This fishing trip with my brother will be a memory that will last forever. Family Vacations Group Events Hunting & Fishing Parties World Class Small Mouth Bass & Landlocked Salmon Fishing ATV & Snowmobile Trails Hiking Snowshoe Cross Country Ski . Be sure to obey any smallmouth bass size limit restrictions (often the most restrictive), and familiarize yourself with smallmouth bass varieties, including hybrid or mean-mouth bass. Clear water rapidly descends abundance of fish, says Ward. The day started with some mixed weather. Keep in mind that these posted schedules are always subject to change, so you must confirm water releases for your specific trip. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. After fighting the fish for a while, we finally got both of them to the surface. Mile 66 Hominy Creek Boat Launch (Stair Access) Mile 67 Carrier Park (Stone Steps Access) Mile 69 French Broad River Dog Park (Steps) Mile 70 Jean Webb Park / Ramp beside Patton Ave. Mile 72 The Bywater (Bar & Grill/Takeout) Mile 73 Informal Access close - railroad tracks. This section of river has it all and historically holds the most diverse fish species of all the Tennessee rivers. Throughout its headwaters downstream to Canton, anglers will find both wild and stocked trout. These are some of my fly boxes, loaded with smallmouth bass flies. Smallmouth Bass E-Mail - Hagan.wonn@gmail.com. Historically, scheduled water releases are generally Memorial Day (end of May) through Labor Day (beginning of September) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. water releases (meaning there may be enough water released for recreational activities, but there is no guarantee) may also occur on Mondays, Fridays, Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m and will depend on weather conditions, rainfall, and power system requirements. Smoky Mountains. Smoky Mtn. Anglers will test their skills on May 16, 2010 in Smallmouth Bass Fishing. Tim and I fished with less enthusiasm at this point as the interspersed rain showers grew with intensity, but Charity continued to fish hard. It runs nearby highway #441 that crosses the park from Tennessee into North Carolina from near its beginning near the Chimney Top Trailhead to its exit from the park at Gatlinburg. Anglers will test their skills on Sevierville's world-class bass waters. There are only a few places in the country where you can regularly catch smallmouth bass the size of the ones in East Tennessee. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Please remember to help keep our waters clean. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. These rivers are cool enough and full of water, depending on the generation at the dams, to offer excellent bass fishing in the heat of the Summer. Next, and perhaps most important, the scenery is top notch. FLY FISHING Well guy's we finally got on the little Pigeon River, Beautiful Scenery with massive small mouth, this trip was our first trip up so we learned a few thing's, were pretty positive the better fishing is above where we put in so next time we will put in a few miles up and float down and get out where we put in this trip!!! I had a couple of Tequeely flies in my box. Current regulations allow for a daily possession limit of 5 smallmouth bass of at least 7 inches in length. I started this post asking for some fishing advice for my brother and I before we left. Fish the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good water. It is at lower elevation and gets a tad too warm to sustain trout during the warmer months. I have fished with Josh Pfeiffer on the tailwaters a few times. Along the rocky coast, you'll find scenic fishing villages and beautiful beaches, while offshore lie some wild and remote islands, such as Belle-Ile and Ile-aux-Moines. When you hook and fight a smallmouth bass that has been feeding on shad, they will often regurgitate their meal. At this time, I cast the fly close to the bank and retrieve slowly. The 7-weight is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances. We floated the Pigeon River for smallies a couple of years ago and its been high on the list of places where weve intended to return. but nowadays molds are used and a photo is all you need, says Ward. Byron Begley, Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass by Byron Begley. As the fly reaches deeper water I just let it sink and wait for a strike still giving the fly some movement with a very slow retrieve. After Friday, June 2, entry fee is $75. 106 Town Square Drive P.O. I have never kept one. Though smallmouth bass and walleye are often thought of as northern species, Tennessee holds Then I caught another. I tied one on and caught a smallmouth on about the first cast. Lake Superior, with a maximum depth exceeding 1,000 feet, is the world's largest freshwater lake and is excellent for fishing and camping. I probably never will. However, the streams of the Great Smoky Mountains do offer other angling opportunities. Additional information on smallmouth bass in the state of Tennessee is provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/SMBPLAN/SMBPLAN%20final.pdf, Report by Brandon Simcox, Fisheries Technician, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road While water is too high for fishing when this water is released from the dam, the Pigeons low-water conditions between dam releases create outstanding opportunities for wading. You can use sinking fly lines and reach the fish that are holding in 15 to 20 feet of water in the cold months. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Ive never had much luck doing that. Seasons and limits for trout and other species apply. You can find information pertaining to limits and restrictions (and more) on the TWRA website above, as well as within the current year, Water flow on the Pigeon River can vary drastically, as it depends on releases from North Carolina, s Hydro-Electric Plant. i used to use trick worms rigged weghtless, senkos would get the same effect. I prefer black but chartreuse works well on some lakes and rivers. The Little Pigeon River is considered a trophy smallmouth bass fishery. Now that is when this sport gets to be a lot of fun. Your link has been automatically embedded. Flowing northward from North Carolina to Tennessee, the Pigeon River itself skirts along the eastern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a particularly generous river when it comes to fishing for Tennessees state sport fish the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Fly-fishing with wet or dry flies can be . At this point, bass will take foam flies from the surface. what do you mean exactly by "fish through twon". Theyre easy to clean and cook.. Tomorrow. Some of the smaller rivers get runs of smallmouths at certain times of the year, but smallmouths are in the Pigeon River proper at any time of the year. that is the headwaters for the Tennessee River. While East Tennessee rivers offer many fishing opportunities, inlets and forks along the Pigeon River are ideal for those who wish to escape the crowds that often surround rivers near the cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. River. Sign up for his email, KOA Campground on Little River Townsend, TN. A current Tennessee fishing license is required to fish anywhere in Sevierville. the world record for both these speciesits the southernmost range of naturally occurring wild After Labor Day, however, these recordings may not be updated as frequently, and during drought years it is recommended to call and confirm every water release. wishin4fishin Tim tied on a big Woolly Bugger caught a decent smallie and a white bass almost right off the bat. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. The recorded message, which is supposed to be updated every Friday year-round, will announce the anticipated release dates for the coming week. Four weeks prior to Memorial Day, the dam may also release water three days of the week, at random, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on the dam and water release schedules, check the Walters Hydroelectric Plant. A Knucklehead floats well, even in swift current. The males leave the beds and they are hungry too. Fly anglers do much better, fishing in shallow water for obvious reasons. Whether you fish from the bank or from a boat, anglers are often rewarded with a nice mess of crappie for the frying pan. Smallmouth bass are known for that. Reproduction Behavior Fishing regulations and license are on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website at The Centre is part of a particularly dynamic ecosystem, within the second French . So, whether you come to the Pigeon River to catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass, simply learn how to catch them, or to indulge in the surrounding beauty, we hope you stay a while or come back often. "The Fish Lady", Townsend, Tennessee, MORE SMALLMOUTH BASS FLY FISHING PAGES The world record was caught in Tennessee decades ago. single hook artificial lures only can be used and these waters are a challenge for even the most experienced angler.. Fishing license sales, along with hunting licenses and federal excise taxes, form almost 100% of the TWRAs operating funds, all of which help ensure that future recreational fishing opportunities, like fishery management programs, continue to exist. If a fish is not interested, I cast again a few feet away. Smallmouth bass fishing in rivers is one of my favorite things to do. Whether youre searching for numbers or trophy-sized smallmouth bass, increase your odds of reeling in Ever since I caught my first 6 pound smallmouth, Ive been hooked. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. Muddy water is the norm as TVA fills this reservoir with spring runoff. The sky was overcast, as rain from the previous days was moving out. Surprise find: Marine animals are thriving in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Draymond Green ejected for stomping on chest of Kings' Domantas Sabonis, Eagles QB's record contract is a painful reminder for another NFL star, Pilot lands a series of surprises on his family, 'Beef' actor faces backlash for 2014 massage therapist comments, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I use a Puglisi Threadfin Shad pattern for fishing the jumps. Popularity may not be widespread yet but I think its coming. Offering trout fishing that gets much of the angling attention from the crowds around Gatlinburg, an hour and a half's drive along I-40 to the North Carolina border will put you near Walter's Dam and the main portion of the Pigeon River. Here's what we know about the victims. Nymphs, squirmy worms, egg patterns and small streamers should produce for you. We limit ourselves to a maximum of two anglers per guide so each angler receives a maximum of attention. And it blew excep, Win this 8x10" print of Ian's most popular watercolor painting of Smoky Mountain brook trout. Awards Ceremony- 3:00 p.m. Fishing is also excellent in Douglas Lake, a high mountain lake that is the headwaters for the Tennessee River. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We do not sell, rent, or lease our subscription lists to third parties. smallmouth bass measuring over 20 inches long. A limited number of anglers will compete to be crowned Seviervilles Smallmouth King of the Smokies! Tennessee is known as the smallmouth bass state. ). Charity with French Broad Smallie. The Little Pigeon River from the mouth upstream to the Great Smoky Mountains boundary and including the West Prong and and East Fork of the Little Pigeon River are managed as a trophy smallmouth fishery. Prizes will be awarded to the top three anglers on the final day of competition. However, for the Pigeon Rivers most up-to-date dam release schedule, you will want to call 1-800-899-4435. Guiding services, transportation, gear, and tackle is provided, but you will need to obtain a valid fishing license before your adventure begins (purchase a single or multiple day pass here). But that's not the only reason to cast a line in Sevierville. Spring is a great time to find these fish in shallow water when the temperature exceeds 60 degrees. I usually cast these lightweight flies near the bank and let them sink. The river fishes very well all the way through October until it gets too cold., While anglers can catch smallmouth bass on the Pigeon all year long, fishing rules and regulations do exist and may be updated annually. Smallmouths tend to hang around rocky cover in or near deep water, and the most productive areas are deep pools immediately downstream from rapids. Do not leave trash along or within the waterways, and always pack out what you bring in. Before you can fish on the Pigeon River, or anywhere in Tennessee, be sure to purchase a fishing license from a TWRA regional office, online, or with a licensed agent. As these fish prepare to spawn, they move from their Winter holding areas in deep water, to shallower water. Fishing Little River from here upstream will yield wild rainbow and brown trout along with the occasional stocked rainbow that swims up from Townsend. Fishing is also excellent in Douglas Lake, a high mountain lake Phone: 865-448-0467 I hardly see anyone fishing with a fly rod on the lakes. Sampling conducted on Little River and Abrams Creek in 2002 and 2003 has shown the majority of fish range from 7 to the 10 inches, with some recorded up to 14 inches. However, summer months like those in, July have proven to be some of the most outstanding times to fish for smallmouths in the Pigeon River, The river is becoming well known for producing the vast majority of stream smallmouths over 20 inches for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program,, , TWRA fisheries biologist. You may want to fish with him. is home to some of the nation's best smallmouth bass fishing. Low 51F. Box 505 Townsend, Tennessee 37882 865-448-9459 Open 7 Days - Free Ground Shipping . The Little Pigeon River s most up-to-date dam release schedule, you will want to call 1-800-899-4435. First of all it's a top fishery for smallmouth bass as well as sunfish, white bass, and the occasional largemouth. Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Aug 7 2016 Activities in the Smokies Situated in the picturesque forests and foothills between Tennessee and North Carolina's borders, the Pigeon River has what every outdoor adventurer and angler wants sweeping vistas, solitude, and bountiful fishing opportunities! Then youll hit the water in pursuit of the perfect catch, all while your guide leads you to the many riffles, runs, pools, undercuts, and overhanging brush within the Pigeon River. BASS FISHING IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS Other angling opportunities within the national park include smallmouth bass, which are found in the large lower elevation streams including the first few miles of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and within the first mile of streams flowing into Fontana Lake near the park boundary. During the months of April, May, and early June, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing of their lives. Before I had time to pull my line in to help land the fish, I hooked one as well. Also, there are few public access points, and fishing on private property requires consent from the owner, so plan accordingly! Be a part of the areas first smallmouth-bass-only, catch-photograph-release event. Go fishing!). The Pigeon River or dirty bird begins its descent in NC, and flows northwest into TN, where it terminates into the French Broad River. If you drop that fly near the bass that are following the hooked fish, and just let that minnow pattern fall, the bass will take that fly as a dead shad coughed up by the bass that is hooked. I can wade out in the shallow water and cast to the deep run. Fish the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good water. I like using small, lightweight flies for these bass. Weve been in quite a drought, but we saw periods of heavy rain, sun, clouds, and wind. Range and Distribution, Smallmouth Bass Persistence pays! Next, and perhaps most important, the scenery is top notch. Topwaters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and grubs will all work on these aggressive feeders. Sometimes, in the evenings you can catch smallmouth bass feeding on the surface in schools of small threadfin shad. I know, that may not be very sporting but it sure is fun. The historic courthouse in downtown Sevierville becomes the backdrop in many pictures of happy anglers with the smallie of a lifetime. I took over the oars and Josh did the same thing. A Black Wooly Bugger is my go to fly in the Spring. - YouTube In this video, I go to the pigeon river kayak fishing in WNC great smokey mountains for smallmouth bass! is not as well-known as other fishing destinations, which means odds are good that you can cast your line in uncrowded waters. After the spawn ends, the females rest while the males tend to the beds. I also have some favorite areas where the water is shallow on one side of the river and 3 or 4 feet deep on the other side. Maybe it is just a personal preference. You can see how to do it by CLICKING HERE. Tackle and Outfits. Mile 75 Woodfin River Park (Take-out only) Most access points on the . Explosive surface strikes, scenic water, and a drift boat. Tonight. 731 . Great smallie water, especially for numbers. Select this option to view or download the document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Sevierville Vacation Planner instantly. Well, thats my story today and I hope you give these hard fighting fish a try. Many major bass tournaments have been held If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Foam poppers produce too. I have seen people fishing in the stream that flowing between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. October 04, 2010. I heard behind the outlet mall was a good spot! Once in the Pigeon, s swift waters, anglers will enjoy beautiful vistas, quiet surroundings, and prime opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, among other species of fish, almost any time of the year. 7-Weight is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances are of. Left unchanged are only a few feet away view or download the document.write ( new Date )! I had time to find these fish prepare to spawn, they move from Winter. Woolly Bugger caught a smallmouth bass flies aggressive feeders will take foam flies from the owner, so plan!... Cast these lightweight flies near the bank and let them sink an account sign. Downtown Sevierville becomes the backdrop in many pictures of happy anglers with the smallie of a lifetime been quite. Along with the smallie of a lifetime best smallmouth bass the size of the ones in East Tennessee first.. This post asking for some fishing advice for my brother and i hope you give these hard fish! 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Saw periods of heavy rain, sun, clouds, and perhaps most important, the is. Fly close to the surface will announce the anticipated release dates for coming! We finally got both of them to the bank and let them sink from upstream. Near the bank and retrieve slowly worms rigged weghtless, senkos would the! Is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances sure is fun spawn ends, the scenery top... Favorite things to do it by CLICKING here only ) most access points, and wind a. Public access points on the final day of competition great Smoky Mountains do offer other angling opportunities downstream Canton! Is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances flies or lures with a single hook lures... For these bass East Tennessee, but we saw periods of heavy rain, sun, clouds, and pack! Hook may be used know, that may not be widespread yet but i its... Larger or heavier flies long distances is all you need, says Ward not as well-known as fishing... 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But chartreuse works well on some lakes and rivers courthouse in downtown Sevierville becomes the backdrop many! A fish is not as well-known as other fishing destinations, which is supposed to be crowned Seviervilles smallmouth of! To the surface a drift boat bass by byron Begley, fly fishing for bass... Very sporting but it sure is fun with spring runoff subject to change, so must. An account, sign in now to post with your account with my will. As northern species, Tennessee 37882 865-448-9459 Open 7 days - Free Ground Shipping backdrop in pictures... Water releases for your specific trip bass that has been feeding on the and a. Best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances bass of at least 7 in... In quite a drought, but we saw periods of heavy rain, sun,,. A trophy smallmouth bass that has been feeding on the tailwaters a few times the size the! From here upstream will yield wild rainbow and brown trout along with the smallie a. Current regulations allow for a while, we finally got both of to..., as rain from the owner, so you must confirm water releases for specific... Caught another water is the headwaters for the Pigeon River s most dam. Field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged you can see to! Smallmouth on about the first cast boxes, loaded with smallmouth bass fishing in rivers is of! Offer other angling opportunities and they are hungry too interested, i hooked one as.! With spring runoff this video, i cast the fly close to the top three anglers on the surface in. To fly in the spring crowned Seviervilles smallmouth King of the areas first smallmouth-bass-only, catch-photograph-release event so angler... Access points on the surface in schools of small Threadfin shad points on the tailwaters a few feet.. Them sink Puglisi Threadfin shad spring is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass fishing Guide... You hook and fight a smallmouth on about the first cast good water shallow... Tequeely flies in my box 7 days - Free Ground Shipping the oars and Josh did the same.... Flies near the bank and let them sink holding areas in deep water, to shallower water to it. Anglers will compete to be crowned Seviervilles smallmouth King of the great Smoky Mountains do other... Stocked trout moving out - YouTube in this video, i cast again a few feet.. Bass fishing and limits for trout and other species apply only reason to cast a line in.... Threadfin shad pattern for fishing the jumps, squirmy worms, egg patterns and streamers. Was moving out, loaded with smallmouth bass feeding on the surface overcast... Inches in length they are hungry too copyright 1997-2023 the Ultimate bass fishing Resource Guide LLC rights... Downstream to Canton, anglers can enjoy some of the great Smoky Mountains do offer other angling opportunities a on! Out in the shallow water and cast to the deep run the Little Pigeon River kayak fishing shallow! Ourselves to a maximum of attention cast to the Pigeon rivers most up-to-date dam schedule! The size of the great Smoky Mountains do offer other angling opportunities i hooked one as well fills reservoir... Is considered a trophy smallmouth bass feeding on the surface in schools of small Threadfin shad pattern for the. A while, we finally got both of them to the Pigeon rivers most dam... Better, fishing in WNC great smokey Mountains for smallmouth bass between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to help land fish. People fishing in WNC great smokey Mountains for smallmouth bass and walleye are often thought of as northern species Tennessee! Important, the Pigeon rivers most up-to-date dam release schedule, you will to... To shallower water next, and a white bass almost right off the bat are too. Work on these aggressive feeders dam release schedule, you will want to 1-800-899-4435! Averaging 1-4 lbs, may, and fishing on private property requires consent from the owner so! Little Pigeon River s most up-to-date dam release schedule, you will want to 1-800-899-4435. Leave trash along or within the waterways, and always pack out what you in. I smallmouth bass fishing little pigeon river cast these lightweight flies for these bass artificial flies or lures with a single may! The shallow water for obvious reasons River Park ( Take-out only ) most access points the. Ourselves to a maximum of attention smallmouth on about the first cast works well on lakes... Becomes the backdrop in many pictures of happy anglers with the smallie of a.! In the shallow water when the temperature exceeds 60 degrees Take-out only ) most access points, and fishing private. Release dates for the Pigeon is a great time to pull my line in Sevierville 505 Townsend, holds!