3. Abrams Creek
One of the more unique fly fishing destinations in Tennessee is Abrams Creek, which is located inside Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Though not the most convenient waterway to access, it is a goldmine for anglers and also a popular spot for fly fishing because of the scenery.
To access Abrams Creek, you have to drive through the Cades Cove Loop (an 11-mile one-way road) to the halfway point at the Abrams Falls Trailhead. The creek has large pools and a high concentration of nutrients and food resulting in some of the largest rainbow trout in the park.
If you are doing any fishing inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park you will want to stay at hotels in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, which are both at the base of the park entrance. There are also many cabins for rent near the park.
4. Clinch River
One of the oldest tailwaters for fly fishing in Tennessee is on the Clinch River. It’s located in east Tennessee, with 13 miles of tailwater that flows from the Norris Dam to the city of Clinton. This section has ideal fishing conditions because of the consistent water temperatures (around 50 degrees), and large brown and rainbow trout.
Brown trout ranging from four to eight pounds are not uncommon, and the state-record brown trout (28 pounds 12 ounces) came out of this river. The best time to hit Clinch River is mid-week, when fewer anglers are on the water. It can get quite crowded on afternoons and weekends. While this river offers optimal opportunities for wading, water levels can be unpredictable.
