Tag: fishing

Best Fishing Spots in Blount County, TN

Posted on May 21, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

What makes a good fishing spot? Well, quite simply, lots of good fish! That’s not the whole story, though. There’s more to a good fishing spot than just the fish, and while not everybody looks for the same thing in a fishing spot, there are some generally agreed-upon factors that make one fishing spot better than another. Let’s take a look!

Peacefulness, Accessibility, and a Clean Environment
Every kid who has been taken fishing has heard the story about how “talking scares the fish away,” and every adult fisherman has a moment of realization when they figure out that the grown-ups were just looking for a little peace and quiet.

There is some truth to this, though – fishing should be at least somewhat relaxing, and if you’re on a crowded bank, it’s hopefully with people whose company you enjoy. One of the best ways to enjoy your experience is to find a secluded spot, which is what many fishermen and women prefer.
In addition, nothing wrecks the ambience like litter and pollution, for both you and the fish. This may be more of a consideration for bank fisherman than boat fishermen, but it still applies when boating: nothing takes you out of the wilderness experience more than sitting in your boat in the middle of what seems like a pristine waterway, only to see a clump of garbage float by. It just won’t do!

Tailwaters of the Fort Loudon Dam
Spots that meet these criteria can be found all around Blount County, but some of the most legendary fishing is associated with the tailwaters of Tennessee Valley Authority hydroelectric dams. The Fort Loudon Dam area, in particular, is known for its catfishing, though it’s strictly for sport – large catfish are available, but PCB contamination makes them (and largemouth bass over 2 pounds) poor candidates for a dinner plate.

There are other fish available, however; the free-flowing water in Fort Loudon Lake provides a pleasant habitat for a number of different species of fish, including crappie, sauger, and even the state-endangered lake sturgeon. A record of a successful catch and release of a lake sturgeon will actually earn you a certificate from the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for your efforts!

Chilhowee Lake
It’s technically a lake, but it feels more like a river, which is actually to the benefit of fishermen and women. Water that flows provides better oxygen levels and variations in marine life that support the kinds of fish people prefer to catch.

The lake is most accessible from boat ramps along the lake’s northern border, near U.S. Highway 129, and popular catches are trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, but other available species include crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The lake isn’t known for the prize catfish Fort Loudon is, which also means it’s generally a more quiet and peaceful choice.

Don’t Forget Your License
Anglers over the age of 13 need a license to fish on public waterways in Tennessee, as well as a separate permit for trout fishing in some locations. Make sure you’re following all the requirements by checking out the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s licensing page, which will also connect you to an online shop where you actually purchase your licenses. Nothing spoils a day out faster than an unnecessary fine!
Once you’ve got that squared away, the fun can begin. Make sure to think of Blount County the next time you’re planning a fishing trip, and get ready to enjoy beautiful marine environments and prize catches.

The Fish are Biting in Blount County's Many Rivers, Streams and Lakes

Posted on August 10, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

The quality of the fishing in Eastern Tennessee is famous. It’s not just good in the summer, either; people successfully dip their lines in the water all year round, in all weather conditions. Decide whether you’re a boat fisherman or a bank fisherman (or both!) and check out some of the hot spots below when you’re looking to feel a nibble on the end of your fishing rod or nab a new record.
Chilhowee Lake
If you haven’t heard the news yet, now is the time to get out on the water and make up for lost time. Chilhowee Lake was closed for 2 years so that repairs could be performed on the Chilhowee Dam, but as of summer 2017, the lake was reopened. In the past, it’s been stocked with crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, trout, and redear sunfish, as well as walleye and smallmouth bass.
The lake is bordered by both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest, so you’re guaranteed a beautiful view, one well worth appreciating the next time you find yourself with a day free of obligations and unbeatable weather.
The Little River
Once featured in a “Guide to America’s 100 Best Trout Streams,” published in Trout Unlimited magazine, the Little River is more than just a spot for great tubing. Expect tons of native brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, as well as some small- and largemouth bass. The Little River is the most popular fishing destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and once you start fishing, you’ll see why!
There are three sections to the Little River: the East, Middle, and West Prongs. The West Prong of the Little River is famous for being a particularly successful spot.
Fort Loudon Dam Tailwaters
For area fishermen and women, much is owed to the effects of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s hydroelectric dams. They create lakes and “tailwaters,” or pools and fisheries, just downstream from wherever they operate, and this makes for some unique fishing opportunities. Anglers in the Fort Loudon Dam should be aware that catfishing is strictly catch-and-release, but other species, including crappie and sauger, are fair game for a dinner plate.
Don’t Miss These Creeks
A number of creeks in Blount County shouldn’t be ignored just because they’re smaller. Anglers have grabbed meals from Beard Cane Creek, Cane Creek, Hessee Creek, Laurel Creek, the Lynn Camp Prong, Marks Creek, Meigs Creek, Parson Branch, Sams Creek, and Thunderhead Prong, so make sure to include a few of those on your fishing bucket list.
Make Your Fishing Plans Now!
You may be able to fish in all weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean certain seasons aren’t better than others. Check to make sure you’ve got the right fishing licenses, put up the “Gone Fishin’” sign, and head out to the water in Blount County the next chance you get!

The Fish are Biting in the Smokies' Many Streams and Rivers

Posted on April 24, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Spring in the Smokies brings with it the opportunity to enjoy any number of adventures; there are hikes to take, whitewater to raft, zip lines to zip, and so much more. But, one of the most popular outdoor activities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the many streams and rivers in search of trout. Locals say that fishing in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered to be one of the most challenging adventures you are likely to have.
Over 2,100 Miles of Streams
What you may not know is that there are more than 2,100 miles of streams running through the park for your fishing pleasure. You can fish these streams from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Your limit is five rainbow, brown, or brook trout over 7 inches in length or any combination adding up to five. Along with this, you can keep 20 rock bass. Be sure you grab a fishing license if you don’t already have one. They are readily available at many of the local hardware stores.
While we certainly see many first timers looking for that perfect place to drop a line in the water, we see many who come here every year for spring fishing. They come to catch fish to be sure, but for many, it is more about the memories they are creating, memories that center around a fishing pole, a line in the water, and a few days of glorious spring weather on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Fond Memories Start Here
Fishing is a skill that has been around for millennia, and for many families, it has become a fun activity they can all share in. One that creates amazing feasts while sitting around the campfire talking about the infamous, “One that got away!” Fishing isn’t just for the guys, it’s a pastime the entire family can enjoy, including mom.
Kids of all ages love to fish, the younger you start letting your kids start, the faster they will master the skills needed. Kids are amazing in how quickly they pick up and master new skills. Be sure you have the camera ready for the moment your child pulls their first fish out of the water. The look of awe, amazement, and joy will blow your mind and make a great photo to put in the family album.
You Don’t Need to Bring Your Gear
While you might be okay with bringing your fishing gear with you, it’s not necessary. Several outfitters in the area can help set you up with the right equipment and bait for this area. You can start out looking at their websites and choosing your gear before you go. Many have current fishing reports that let you know what’s biting and where they are biting. This way you have a little bit of an idea for a starting point to drop your lines. The rest is up to you, spring is here, the fish are biting, and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the place to be.