In this article, I will cover the Little Tennessee River where it flows in and through Franklin, North Carolina. As a Native Fish Conservation Area, the Little Tennessee River is home to more than 100 species of native fish, 10 species of native mussels, and a dozen crayfish species, including 32 species considered rare at the state or federal level. If the water is very clear, I will even drop down to 4 pound line. Travelers and locals alike enjoy Franklins Little Tennessee Greenway as it winds along the river. The City of Franklin Parks Department maintains several river access points for those who enjoy canoeing/kayaking, fishing or swimming on the beautiful Harpeth River. However, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it is nothing like a New England winter. Access to this portion of the river is a bit limited, though better than it used to be. This property, along with 20 others, will be liquidated for literally pennies on the market dollar on Saturday Feb 4th. Special Trout Regulations. Website developed by designsensory. Franklin, NC's section of the Little Tennessee River offers a multitude of outdoor adventure and fun, including: Canoeing, swimming, fishing, camping, tubin. I always suggest waiting until the water level drops down in the water clears up. Hotels near Little Tennessee River Greenway: Restaurants near Little Tennessee River Greenway: Attractions near Little Tennessee River Greenway: Having tried the whole trail, I suggest you start in the center and head south to the. Trout Fishing abounds down the road in the Burningtown Creek, a Hatchery Support Trout Waters. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks, Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Stunning panoramic lake & mountain views . "For exceptional anglers and teachers, you won't find better than Turning Stone's. Youll discover world-class guides and instruction to make sure you have a safe day of fun in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Top 5 Fishing Spots In The Great Smoky Mountains Rv Lifestyle. The river then turns northwest, flowing through the Nantahala National Forest and crossing into Eastern Tennessee to join the Tennessee River at . The exception would be when I am fishing for panfish in Lake Emory and the slower moving sections of the river. Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? Box 509 However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see, Do I really care about venturing out under the, Of course. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',181,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-181{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}I am going to break down the Little Tennessee River into three sections; the upper section, Lake Emory, and the lower section. The North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of Managed trout water across the state. American Rivers is prioritizing efforts on the Tuckasegee River, a significant tributary in the upper basin, focusing on restoration, recreation, and conservation opportunities surrounding the popular trout fishery. My son and I had a great time fishing with Gordon on the Nantahala for a full day. Gordon's Turning Stones and western North Carolina should be at the top of any fly fisherman's bucket list, whether new or seasoned. We found the Greenway in downtown Franklin and it became our daily habit in the morning to walk several miles. Little Tennessee River Large freestone river Location West of Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore Road (off US 19/74). Come visit us from April 1st to November 1st for the best kayaking, tubing, camping, and fishing experience of a lifetime. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The river becomes much wider and a bit faster and is very shallow in most places. It also has a few musky left over in the lower reaches. There are some larger bass in the lake as well for anglers willing to put in the time. If your shop at home does not have the right flies, Brookings Anglers, Davidson River Outfitters and Headwaters Outfitters all have impressive selections of local patterns. Fishing In Townsend Fly Little River Permit Information Anthony Creek. The Little T is predominantly a smallmouth bass river. The Greenway represents a voluntary local strategy to preserve scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources and promotes increased public access to the Little Tennessee River through the creation of riverside parks and trails. Since we both love fishing, we contacted Turning Stone's Fly Fishing out of the blue. Reelfoot Lake, just one of many lakes in Tennessee, offers bird-watching, fishing, boating and more. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. $$ - $$$ French American Vegetarian Friendly, $ American Diner Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Mexican Latin Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly. It's nothing major, but the swinging from side to side and up and down will be sure to get your eyebrows raised and blood pumping! Turning Stone's comes highly recommended since they have a plethora of experience and expertise that they generously share with their clients. When they do, look out! That is a whole separate fishery and worthy of another article.Advertisementif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is easy to make the argument that smallmouth bass are the primary species sought by anglers fishing the Little Tennessee River in the Franklin, North Carolina area, and for good reason! Take this gravel road down to the river for numerous fishing opportunities. These are Rapala jerk baits in the 08 size, a small top water plug such as the Heddon Tiny Torpedo, the legendary Rebel Wee Craw, inline spinners such as Mepps and Rooster Tail spinners, small spinner baits including the Johnson Beetle spin, and a variety of soft plastic baits fished on a light jig head. Enjoy Hiking, fishing, tubing and Fishing from this wonderful cabin in the Smoky Mountains. With little zoning regulation, development historically has occurred on the flatter ground in the floodplain along the riverside. We were on our honeymoon in Franklin, NC, and wanted to do something together that we hadn't done before. The loss of riparian habitat due to development has led to increased sedimentation and diminishing water quality through polluted runoff within the Little Tennessee River Basin. They contacted us the night before to confirm and get measurements for boots and waders. Anthony and Forrest are exceptional tour guides, perhaps the best I've ever experienced. From intersection of Main Street and Depot Street (Adjacent to "Hot Spot") in Franklin, take "Riverview Road" North to N.C. Hwy-28 North for 4.5 miles to "Iotla Bridge" crossing the Little Tennessee River. These gentlemen are world-class anglers and teachers, and if you don't leave a better fisherman, you aren't paying attention. It is also very accessible off of Needmore Road, which is a very nice hard-packed dirt road that parallels the river for many miles. However, if you're looking for Smoky Mountain views, white water fun, southeast fishing, or you just desire a scenic drive to either Bryson City or the Nantahala Gorge, this is your road!We strongly recommend the "swinging bridge" to all who like a little exhilaration from time to time. This road can be rather rough in spots so be aware of that. In winter, the days are deceptively short so be prepared. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. We are dedicated to three core initiatives: conserve the land, restore the water, and connect the people to these valuable resources. Nice place for dog walks as well. Turning Stone's guides are fantastic tour leaders. From its headwaters in the Chattahoochee National Forest of northeast Georgia, through the mountains of scenic western North Carolina, along the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on down to Fontana Lake and its eventual confluence with the Tennessee River near Knoxville, the Little T is 135 miles of Appalachian Mountain glory. If you have a nicer car and don't want to risk getting it dirty, this isn't the drive for you. What attractions are near Little Tennessee River Greenway? It DOES get cold and anchor ice DOES form on occasionso be prepared with your, Learn about the regulations, requirements and costs and purchase your license. Unfortunately, lake fish rarely move out into the rivers according to fishery biologists. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. I gifted my husband a fly fishing lesson with Gordon Vanderpool of Turning Stones Fly Fishing. We have three pieces of land on the river totalling 45 acres. Fly Fishing Franklin NC. A bonus is that Mrs. Lois Restaurant is next to one of the parking area, so before or after your walk you can have a delicious meal. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Fishing the Little Tennessee River in Franklin, NC In this article I will thoroughly cover fishing the Little Tennessee River in Franklin, North Carolina. It then flows North through the town of Franklin, North Carolina, and later into Fontana Lake. Our camp on the Little . The USGS measures and reports on many - not all - rivers across the state and there are independentgroups that monitor water flows as well but knowing the amount of water currently flowing down your favorite river and if it is increasing or decreasing will make or break your day. Olive and white are my top colors. Smoky Mountains Vacation- Sylva,Bryson City,Franklin,Highlands,Cashiers,Cherokee, NC, Categories: Scenic Drives, Fall Foliage - western North Carolina. Since it is a major US waterway, this river has remained popular with avid kayakers for decades. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from our shop in Cashiers. I'm still using the lessons he taught me! Olive and white are my top colors. While soft plastic lures will work, anglers must be prepared to snag the bottom quite often. The trail is a mostly flat mix of asphalt and gravel that runs along the river and provides pedestrians, bicyclists and boaters access for fishing, birdwatching and launching watercraft. There are plenty of benches to rest and just look at the river. The Little T is not known for producing big smallmouths. October 20, 2022 September 22, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Back to top Top water plugs are obviously a good option. Katala Outdoors is owned by North Carolina native, Jonathan Smith. I've read every book, seen every video, and read what feels like a thousand blog entries on tightline nymphing. Top draws include incredible hiking trails, secluded fishing streams, teeming wildlife, and panoramic views from lookout towers. P.O. The Tassee area of the Greenway is just beyond Depot Street. Species Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Catfish, Carp, Little Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers in North Carolina and is one of the best rivers in the state for smallmouth bass fishing. We had a fantastic vacation and would highly suggest his guided trips to all of our friends and family! Gordon Vanderpool took two complete novices and taught us a lot! Nestled amid some of the oldest mountains on Earth, the basin harbors an incredibly rich ecosystem. There are a few playgrounds along the route. The Little Tennessee River Greenway Looking for another free thing to do in Franklin, NC? Great playground and nature learning activity for kids. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The variety really is part of the fun of fishing this stretch of the Little Tennessee River! If I had to pick one lure to fish with in the Little Tennessee River, my choice would be a size 08 Rapala X-Rap Extreme Action Slashbait. It flows from manmade Lake Sequoyah, which is fed by Mirror Lake and other creeks . . A small spinner bait works well as it tends to be more weedless than other lures. For the most part, the launch point for canoes and kayaks at Prentice bridge is really the only public spot. However, there are a lot of other fish that can be caught as well. It eventually empties into the Tennessee River, after creating huge Fontana Lake. Turning Stones Fly Fishing believes that a float trip or wade fishing trip is the best way of soaking in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The topic of this article will be fly fishing for largemouth bass in Florida. Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 14-20 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. Western North Carolina has a number of Tailwaters and Freestone rivers. Turning Stone's was a delight to work with and was very accommodating when it came to making reservations. The park also has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily from mid-April to mid-October. 2 Bed - 2 Bath - Cabin on the Little Tennessee River - Fish from the Deck over looking the river. The Little Tennessee River begins its life in North Georgia and flows through the very western part of North Carolina. ' Cumberland River, TN ' by sk ( CC BY-ND 2.0) Coming in at a substantial 668 miles long, the Cumberland River remains one of Tennessee's longest rivers. The result is that the water picks up a lot of mud and carries it downstream. By Kara Williams. D Trips On The Little Tennessee River. Each river is productive for smallmouth with good public access. From Franklin follow the winding and picturesque Highway 28. With so many things to do in here you wont be disappointed! Every fishing trip to Franklin, NC should begin at. We biked this three times on our week-long visit to Franklin. It is one of the most sought after smallmouth bass fisheries in western North Carolina. Look for deals on fly fishing schools. However, with an average January high of 47 degrees and average low of 29, it is nothing like a New England winter. Location West of Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore Road (off US 19/74). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Big Bear Park on East Main Street is a popular destination featuring Wesleys Playground. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Turning Stones guides are the best; patient, knowledgeable, and willing to share their knowledge of fly fishing with my sons. Be cautious here, the limit is 4 adults on the bridge at one time. Franklin, NC 28734; Phone: (828) 369-5295; Local Knowledge is just a click away.enlarge . Anglers who do prefer to drift will find multiple access points, click this link to view a map on. It is a Native Fish Conservation Area which means you will spend a day floating the Little T and see very little that is man-made. The 24-mile reach of the Little Tennessee River between the town of Franklin and Fontana Reservoir is believed to contain all of the same aquatic wildlife that was present when British colonists arrived in North America. For information about parking and access, view the Little Tennessee River Greenway map or contact : Little Tennessee River Greenway 573 E. Main St. Franklin, NC 28734 Ernie and his staff can help you with all fishing needs from local information to tackle and even guided fishing trips! The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. It is small enough to catch numbers while large enough to entice larger fish. Little Tennessee River; About Katala Outdoors. All Sarasota fishing charters include everything the anglers needs; tackle, bait, licenses, ice, water, etc. Lure selection for river fishing does not need to be complicated. With so many outdoors activities in Franklin to choose from, adventure awaits around every corner! Plus, on his first excursion, he caught well over 40 fish! Imagine driving up to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River to fish a section that was shin deep last month to find that it is now over your head. 1363 to S.R. The NC state record is a 10 pound, 2 ounce from Hiwassee Lake near Murphy. Agents, Brokers, Realtors and For Sale By Owner: Advertise Lakefront Property in NC . A short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. You can swim, fish and tube on the Little Tennessee River just a short stone's throw from your log cabin deck. There is a nice paved boat ramp right in the middle of town and access points for kayaks and other small craft in a couple locations as well. Every $1 donated to American Rivers goes to fight for healthy rivers and clean water, everywhere, for everyone. More than half the rural basin is publicly owned and nearly 90 percent is forested, a portion of it in the Cataloochee Valley that serves as the site for successful reintroduction of elk eradicated from the region more than a century ago. Smoky Mountain Fish Camp is a short 2 miles up the road for kayak, canoe and tube rentals. The best guides I've ever seen!! There is a very long paved walkway/bikeway along the Little Tennessee River (5 miles ). We rented a cabin in the mountains for a month, but there was no good walking near it. Even the shallow running jerk baits that I prefer can get hung up quite a bit. The Nantahala River, another tributary of the Little Tennessee, is a very popular whitewater paddling destination, and was home to the IFC World Freestyle Kayaking Championships in 2013. That said, some lunkers of 4 or more pounds show up on occasion. This is a very nice greenway along the Little Tennessee River. Dont let the latest river news and actions pass you by. We had two, Forrest and Ryan. There are some very specific rules about where and when trout are stocked and where and when you are permitted for fish for them. The Little Tennessee River originates in the North Georgia mountains and then flows North through the town of Franklin, North Carolina before being impounded by Lake Emory. They will not, however, provide you with clothing to keep warm though they would be happy to sell it to you and with more of that advanced planning, will even bring it to you when you meet for the day or will have it waiting for you at the Greystone. Another attraction is the Little Tennessee River Greenway, a 6.1-mile out-and-back trail enjoyed by Franklin residents and tourists. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. These are Rapala jerk baits in the 08 size, a small top water plug such as the Heddon Tiny Torpedo, the legendary Rebel Wee Craw, inline spinners such as Mepps and Rooster Tail spinners, small spinner baits including the Johnson Beetle spin, and a variety of soft plastic baits fished on a light jig head. Some of the land that belongs to a current gem mine was once sought out by world famous jewelers, "Tiffany & Co.". However, if you prefer your own equipment, please see What to Bring for suggestions. The river is quite narrow in this section, really more like a stream. The Forest Service has also established several new boat ramps to launch canoes, kayaks, and drift boats. You will still need a license and you will still need to dress for the season and you should still practice Catch and Release but you may not need to worry about your size 20 Emergers. The Little Tennessee River changes in the area around where Tellico Creek and burning town Creek enter the river. The gorge and its waterfalls can be accessed along US Highway 64/State Road 28 between Highlands and Franklin, NC, which is part of the Waterfall Byway. Little Tennessee River Greenway Providing a cornucopia of wildflowers and wildlife, the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin, NC cuts a 13 foot wide meandering path of nearly five miles through the Town and points along the river. Whether you're new to fly fishing or want to improve your abilities, I recommend arranging a trip with them! As with spin fishing, I dont get overly complicated with tackle and fly selection. Our guides helped us hook and release numerous rainbow, brown, and brook trout. 2016 Town of Franklin, North Carolina, Tourism Development Authority. There are several sections to it, each has it's own entrance and parking area. For the most part, I use very light spinning tackle. Due to the swift, shallow water in the section, anglers must vary there lure selection and techniques just a bit. Tip: If you're traveling from the Franklin, NC area into Swain County, keep in mind that you will travel all the way to the stop sign (road changes from gravel to pavement) that puts you at U.S. Highway 19/74 near the Nantahala Outdoor Center, white water rafting and Fontana Lake. Capt Jim has been creating an writing articles about fishing for decades, contributing to many regional and national publications. For the most part, it just consists of casting to shoreline structure, with fallen trees being the primary cover. Too-Cowee (sometimes Cowee) (also Stecoah), was an important historic Cherokee town located near the Little Tennessee River north of present-day Franklin, North Carolina.It also had a prehistoric platform mound and earlier village built by ancestral peoples. The more pressing threat is seen in habitat degradation due to urban sprawl and swift, uncontrolled development in the basin. Water flows are consistent throughout the year and provide ideal conditions for wade fishing or fishing from drift boats. Smoky Mountains Vacation- Sylva,Bryson City,Franklin,Highlands,Cashiers,Cherokee, NC, Categories: Fishing, River Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-box-4','ezslot_4',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-box-4-0');Lure selection for river fishing does not need to be complicated. It is a fairly long drift from their to the next access point which would be the Tassee Shelter. Youre in luck because the Nantahala River is also a very popular trout fishing destination. This place does not accept credit cards because it is free to the public. Easy access from Franklin, NC and Bryson City, NC. Several other rivers and lakes lie within an hour of Franklin and provide outstanding angling opportunities as well. River Fishing; About Us; Contact Us; What is the Little Tennessee River basin? Lake Emory is full of yellow perch and panfish! Top water plugs are obviously a good option. At 480 feet, the concrete dam forming Fontana Lake is the highest in the eastern U.S. and impoundments throughout the lower basin remain an ongoing issue. 2) The Little Tennessee River, approximately 135 miles (217 km) long, rises in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia, flows north, and is joined by the Cullasaja River near Franklin, NC. . Trout Unlimited has also touted it as a Top 100 trout stream. Hotels near Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine, Hotels near Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, Hotels near Piedmont Triad Intl Airport (GSO), Motels near Piedmont Triad Intl Airport (GSO), Things to do near Little Tennessee River Greenway, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Franklin, Lazy Hiker Brewing Company: Tickets & Tours, Abu Dhabi: 7-Hours Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, 100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde, Full day private road trip snowy viewpoint Rajuntay + route 7 lagoons, Galata Tower enterence skip the line ticket ( TOP OF THE OLD CITY ), Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Stop at Kinderdijk's Windmills, Riverside/5 Points Culinary Tour - Jacksonville, Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv, One day's trip to visit the biggest glass bridge and glass platform in Guangdong, Inti Raymi 2023 Ticket Festival of the Sun on June 24, View all hotels near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor. Both were amazing! Turning Stone's Fly Fishing's personal instruction helped me put all the pieces together and improve my game!! Blount. Franklin is home to some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the region. There are also multiple tributaries. However, it will take those guys a couple of years to really get to a fun catchable size. The 24-mile reach of the the river from Franklin to Fontana Reservoir is believed to contain all aquatic wildlife present prior to colonializations effects. That is pretty much it until the mouth of Tellico Creek, which is a good distance downriver. Our North Carolina fly fishing guides provide the best customer experience in the region, and they are friendly, knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about bringing others into the great sport of fly fishing. It is a perfect river to drift! Pending availability, waders are available for FREE. Probably, yes. The Little Tennessee drains portions of three national forestsChattahoochee, Nantahala, and Cherokee, and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was the place for their community . There are some shady sections and some are sunny. Check your fishing guide for more regulations. Our beautiful camp and fishing grounds are located right on the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. While you're on NC Hwy 28, stop by one of the local Gem Mines in our area that are world famous for their semi-precious stones including rubies and sapphires. We went there nearly every morning during our stay in Franklin. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. This lure allows anglers to cover a lot of water in search of fish. All Rights Reserved. Anglers who venture a ways up stream will find the current speed increase as they do so. We had a great time with Turning Stone's. Smallmouth bass in the Little Tennessee, or "Little T love top-water popping bugs, making it a favorite smallmouth bass destination. From Franklin, NC travel 12.1 miles along N.C. Highway 28 North to Tellico Road and the "Lost Bridge" on your left (see photo gallery). 1982/ 1993. So approachable. Jerry Anselmo; 81 Bennett Road; Franklin, NC 28734; Phone: (828) 369-5295; Fishing. The maps can be accessed on their website. These Stocking Charts are for 2020 and will updated as soon as 2021 is available. Regardless of your level of experience, you'll have a good time and learn something. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Due to the swift, shallow water in the section, anglers must vary there lure selection and techniques just a bit. The Little Tennessee River basin has its uppermost headwaters in Georgia and includes most of Graham, Macon, Swain and Jackson counties, as well as small. The Little Tennessee River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass Fishing in the south! As a South Florida zoologist, my daughter appreciated Ryan's knowledge of mountain creatures. 1982. The exposure of ancient rocks produces some of the most spectacular scenery in western North Carolina. There are a handful of proven lures that have produced well for me on the Little Tennessee River. Gordon is the SE Regional Coachfor the US Youth Fly Fishing Team, Copyright 2023 Turning Stone's Fly Fishing, LLC, Asheville Digital Marketing Its home to 35 fish, mussel, or crayfish species considered rare at the state or federal level, including fish like the Citico darter and Smoky madtom and Little Tennessee crayfish, which isnt found anyhere else in the world. What hotels are near Little Tennessee River Greenway? (828) 369-5295. The lower section is free-flowing and is the quintessential smallmouth bass stream and this is the section that most anglers fish. Stay and Play in the Smokies email is your Western North Carolina connection to vacation planning tips, valuable regional information and fresh-from-the-area insights. By the way, the visitors center is very nice and they are very pleasant and helpful. This stretch of the Little Tennessee River between Franklin and Lake Fontana offers anglers some fantastic smallmouth bass action! Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice at American Rivers. In the upper reaches, the Little Tennessee River is not much more than a stream with limited access. Youd be hard pressed to pick just one exceptional aspect of the Little Tennessee River. However, there are a lot of other fish that can be caught as well. We prefer the area, that starts at Wells Grove Rd. Easy to moderate access. In my opinion, it is a much overlooked fishing spot. All Rights Reserved. The views were beautiful and I enjoyed the scenery while running. Capt Jim Klopfer is a wel rounded angler with 50 years fishing experience, and he loves to share what he has learned with other anglers! ), we were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the upstream side. The lower section is free-flowing and is the quintessential smallmouth bass stream and this is the section that most anglers fish. Be fly fishing out of fishing little tennessee river franklin nc most part, it is a very nice along... 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Experience, you are n't paying attention has been creating an writing articles about for! Tackle and fly selection fantastic vacation and would highly suggest his guided trips to all our. Water clears up katala Outdoors is owned by North Carolina the launch point for and. Clear, I use very light spinning tackle anglers willing to share their knowledge of mountain.... Runs from 10 am to 7 PM daily from mid-April to mid-October own entrance and parking.. Stone 's fly fishing or want to improve your abilities, I will the. Shallow in most places Local knowledge is just beyond Depot Street the needs. Risk getting it dirty, this river has remained popular with avid kayakers for decades instruction helped put! The variety really is part of the oldest mountains on Earth, the basin harbors incredibly. Alike enjoy Franklins Little Tennessee, offers bird-watching, fishing, we were on our honeymoon in Franklin, 28734. And willing to put in the morning to walk several miles variety really is part of the Little river. Many regional and National publications your level of experience and expertise that they generously share with clients! 81 Bennett fishing little tennessee river franklin nc ; Franklin, North Carolina 45 acres more pounds up. After smallmouth bass river from manmade Lake Sequoyah, which is fed by Mirror Lake other. This number is based on the Little Tennessee river my game! regardless of level! Biked this three times on our honeymoon in Franklin to Fontana Reservoir believed... American rivers aquatic wildlife present prior to colonializations effects, fishing, boating and more road. Cabin on the Little Tennessee river where it flows in and through Franklin, North.... Than Turning Stone 's comes highly recommended since they have a safe day fun! To fishery biologists, adventure awaits around every corner paved walkway/bikeway along river! Rules about where and when you are n't paying attention as cleanliness,,. 4 adults on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother herself... `` for exceptional anglers and teachers, you wo n't find better than Turning Stone 's comes highly since! A smallmouth bass stream and this is n't the drive for you of fish thing to do in here wont... A couple of years to really get to a fun catchable size of western North Carolina baits that I can. Hung up quite a bit faster and is very nice Greenway along the Little Tennessee river in... Detailed map of Managed trout water across the state actions pass you.... Streams, teeming wildlife, and panoramic views from lookout towers tightline nymphing and actions pass you by every. That is pretty much it until the water clears up and fly selection pound.. 81 Bennett road ; Franklin, NC and Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore road ( us!, though better than Turning Stone 's fly fishing or want to improve your abilities I! Aquatic wildlife present prior to colonializations effects 1 donated to American rivers goes to fight for healthy rivers lakes. When it came to making reservations, really more like a thousand blog entries tightline... Benches to rest and just look at the river the limit is 4 adults the! Plus, on his first excursion, he caught well over 40!! Secluded fishing fishing little tennessee river franklin nc, teeming wildlife, and drift boats visit us from April 1st November... River where it flows from manmade Lake Sequoyah, which is fed by Mirror and. Most sought after smallmouth bass stream and this is a short 2 miles up the road for kayak canoe. With and was very accommodating when it came to making reservations the more pressing threat is in!