If I had the same control over my golf clubs that I have over my fly rods you would be following me on the Senior PGA Tour.  That is not going to happen.  I was tested to my limits with short cast, roll cast, side cast, but my years of experience produced some really fun casting - and also some trout to release back into the stream.

I have had the opportunity to fly fish some of the finest places in the world http://photoandtravel.com/JohnsFlyFishing.html, and each is unique.  The Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee is not going to produce the type of rainbow that is on the wall over this desk I am writing at now. – over 12 pounds!  But the area will produce some challenging fishing with small #20 flies and a #4 rod!  Small parachutes (#20) work good in the area (Adams, etc.) I am anxious to try the Orvis flea six foot #4 line rod on these streams next time!  It has been said if you see a fisherman on a Western stream who fishes bent over all the time it is because he is from the Smoky Mountain area where the canopy of the trees form a arch above you, and you must bend and roll cast – or cast with the horizon of the water to keep the fly out of the trees!  They also bend over to offer a low profile to the very spooky fish!

In the small town of Townsend, Tennessee, is one of the top fly fishing shops in the nation.  It is laid out inside in the neatest, most serviceable, efficient manner – and houses tons of fly fishing items.  I have seen a lot of shops in my lifetime, but the Little River Outfitters is the shop!    Little River Outfitters is located on U.S. HWY 321 in Townsend, Tennessee, near the Cades Cove entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Townsend is only about 45 minutes from Knoxville.  Fly fishermen, you won’t believe what is inside this unique shop!  They have an excellent supply of clothing, rods, flies, and outfit men or women with quality merchandise equal to any big city fly shop in the nation.  “The Great Smoky Mountains is one of last large wild trout fisheries in the Eastern United States. Its pristine rivers are home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout.  This well supplied store will equipt you with all you need for any trip.  I just

can't say enough good about their inventory!

Rainbow trout are found in nearly all Smoky Mountain streams. Rainbows average in size from about 6 to 8 inches. Brown trout are found in larger streams and range in size from 6 to 10 inches. Much larger brown trout have been caught, up to 28 inches; these fish are rare and wary. Catching one would truly be a lifetime achievement.”  (Little River Home page).  Don’t forget your felt sole waders or you will find yourself horizontal more than vertical under the canopy of trees due to the slippery river stones.

With 700 miles of fishable trout streams, from mountains up to 6,000 feet above sea level, freestone streams are born and are the home of wild mountain brook, rainbow and brown trout – all making for some excellent fishing!  The Little River guys can guide for you, teach you to fly fish, or get the gear you need for the day’s fishing.  (Top left is Little River guide.)

Two of the finest books on area fly fishing I have in my large fishing library are:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Angler’s Companion and the Tennessee Trout Waters Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide.  Both books are by Ian Rutter and published by Frank Amato Publications. Read these and you will be ready to fish the rivers and streams of this beautiful part of America.  They are detailed as to access, camping, and lodging, etc. 

Fishing the Little River is just moments away from the fly shop – into the National Park you go once you have the proper fishing license (obtainable at Little Rivers Fly Shop).  Most of the fishing is a matter of stepping out of the car and down to the stream. 

Happy Fishing!

Little River Outfitters

7807 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway

Townsend, Tennessee 37882

Phone: 865-448-9459

Toll Free: 1-877-448-3474

Fax: 865-448-3407

Email: info@littleriveroutfitters.com