| You came to the Great Smoky Mountains to fish. | | | | size and lure type within the Park. |
| You know that year-round fly-fishing is permitted | | | | A: False! Only hand-held rods and single-hook |
| in the beautiful streams of the National Park, but | | | | artificial flies or lures can be used. Dropper flies |
| did you know that you can begin fishing 30 | | | | are allowed at up to two flies per leader. Bait |
| minutes before official sunrise, and must finish no | | | | fishing is strictly forbidden. Be aware that all fishing |
| later than thirty minutes after official sunset? | | | | tackle and equipment is subject to inspection at |
| Take this quick quiz to learn a few other rules | | | | any time. |
| and regulations so that you're ready for a day of | | | | Q: True or False: You need a fishing license or |
| relaxing fishing. | | | | permit in the Great Smoky National Park. |
| Q: True or False: In a single day of fishing, you | | | | A: True. Either Tennessee or North Carolina must |
| can keep up to five caught trout or small mouth | | | | issue a fishing license, and anglers must be at |
| bass. | | | | least 13 years old. No trout stamp is required. |
| A: True. Although the Park's main attraction and | | | | Special licenses are available for those over 65. |
| only species native to the Southeastern United | | | | Licenses and permits are not available for |
| States is the Appalachian Brook Trout, it's also | | | | purchase within the park, but you can obtain them |
| common to catch wild, stream-bred rainbow trout | | | | in nearby towns or online. Special permits are |
| and small mouth bass. Fishermen can keep up to | | | | required for fishing within Gatlinburg or Cherokee. |
| five fish and any combination thereof, as long as | | | | Q: What is the most popular way to serve |
| the fish are at least seven inches long. However, | | | | trout?a. Rawb. Sun-bakedc. Pan-friedd. On a bed |
| once you catch five, you must stop fishing for | | | | of rice |
| the day. | | | | A: (c) Pan-fried. Serving trout the old-fashioned |
| Q: Which species of fish is federally protected | | | | way is a delicious ending to a day full of fishing. |
| within the park?a. Spotfin Chubb. Duskytail | | | | To prepare the trout, first cut off the head and |
| Darterc. Smoky Madtomd. Yellowfin Madtome. All | | | | gut, but avoid removing the skin and scales. Roll |
| of the above | | | | the trout in flour along with a mix of your |
| A: (e) All of the above! All of these federally | | | | favorite herbs and spices. Fry the trout at |
| protected species live near lower Abrams creek, | | | | medium to medium-high heat until the skin is |
| but if you happen to catch one, make sure to | | | | golden brown and the flesh is firm and flaky. The |
| safely release it back into the water. | | | | backbone should come out easily once the fish is |
| Q: In which Park stream can you NOT fish?a. | | | | thoroughly cooked. Be sure not to overcook - and |
| Anthony Creek Watershedb. Lynn Camp Prongc. | | | | enjoy! |
| Cosby Creek Watershedd. Cataloochee Creeke. | | | | Being informed and learning the rules is the |
| Forney Creek | | | | starting point for a fun and safe day of fishing in |
| A: (b) Lynn Camp Prong. Fishing is allowed in all | | | | the Smokies. Before you start angling, be sure to |
| streams in the Tennessee side of the Park, | | | | become familiar with the Park's guidelines on |
| except for the Lynn Camp Prong upstream and | | | | water safety. Good luck! |
| its confluence with the Thunderhead Prong. A full | | | | And of course don't forget that nothing can make |
| map of prime fishing locations, regulations, and | | | | fishing in the Smokies more pleasant than going |
| other details can be obtained online or at any Park | | | | back to a beautiful cabin for a good night's sleep, |
| Visitor Center. | | | | so please visit our Gatlinburg cabins website to |
| Q: True or False: There are no regulations on rod | | | | find a perfect post-fishing lair. |
