Tennessee Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in Tennessee?
Yes, fly fishing is very popular in Tennessee. The state is home to a number of great fly fishing destinations, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Holston River, and the Clinch River. These areas offer a variety of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as other species such as smallmouth bass and musky. Fly fishing is a popular recreational activity in Tennessee and many local fly fishing shops and guides are available to help anglers get started or improve their skills.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in Tennessee?
Rainbow Trout: One of the most popular species for fly fishing in Tennessee, rainbow trout are known for their strong fighting ability and brightly colored appearance. They are found in many of the state's streams and rivers, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Brown Trout: Another popular species, brown trout are known for their wariness and cautious feeding habits, making them a challenging but rewarding target for fly anglers.
Brook Trout: A native species to the region, brook trout are highly prized by fly anglers for their beautiful markings and acrobatic jumps. They are often found in the high-elevation streams of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Smallmouth Bass: A popular warm-water species, smallmouth bass are highly sought after by fly anglers for their hard-fighting, aggressive nature and willingness to take a well-presented fly.
Musky: A large predator species, musky are often found in the deeper pools of Tennessee's larger rivers and reservoirs and can be a challenging but rewarding species to target on the fly.
These are some of the top fly fishing species in Tennessee, and the state offers many opportunities to catch these and other species in a variety of environments, from high-mountain streams to large reservoirs and rivers.
5 popular spots to fly fish in Tennessee
Clinch River: The Clinch River is a popular destination for fly fishers, with its abundant population of rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. It's located in East Tennessee and runs through the towns of Oak Ridge and Clinton.
Little River: Little River is a beautiful stream that originates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and flows through the town of Townsend. It's well known for its population of rainbow trout and brook trout.
Hiwassee River: The Hiwassee River is located in southeastern Tennessee and is known for its clear waters and large rainbow trout and brown trout. This river is also home to other species such as smallmouth bass and rock bass.
Holston River: The Holston River is a tailwater fishery located in East Tennessee that is famous for its abundant population of rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The river is also home to other species such as smallmouth bass and walleye.
Caney Fork River: The Caney Fork River is located in Middle Tennessee and is considered one of the top trout streams in the state. It's home to a large population of rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, as well as other species like smallmouth bass and walleye.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there are regulations in place for fly fishing that are designed to protect the fish populations and the environment. Here are some of the key regulations to keep in mind:
Fishing License: To fly fish in Tennessee, you must have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Seasonal Restrictions: There may be seasonal restrictions on fishing for certain species, such as trout, in order to protect their populations during spawning seasons.
Bag Limits: There are bag limits for certain species of fish, which dictate the maximum number of fish that can be caught and kept per day.
Size Limits: There are also size limits for certain species of fish, which dictate the minimum size that a fish must be in order to be kept.
Tackle Restrictions: In some areas, there may be restrictions on the type of tackle that can be used, such as a requirement to use only artificial lures or flies.
Catch and Release: Some areas may require that all fish be released immediately after being caught, in order to protect the fish populations.
It's important to be aware of and follow the regulations in place for fly fishing in Tennessee, as failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties. Additionally, following the regulations helps to ensure that fish populations are protected and remain sustainable for future generations of anglers to enjoy.
Popular Fly Shops in Tennessee
The Hatch Outfitters - This fly shop is located in Knoxville and is known for its wide selection of gear and knowledgeable staff. They offer a variety of fly fishing products, from rods and reels to waders and fly tying supplies, as well as guided trips and classes for those looking to improve their skills.
South Holston River Fly Shop - Located in Bristol, this fly shop is dedicated to providing everything you need for a successful day on the water. They offer gear and guide services, as well as a full-service fly tying room and a knowledgeable staff who can help with all your fly fishing needs.
Fly South - This fly shop is located in Franklin and is known for its wide selection of gear, guided trips, and expert staff. They offer a variety of fly fishing products, including rods, reels, waders, and fly tying supplies, as well as classes and workshops to help you improve your skills.
Little River Outfitters - This popular fly shop is located in Townsend and is known for its knowledgeable staff and wide selection of fly fishing gear. They offer a range of products, including rods, reels, waders, and fly tying supplies, as well as guided trips and classes for those looking to improve their fly fishing skills.
Toccoa River Outfitters & Fly Shop - This fly shop is located in Blue Ridge and is dedicated to providing everything you need for a successful day on the water. They offer a wide selection of gear, guided trips, and a knowledgeable staff who can help with all your fly fishing needs. They also offer fly tying classes and workshops for those looking to improve their skills.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in Tennessee?
Fly fishing has a rich and storied history in Tennessee, dating back to the 19th century. The state is home to many iconic streams and rivers, including the Little River, the Clinch River, and the South Holston River, that have attracted anglers from around the world for their world-class trout fishing.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the sport of fly fishing began to grow in popularity in Tennessee and across the United States. Early fly fishing enthusiasts in Tennessee developed new techniques and fly patterns specifically designed for the state's streams and rivers, and the state became known as a destination for fly fishing.
As the sport continued to grow, fly fishing clubs and organizations were established in Tennessee, including the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited, which was founded in 1970. Today, fly fishing in Tennessee is a thriving and popular pastime, with many dedicated anglers and guides working to preserve the state's streams and rivers for future generations.
In recent years, the state has also become known as a destination for fly fishing events, such as the annual Fly Fishing Festival in Townsend and the Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing Expo in Knoxville. These events bring together fly fishing enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the sport and share their passion for the outdoors.
