GSMNP – Fishing Report

[Steve K.]

Now’s the time to fish the streams in Great Smoky Mountain National Park! The trees are in full color and the trout seem to feed with that sense of urgency that the cooler weather brings. Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River fished particularly well with attractors and nymphs. I had my best luck on #16 Beadhead Prince fished about 30 inches above a strike indicator. A small splitshot was added for the deeper, faster runs. No hatches to speak of. Most fish were 6 to 9 inches with an assortment of rainbows and brookies. Lot’s of fun on the 4 weight bamboo!

One word of caution, the traffic is horrible around Cherokee. I’m sure Gatlinburg is just as bad, if not worse. I usually head for the backcountry but fished from the road this trip. I didn’t see another fisherman! Reach your destination early and stay till dark. Don’t even think about getting a hotel room or campsite. In true trout bum fashion, I slept in the bed of my truck 😉

[none]

Drifter, can’t see your nice pictures!

Which bamboo rod did you use?

[Steve K.]

Hope they show up now…………sorry.

I used a rod I built on a Mike Brooks blank….McKenzie taper. It’s a 4 weight 7 1/2 foot long.

[none]

Drifter, the pics are superb!
Pictures like these help make take better pictures too. Just very inspiring.

Any pictures of your bamboo rod?

Jay

[john switow]

That shot from on top is georgeous as is the waterfall!

[Steve K.]

Thanks!

Actually the middle photo is Tom’s Branch which is a trib of Deep Creek just above the campground. The fishing was tough in that area, probably because of it’s proximity to the parking lot. I did manage two small rainbows before heading over to the Oconaluftee.

[Author]

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