalk Greenway in Pigeon Forge is a footpath that follows the Little Pigeon River for nearly two miles, and includes numerous access points. USGS 03470000 LITTLE PIGEON RIVER AT SEVIERVILLE, TN. There are many other great smallmouth bass streams in Tennessee. Approximately 600 miles of stream contains fish, providing for an abundance of angling opportunities from high elevation trout streams to cool water low elevation streams. Be a part of the area’s first smallmouth-bass-only, catch-photograph-release event. Smallmouths tend to hang around rocky cover in or near deep water, and the most productive areas are deep pools immediately downstream from rapids. Near the headwaters, small plunge pools in these freestone streams hold lively populations of native brook trout that eagerly take well-presented flies. Guided fly fishing on West Fork Pigeon River, NC. PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. However, smallmouth as large as 2-3 pounds are commonly reported being caught by anglers in the park. Sampling conducted on Little River and Abrams Creek in 2002 and 2003 has shown the majority of fish range from 7 to the 10 inches, with some recorded up to 14 inches. It was a little cooler than yesterday with the highs in the mid-seventies and … There are small-mouth bass in the water as well. Smallmouth bass inhabit the water as well. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. Another beautiful day to chase those river smallies on the Little Pigeon River with Dan and Tom. Around here I am referring to Little River, Little Pigeon River and Abrams Creek. Ample shore access is available in Pigeon Forge, and this section of the river downstream to Sevierville is also perfect for exploring by kayak or float tube. One of the areas we guide heavily is the West Fork of the Pigeon. It is at lower elevation and gets a tad too warm to sustain trout during the warmer months. Little Pigeon River The Little Pigeon River is a river located entirely within Sevier County, Tennessee.It rises from a series of streams which flow together on the dividing ridge between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina inside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Little Pigeon River 2 reviews 217 catches logged on Fishbrain. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries. The Little Pigeon River from the mouth upstream to the Great Smoky Mountains boundary and including the West Prong and and East Fork of the Little Pigeon River are managed as a trophy smallmouth fishery. The river’s pools are separated by long riffles, ledges, and chutes. “The river is becoming well known for producing the vast majority of stream smallmouths over 20 inches for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program,” said Frank Fiss, TWRA fisheries biologist. Wow what a day me and my buddy had kayak fishing yesterday. PigeonForge.com: Trout Fishing in Gatlinburg, Fly Fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Don't Forget The Bass And Bream, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Tennessee Fishing Licenses, Hunting & Fishing Regulations in Tennessee, Fishing Hot Spots on the Mississippi River, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Most fishermen who come to the Little Pigeon River do so in pursuit of trout. Fishing is allowed along most of the river, including in the Pigeon Forge area. There is also great whitewater rafting for all ages on the pigeon river as well, and you are only minutes from the smoky mountain national park so bring the whole family to enjoy. To be considered for a state record certificate, the fish … According to Ward, the smallmouth bass in Sevierville are genetically superior and enjoy a longer growing season feeding … We caught about 35 smallmouth between the both of us and most of them were over 15 inches. 37738, http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/SMBPLAN/SMBPLAN%20final.pdf. Guided fly fishing on West Fork Pigeon River, NC. “Some of the smaller rivers get runs of smallmouths at certain … Jan 16, 2017 - Little Pigeon River. A lot of people like to fish down in Sevierville near the wilderness resort, but I have fished all through pigeon forge as well. The West Fork flows through Pigeon … Smallmouth bass and panfish also inhabit the Little Pigeon River, and the waters in the Pigeon Forge area harbor bass in the 3-pound class. Current regulations allow for a daily possession limit of 5 smallmouth bass of at least 7 inches in length. Numerous trails lead from the highway to the river, and at most times it is possible to hike or wade upstream by following the river. Smallmouth can be found in the first few miles of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, as well as in the first 0.5 -1.0 mile of a few streams flowing into Fontana Lake near the park boundary (i.e., Eagle Creek, Hazel Creek, Noland Creek). Trout and smallmouth and some rock bass are found in the Little Pigeon River, along with panfish. "While mercury levels in smallmouth bass from the Middle Prong Little Pigeon River near Pittman Center were elevated in some fish, average levels were … Little Pigeon River Description. TennesseeVolfisher. Other angling opportunities within the national park include smallmouth bass, which are found in the large lower elevation streams including the first few miles of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and within the first mile of streams flowing into Fontana Lake near the park boundary. Little River does not support as high densities of smallmouth bass as Abrams Creek, but does offer road access along Little River Road. Anglers will find outstanding fishing opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the Little Pigeon River. How To Be Considered For a State Record Fish The following criteria must be followed when applying for a state record certificate: State record fish application is available at www.tnwildlife.org under “Fishing”. While fishing in Pigeon Forge is governed by statewide regulations, be aware that Gatlinburg enforces many of its own additional rules, including a requirement to purchase an additional town fishing permit and a ban on all fishing on Thursdays, when fish are stocked. First of all it’s a top fishery for smallmouth bass as well as sunfish, white bass, and the occasional largemouth. United States; Tennessee; Little Pigeon River; Little Pigeon River is a stream in Tennessee, United States. Smallmouth can be found in the first few miles of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, as well as in the first 0.5 -1.0 mile of a few streams flowing into Fontana Lake near the park boundary (i.e., Eagle Creek, Hazel Creek, Noland Creek). (Photo: ). Abrams Creek has a high number of smallmouth bass that are rarely fished due to how difficult it is to access. The Nolichucky River The Little Pigeon River is one of Tennessee's premier trout fishing streams, with opportunities to catch stocked rainbow trout as well as wild brook trout. The Little Pigeon River is one of Tennessee's premier trout fishing streams, with opportunities to catch stocked rainbow trout as well as wild brook trout. I typically park in business and store parking lots, and I have never been hassled. Smallmouth bass prefer streams with rocky bottoms, root wads, woody debris, and boulders, and generally occupy areas with deep pools and slow moving currents where they feed primarily on crayfish, as well as insects and other fish. Are there trout in Tennessee? Smallmouth bass and panfish also inhabit the Little Pigeon River, and the waters in the Pigeon Forge area harbor bass in the 3-pound class. Access the river anywhere you can. The most popular species caught here are Smallmouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Largemouth bass 217 catches are logged on Fishbrain. During summer months, Duke Power regulates a recreational flow schedule. The Middle and West Prongs of the Little Pigeon River each begin in the higher elevations and lush rhododendron thickets of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our biggest ...more. The Little Pigeon River and its tributaries will be the site of this two-day event that allows anglers to fish from the shore, wading, or from a kayak. The river throughout its full extent is regarded as one of the best streams in Tennessee for trout. “The Little Pigeon River in Sevierville is hands-down the best river smallmouth bass fishing in the nation.” Just why is smallmouth king in Sevierville? Little Pigeon River If you’re main focus is trout fishing, the Little Pigeon River is perhaps the premier trout fishing stream in Tennessee. The river splits in Sevierville. Licenses are available online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website as well as at bait shops and various other retailers across the state. The Little Pigeon River is considered a trophy smallmouth bass fishery. Some smallmouth bass and rock bass can also be found in the area. Public parks in Gatlinburg also provide access, and Highway 441 follows the river upstream from Gatlinburg all the way to its headwaters, deep inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This section of river has it all and historically holds the most diverse fish species of all the Tennessee rivers. The 2010 creel limit for trout during the open season is five fish. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text The 15-minute precipitation data for this station are temporary and will only be displayed for 120 days. Smallmouth sleeper waters and ones to keep a watchful eye on would be the Upper Clinch River and Little Pigeon System. Fishing is permitted in the city of Pigeon Forge, and the Riverwalk Greenway offers easy, in-town access to the river. We offer 1/2 day, 3/4 day and full day wade trips to many areas near Waynesville. Smallmouth bass are another native game fish species that can be found in a number of the large lower elevation streams in the national park. 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