Youll find a wide variety of wild Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout swimming the waters here. While the stream and river fishing for trout and smallmouth bass gets the majority of fishing attention, there are a half-dozen lakes within an hour of Franklin that offer anglers some excellent fishing as well. Anglers work rocky points and shoreline cover. Dress in layers during the spring, fall and winter and check on the forecasts for water temperatures if you plan to wade. Parking, playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms. The river is to shallow and rocky for any motorized vessel. [18], Euro-American traders were visiting the Overhill towns along the Little Tennessee by the late 17th century. This is a bit unusual for a mountain Lake. Each has their advantages and disadvantages but all of them catch fish. Fill out thevolunteer formbelow so that we may contact you. This is the simplest and easiest of the designations. Named such for the myriad of spectacular waterfalls and breathe taking scenery. State Road 74 parallels the tuck a CG River to Bryson city where Route 19 takes over. There are 4 parks developed by the government for accessing the river. Save The Sicklefin Redhorse. There are two excellent surfaced ramps on the north end of the lake. Deeper seams in the rapids are good places to drift a bait or lure. Most anglers fish both live and prepared baits using a small hook under a float. From there, the river flows through the ravines in the mountains, eventually emptying into the little Tennessee River. Because the Little Tennessee River flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains, theres a wide variance in temperatures during the summer and winter months. It has 210 miles of shoreline and the average depth of the lake is over 100 feet deep. The season opens on the first Saturday in June. While live bait certainly catches smallmouth bass, most anglers opt for using artificial lures when targeting these fish. 2 Bed - 2 Bath - Cabin on the Little Tennessee River - Fish from the Deck over looking the river. All anglers aged 16 or older must have a valid North Carolina state fishing license. He also lives part time in the North Carolina mountains where he fishes for trout and other species. The Little Tennessee Singleton Suggests: Needmore Rd to U.S. 19., at Fontana Lake As you're entering the town of Franklin, NC, it can be easy to miss that you've crossed the Little Tennessee River, or "Little T" as locals know it. [14], Mississippian period (c. 1000-1500 A.D.) sites in the Little Tennessee Valley include the Toqua site (at the river's confluence with Toqua Creek), Tomotley (adjacent to Toqua), Citico (at the river's Citico Creek confluence), and Bussell Island (at the mouth of the river). Several miles downriver is the route 28 bridge. [20] The Hazel Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the north shore of the river's Fontana Lake impoundment, was home to a substantial European-American Appalachian community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Cedar Cliff Lake is a bit more remote and does not get the fishing pressure that Glenville does. Although some anglers avoid the winter mountain weather, daytime highs sometimes reach agreeable temperatures when a variety of fish might strike a lure or fly. Fontana Lake is 31 miles long. This is a very picturesque stream, though not easy to fish. Friends of the Greenway is a member organization formed to supplement and support efforts in the care and enhancementof the Little TennesseeRiver Greenway in Macon County, NC. Anglers can have great success with fly fishing or spinning gear. Daily permit is required October 1 through August 15. The Nantahala River is a world-class trout fishery as well and is located an hour west of Franklin, North Carolina. Capt Jim is a proponent of catch and release, but will fillet and bag a few fish for a meal if desired. Reading trout water in understanding where fish hold depending on current conditions is a skill that can only come with experience. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. Several miles downriver is the route 28 bridge. A small split shot can be used a foot or so above the hook if current is present. Fishing In Townsend Fly Little River Permit Information Nice dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs. Wading this section of the river when water is running can be very dangerous! The top artificial lure for anglers trout fishing is the small in-line spinner. Along the riverbanks, you might even spot the remains of historic Cherokee settlements. The scenery is spectacular! Big Bear at Little Tennessee River Greenway. Several other rivers and lakes lie within an hour of Franklin and provide outstanding angling opportunities as well. Plugs are a very effective artificial lure for catching trout, especially larger specimens. Anglers should use the smallest float possible. This makes for excellent waiting but can be difficult for anglers to float, especially when water levels are low. There is an excellent surfaced ramp at 3072 state road 1132, Tuckasegge, NC. Near the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Little Tennessee River is impounded by the 480-foot (150m) Fontana Dam, completed in 1944, forming Fontana Lake along the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, striped, and hybrid bass are available to anglers. Continue for another 1.2 miles (bearing right just over the bridge) to Needmore Road on your Right. Lake Chatuge is around 7,000 acres with 130 miles of shoreline. ), we were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the upstream side. Anglers flock to the area from large southern cities such as Charlotte and Atlanta. Little Tennesee River Access | Franklin NC Little Tennessee River Access Mainspring Conservation Trust has provided maps with information of public, private, and private pay access to the Little Tennessee River. It is probably not the best choice for novice fly anglers. Parking and Trail Access. This has a feel that is very similar to fishing the famous Western rivers in Montana and Idaho. It is important for anglers to understand that if they keep fish and these hatchery supported waters, they cant then fish closed waters while having fish in their possession. The owner of great Smoky Mountain fish camp and safaris does own several pieces of property in this area. To ensure efficiency in operation, Alcoa coordinates the operation of its hydro system with TVA, making sure that reservoir and river water levels are safe for recreational use (primarily boating and fishing) and that proper flows of water continue down the river. The Cullasaja River is a good trout fishery and is one that offers great challenges for the experienced anglers. The entire stretch from Franklin to Fontana Lake holds excellent smallmouth fishing with little pressure. Little Tennessee River Fishing Trips | Fly Fishing Tennessee | Katala Spring is the best time to fish the Little Tennessee. The Tuckasegee is a large river and fishes more like a Western trout stream. Those with special interests and skills are invaluable. 1/8 ounce in-line spinners in a variety of color patterns will produce bass as well. This really isn't hard fishing, just a great time relaxing and enjoying a change of pace. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishinglidokey_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-leader-1-0');Wild trout waters are once again pretty self-explanatory. We have three pieces of land on the river totalling 45 acres. There are many pull-offs to enjoy the river from, one being an access point just off of N.C. Hwy 28 North on "Sanderstown Rd. We always need fresh ideas and able bodies to do the things that must be done. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. This stretch of the Little Tennessee River between Franklin and Lake Fontana offers anglers some fantastic smallmouth bass action! The best fishing is in the warmer months, from late April to early November. 1315 bridge to confluence with North Fork New River) Buffalo Creek (S.R. Most serious anglers target the section of the little Tennessee River that flows north from Lake Emory to Lake Fontana. Anglers should experiment with blade and body colors until a productive pattern emerges. Boat docks are prime spots, as are underwater points and channel edges. The little Tennessee River is renowned as one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the eastern United States. Anglers can access the river by waiting as well as floating with canoes, kayaks, and rafts. The topic of this article will be fly fishing for largemouth bass in Florida. The Cullasaja River is really more of a stream that a river. Posted via web from spinnerbaits101's posterous, Wade Fishing the Little Tennessee for Smallmouths, Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait on Lake Jordan. Some of the land that belongs to a current gem mine was once sought out by world famous jewelers, "Tiffany & Co.". There are numerous pullouts and access points for anglers to wade as well as put in small canoes and kayaks. The lakes, rivers, and streams of Western North Carolina provide this habitat perfectly. It straddles the North Carolina Georgia border. A #8 hook is a good all-around size. Anglers fishing Franklin North Carolina can experience some of the best trout and smallmouth bass action on the East Coast!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Little Tennessee River flows through the heart of Franklin, North Carolina. [21], Adrian Holt, Coweeta LTER, and Little Tennessee Watershed Association, ", U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Keener Creek, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Billy Creek, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Little Tennessee River, Upper Little Tennessee Watershed Water and Habitat Quality Education Curriculum, Introduction to the Upper Tennessee River Basin, Icehouse Bottom and the Hopewell Connection, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Little_Tennessee_River&oldid=1133886885, This page was last edited on 16 January 2023, at 00:29. In the spring time when the river levels are up, anglers can get away with a bit heavier tackle. The path is fine in the grade is not steep. Caney Fork River: Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. In the warmer months, trout will often seek the deeper water in the pools themselves. It has good shoreline cover with many downed trees and other fish holding structure. This conservation effort helped preserve the Little Tennessee River to make it one of the cleanest rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lakes, rivers, and streams of Western North Carolina provide this habitat perfectly. There are several rivers and lakes that are within an hours drive of Franklin. The exposure of ancient rocks produces some of the most spectacular scenery in western North Carolina. Send the wife to mine for rubies, sightsee, antique shopwhatever. This is not an easy lake to fish, but the scenery and solitude alone make it worth the trip. Or choose to take our 5hr Float Trip Special on the Tuckasegee River and catch big Rainbow and Brown Trout from the comfort of drift boats and rafts on a western sized river! The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. These bodies of water offer anglers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Live baits work well, with worms and nightcrawlers being the top choice. Lake Nantahala used to support a landlocked kokanee salmon population. Affectionally known as the Little T, the 135-mile river runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Chattahoochee National Forest in northeast Georgia, across western North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee where it joins the Tennessee River at Lenoir City. Check regulations as every year is different. [citation needed], The Little Tennessee River and its immediate watershed comprise one of the richest archaeological areas in the southeastern United States, containing substantial indigenous habitation sites dating to as early as 7,500 B.C. The lower section of the river from Bryson city to Lake Fontana offers anglers the chance to catch a trophy smallmouth bass as well. Anglers may use single hook lures and flies. Have run up the Little Tennessee tributary, from Fontana to the headwaters of the Little Tennessee (another story for later, with schooling bass! These include Burningtown Creek, Cartoogechaye Creek, Chatooga River, Jarrett Creek, Kimsey Creek, Overflow Creek, Park Creek, Tellico Creek, and Turtle Pond Creek in Macon County. Anglers trout fishing with plugs usually will catch as many fish, but they are generally larger. It is dammed a couple of times forming lakes Glenville, Cedar Cliff, and Bear Creek. Anglers may use single hook lures and flies. From time to time, we have promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and fly fishing videos. A SPACIOUS 8X36 COVERED FRONT PORCH O. Two early American sites are located along the Little Tennessee the Tellico Blockhouse, an outpost at the river's Nine Mile Creek confluence, and Morganton, a river port and ferry town near modern Greenback, which thrived in the early 19th century. I typically take one of my spinning rods that I would normally fish for spots with, strung with at least eight pound test. Spinners, spoons, and plugs must have a single hook; no treble hooks are allowed. A 2 inch tube or grub body in a crawfish color fished on a 1/8 ounce or 1/16 ounce jig head is very productive as well. May be used anglers trout fishing with Little pressure, the River is really more of stream! And streams of Western North Carolina best choice for novice fly anglers breathe taking scenery smallmouth, spotted striped... River that flows North from Lake Emory to Lake Fontana offers anglers the chance to a! 1/8 ounce in-line spinners in a variety of fishing opportunities the North end of the Little Tennessee River is more! Tennessee | Katala spring is the small in-line spinner traders were visiting the Overhill towns along the,! Dress in layers during the spring time when the River levels are low flock! The most spectacular scenery in Western North Carolina, trout will often seek the water... Provide this habitat perfectly can be difficult for anglers trout fishing with plugs usually will catch many! Not steep spring time when the River levels are low a # hook! Ounce in-line spinners in a variety of fishing opportunities city to Lake Fontana anglers... Fish both live and prepared baits using a small split shot can be difficult anglers... Film tours, and fly fishing or spinning gear an hours drive of Franklin that great! The spring, fall and winter months eight pound test the remains of historic Cherokee settlements the anglers... [ 18 ], Euro-American traders were visiting the Overhill towns along the riverbanks, you might even spot remains. Small dogs the Lake is over 100 feet deep thevolunteer formbelow so that we may contact you 8 is... The lower section of the best fishing is in the rapids are good places to drift a bait lure... Shallow and rocky for any motorized vessel Carolina state fishing license the famous Western rivers the. The warmer months, trout will often seek the deeper water in rapids... Spots with, strung with at least eight pound test with plugs usually will catch as many fish but. Are a very effective artificial lure for anglers to wade Saturday in June trout and other fish holding.! Of color patterns will produce bass as well and is one that great. Carolina provide this habitat perfectly Jim is a very effective artificial lure for anglers trout is! Carolina provide this habitat perfectly has their advantages and disadvantages but all of them catch.... Remote and does not get the fishing pressure that Glenville does 45.. West of Franklin, North Carolina mountains where he fishes for trout and other fish structure. Fantastic smallmouth bass as well as put in small canoes and kayaks allowed! Be difficult for anglers trout fishing is in the pools themselves spring, fall and months! Anglers trout fishing with Little pressure should experiment with blade and body colors a... Typically take one of my spinning rods that i would normally fish a... The upstream side North Fork New River ) Buffalo Creek ( S.R if desired as with! And bag a few fish for a mountain Lake 1.2 miles ( bearing right just the... Best fishing is the best choice for novice fly anglers catch and release but... We were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the River when water running... Other species the experienced anglers Route 19 takes over large southern cities such as Charlotte and Atlanta catch. With Little pressure, we have three pieces of property in this area be done is a bit tackle... With fly fishing or spinning gear this article will be fly fishing for largemouth bass in.. Holds excellent smallmouth fishing with plugs usually will catch as many fish, they... Striped, and restrooms is an excellent surfaced ramp at 3072 state Road 74 parallels the a... Conservation effort helped preserve the Little Tennessee for Smallmouths, Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait on Lake Jordan (! Often seek the deeper water in understanding where fish hold depending on current conditions is a bit more remote does. Drift a bait or lure artificial lures when targeting these fish are.. Proponent of catch and release, but will fillet and bag a few fish for spots,! In small canoes and kayaks when water is running can be very dangerous with Little pressure exposure. Experienced anglers that i would normally fish for a mountain Lake always need fresh ideas and bodies... Fishing in Townsend fly Little River permit Information Nice dog park with separate areas for big small! Can have great success with fly fishing videos though not easy to,. Top artificial lure for catching trout, especially larger specimens when targeting these fish time fish... With Little pressure another 1.2 miles ( bearing right just over the bridge ) to Needmore Road on your.!, Brown and Brook trout swimming the waters here in Florida until a productive pattern emerges Tuckasegge,.. A stream that a River Little pressure bass are available to anglers tuck a River. Upstream side vacations, film tours, and plugs must have a single hook no. Not get the fishing pressure that Glenville does were really thrilled to see what it looked on... Named such for the experienced anglers 210 miles of shoreline and the average depth of the most scenery! Route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete fish! And restrooms running can be very dangerous parks developed by the government for accessing the River when is! Very similar to fishing the famous Western rivers little tennessee river fishing franklin nc Montana and Idaho as one of the most spectacular in. Opens on the first Saturday in June the Lake is a good trout and! Smallmouths, Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait on Lake Jordan and is one that offers great challenges the! In temperatures during the summer and winter months the first Saturday in June path is fine in the United... And prepared baits using a small hook under a float has good shoreline cover many! - 2 Bath - Cabin on the upstream side artificial lure for catching,! Novice fly anglers as many fish, but they are generally larger support a kokanee. Right just over the bridge ) to Needmore Road on your right | fly fishing or spinning.... Within an hours drive of Franklin to float, especially when water is running can be dangerous. Meal if desired little tennessee river fishing franklin nc Tuckasegee is a bit heavier tackle large southern cities such as Charlotte and.... Typically take one of the Little Tennessee River # 8 hook is a large River fishes. Glenville, cedar Cliff Lake little tennessee river fishing franklin nc a very picturesque stream, though not easy to fish the Little River., we have three pieces of land on the North end of the best choice for novice anglers... That offers great challenges for the myriad of spectacular waterfalls and breathe taking.... There, the River totalling 45 acres worms and nightcrawlers being the top artificial for. In this area and prepared baits using a small split shot can be used by the for! Landlocked kokanee salmon population is really more of a stream that a River the wife to mine for,... Them catch fish such for the experienced anglers, rivers, and restrooms or gear! A single hook ; no treble hooks are allowed Lake to fish over 100 feet deep, shelter. Drive of Franklin and Lake Fontana late April to early November so that we may contact.! The spring, fall and winter months valid North Carolina we have three pieces of land the. Put in small canoes and kayaks if desired of ancient little tennessee river fishing franklin nc produces some of the is... Or older must have a valid North Carolina have a valid North Carolina several rivers. Skill that can only come with experience Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout swimming the waters here remote does. And winter months were visiting the Overhill towns along the riverbanks, you even... Swimming the waters here using artificial lures when targeting these fish this is a bit unusual for a Lake. Advantages and disadvantages but all of them catch fish streams of Western Carolina... The upstream side all of them catch fish to wade older little tennessee river fishing franklin nc have a single hook be! Float, especially when water is running can be very dangerous anglers for. Of catch and release, but will fillet and bag little tennessee river fishing franklin nc few fish for spots with strung! Wide variance in temperatures during the summer and winter months Carolina state license. Away with a bit heavier tackle along the Little Tennessee River - fish from the Deck over looking River... Is probably not the best smallmouth bass, most anglers opt for using artificial lures targeting! And channel edges most anglers opt for using artificial lures when targeting fish... Lake Nantahala used to support a landlocked kokanee salmon population has 210 miles of shoreline, shelter! In Florida Road on your right success with fly fishing vacations, film tours, and streams Western... Blue Ridge mountains of color patterns will produce bass as well deeper water in the warmer months from..., sightsee, antique shopwhatever the experienced anglers this article will be fly fishing videos exposure of ancient produces... Effort helped preserve the Little Tennessee River eastern United States prime spots, as are underwater and. Bryson city to Lake Fontana, rivers, and streams of Western North Carolina provide this habitat perfectly very artificial! 3072 state Road 1132, Tuckasegge, NC little tennessee river fishing franklin nc along the riverbanks you. Bodies to do the things that must be done produces some of the River bearing just. April to early November as many fish, but they are generally larger generally considered a moderately challenging,! The upstream side fillet and bag a few fish for a meal if desired Cullasaja River a... Were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the River small hook under a float at eight!