There are tons of amazing National parks all over the US with lakes that offer a great time to fishing enthusiasts. But among all of them, one stands out to me. It is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Looking for an adventure in North Carolina? A Fishing trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sure will help you a lot.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is the most visited national park in the USA, with over 11.3 million recreational visitors. It protects 522,419 acres of land and everything living in it.
The park is home to over 16 mountains with different elevations. This allows it to be home to many animal species that live at different heights. There are 200 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 39 species of reptiles, and 43 species of amphibians that have been found in it. There are also 100 species of trees growing in this park.
Related Read: What are the Best Fishing Places in the USA?
Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fishing is extremely popular in the park, its 2,900 miles of streams are perfect for it. This place offers some of the finest fly-fishing in North America. Trouts are also a common catch, and their population maintains healthy numbers. Brook trout are native to the waters and can easily be found, while both brown and rainbow were introduced to the area and are a bit rarer, but still a fun catch.
Fishing is allowed year-round in the park, but there are set times to do so. You are allowed to fish from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.
If you are looking forward to fishing in this national park, make sure you read about the fishing regulations for it. They are strict.
Some of the Requirements are:
- You must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina.
- Special permits are required for fishing in Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
- Daily possession limits: Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of them. Twenty (20) rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit.
- Size Limits: Brook, rainbow, and brown trout: 7-inch minimum; Smallmouth bass: 7-inch minimum.
Related Read: Best RV Parks in The United States
Recommended Read: Fun Facts and History of Charlotte, North Carolina
Where to Stay when Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping is allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in fact, you can choose from many styles of camping. There is backcountry, front country, campgrounds, horse camps, and even cabin rentals around the park.
Important: There are regulations for each cam style, so take a look at them and learn all about how to make reservations in advance.
