Best Times & Seasons to Fish in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee and North Carolina offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in the Smoky Mountains are during the spring and fall months of April, May, September, and October, targeting species such as trout, bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and occasionally pike.

Month	Smoky Mountains Fishing Location
January	French Broad River – Targeting smallmouth bass near the Asheville area.
February	Little River – Fishing for brown trout in the Elkmont area.
March	Oconaluftee River – Best spot for catching rainbow and brown trout near Cherokee.
April	Abrams Creek – Excellent location for brook trout fishing above Cades Cove.
May	Tellico River – Targeting rainbow and brown trout in the Tellico Plains area.
June	Watauga Lake – Great for bass fishing near Elizabethton.
July	Norris Lake – Ideal for fishing largemouth and smallmouth bass.
August	Fontana Lake – Targeting walleye and smallmouth bass in the Bryson City area.
September	Nantahala River – Best for rainbow and brown trout fishing in Nantahala National Forest.
October	Douglas Lake – Prime location for crappie and catfish near Dandridge.
November	Hiwassee River – Excellent spot for trout and smallmouth bass fishing near Reliance.
December	Cherokee Lake – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass near Jefferson City.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the Smoky Mountains. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in the Smoky Mountains

Little River (Elkmont to Metcalf Bottoms): Best months to fish are April and May for rainbow and brown trout.

Abrams Creek (above Cades Cove): March and April are great for brown trout, while May and June are ideal for brook trout.

West Prong Little Pigeon River (above the Chimney Tops trailhead): March to May is best for rainbow trout.

Little River (Tremont area): March and April are excellent for brown trout.

Middle Prong Little River (Tremont area): April and May are prime months for rainbow and brown trout.

Oconaluftee River (near Cherokee): Late April through May is fantastic for brown and rainbow trout.

Raven Fork River (tributary of the Oconaluftee River): Spring and early summer are best for rainbow trout.

Deep Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): March to May offers great fishing for rainbow and brown trout.

Cataloochee Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): April and May are ideal for catching brook trout.

Hazel Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park): Late spring and early summer are perfect for rainbow and brown trout.

Little River (Townsend area): May to June is excellent for rainbow and brown trout.

Tellico River (Tellico Plains): Spring months of March and April are prime for rainbow and brown trout.

Hiwassee River (Reliance): Spring and early summer are best for rainbow and brown trout.

Tuckasegee River (Bryson City area): April to June is great for rainbow and brown trout.

Nantahala River (Nantahala National Forest): Spring and summer months offer fantastic fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

South Holston River (Bristol, TN): Late spring and summer are prime for brown and rainbow trout.

Watauga River (Elizabethton): Late spring and early summer offer excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout.

Clinch River (Norris): Spring and summer months provide great opportunities for brown and rainbow trout.

Holston River (Knoxville area): Spring to early summer is best for smallmouth bass and trout.

French Broad River (Asheville area): Spring and fall are ideal for smallmouth bass and trout fishing.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in the Smoky Mountains

Douglas Lake: Best months for fishing are April to June and September to October, targeting largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

Fontana Lake: Spring and fall months are ideal for fishing, targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and trout.

Cherokee Lake: April to June and September to October are great for fishing largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

Norris Lake: Spring and fall offer excellent fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie.

Tellico Lake: Spring and fall are best for fishing bass, crappie, and catfish.

Fort Loudoun Lake: April to June and September to October are prime months for fishing bass, crappie, and catfish.

Watts Bar Lake: Spring and fall months provide good fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Calderwood Lake: Spring and fall are the best times to target smallmouth bass, trout, and walleye.

Hiwassee Lake: Spring and early summer are ideal for fishing bass, walleye, and trout.

Nantahala Lake: Spring and early summer are great for trout fishing.

Chatuge Lake: April to June and September to October offer good fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Cheoah Lake: Spring and fall are the prime seasons for bass and crappie fishing.

South Holston Lake: Spring and summer are best for smallmouth bass, trout, and walleye.

Watauga Lake: Spring and early summer provide great fishing for bass, trout, and walleye.

Cherokee Reservoir: Spring and fall are excellent for fishing bass, crappie, and catfish.

Melton Hill Lake: April to June and September to October offer good fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish.

J. Percy Priest Lake: Spring and fall are prime times for bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.

Boone Lake: Spring and fall months are ideal for fishing bass, crappie, and catfish.

Chickamauga Lake: April to June and September to October are best for bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.

Kentucky Lake: Spring and fall provide excellent opportunities for fishing bass, crappie, and catfish.

Regions Around the Smoky Mountains: Best Times

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The best time to fish in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is spring and fall, especially April, May, September, and October. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the best times to catch fish. Fishing just before a storm can be really good because fish often feed more then.

Gatlinburg

The best months to fish in Gatlinburg are spring and fall, especially in April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish. Fishing just before a storm can be great because fish often feed more at that time.

Pigeon Forge

The best time to fish in Pigeon Forge is spring and fall, like April, May, September, and October. Fish usually bite the most in the early morning and late evening. And, fishing can be really good just before a storm, because fish often eat more then.

Sevierville

The best time to fish in Sevierville is spring and fall, especially April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are the best times of the day to fish. Fishing can be good just before a storm because fish often feed more then.

Townsend

The best months to fish in Townsend by the Smoky Mountains are spring and fall, especially April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish. Also, fishing can be great just before a storm because fish often eat more at that time.

Cherokee

The best time to fish in Cherokee is spring and fall, particularly in April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are the best times of the day to fish. And, fishing just before a storm can be really good because fish often feed more then.

Recommended Fishing Guides in the Tennessee/North Carolina

These Tennessee/North Carolina-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Cherokee Lake Fishing Charter	Rutledge, TN
Southern Outdoor Sportsmen	Chattanooga, TN
River Monster Guide Service	Sevierville, TN
Set’n Hooks Guide Service	Mooresville, NC
Knoxville Fishing Guide Service	Sevierville, TN
Fishers Of Men Guide Service	Mooresville, NC
Striper Bandit Guide Service	Morristown, TN
Fish Memphis Guide Service	Memphis, TN

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Rainbow Trout

Fishing for rainbow trout in the Smoky Mountains is best during the spring and fall, especially in March, April, September, and October. The early morning and late evening are the prime times to fish. The best places to catch rainbow trout in the Smoky Mountains are the Little River, the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, Abrams Creek, and the Oconaluftee River.

Brown Trout

The best time to fish for brown trout in the Smoky Mountains is in the fall and spring months, especially in October, November, April, and May. Early morning and late evening are usually the best times to fish. Some best places to fish for brown trout in the Smoky Mountains include the Little River, the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, Abrams Creek, and the Oconaluftee River.

Brook Trout

The best time to fish for brook trout in the Smoky Mountains is in the cooler spring and fall months, specifically April, May, September, and October. Mornings and evenings are typically the best times of the day to fish. Some top spots for brook trout in the Smoky Mountains include the Little River, the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, Abrams Creek, and the Oconaluftee River.

Largemouth Bass

The best time to fish for largemouth bass in the Smoky Mountains is in the spring and early summer, especially in April, May, and June. Early morning and late evening are usually the best times to fish. Some of the best spots for largemouth bass in the Smoky Mountains are Douglas Lake, Cherokee Lake, the French Broad River, and the Little Tennessee River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in the Smoky Mountains is best during spring and fall, with April, May, September, and October being peak months. The early morning and late afternoon are the top fishing times. The best places to fish for smallmouth bass in the Smoky Mountains are the Little River, Abrams Creek, the Pigeon River, and Fontana Lake.

White Bass

In the Smoky Mountains, the best time to fish for white bass is in spring, particularly during April and May. Dawn and dusk are usually the best times of the day for fishing. Some top spots to catch white bass in the Smoky Mountains include the French Broad River, Little Tennessee River, Norris Lake, and Douglas Lake.

Striped Bass

Fishing for striped bass in the Smoky Mountains is best in the cooler fall and spring months, especially in April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are usually the best times to fish. The best locations for striped bass in the Smoky Mountains include the Holston River, Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, and the Clinch River.

Channel Catfish

In the Smoky Mountains, the best time to fish for catfish is in the warmer months, particularly from May to September. Nighttime is the best time to catch these fish because they are most active then. Top spots for catfish fishing in the Smoky Mountains are the French Broad River, Douglas Lake, Holston River, and the Little Tennessee River.

Crappie

Fishing for crappie in the Smoky Mountains is best in the spring and fall, especially in April, May, and October. Early morning and late evening are the top times to fish. The best spots to find crappie in the Smoky Mountains are Douglas Lake, Fontana Lake, Norris Lake, and the Tellico Reservoir.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in the Smoky Mountains is best in the late winter to early spring, particularly February, March, and April. Early morning and late evening are the prime times to fish. The best places to fish for walleye in the Smoky Mountains include Fontana, Cherokee, Norris, and the Clinch River.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch fishing in the Smoky Mountains is usually best in late winter and early spring, especially in February and March. Early morning and late afternoon are when the fish are most active. For the best chance of catching yellow perch, try fishing in Douglas Lake, Fontana Lake, Cherokee Lake, and the Holston River.

Musky

Fishing for Musky in the Smoky Mountains is great from late fall to early spring, particularly in November, December, and March. The best times of the day are early morning and late afternoon. Melton Hill Lake, the French Broad River, the Holston River, and Norris Lake are top spots in the Smoky Mountains for Musky fishing.

Northern Pike

Pike fishing in the Smoky Mountains is best during the cooler months from late fall to early spring, especially in October, November, and March. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to fish for pike. The top places to fish for pike in the Smoky Mountains include the French Broad River, Holston River, Cherokee Lake, and Norris Lake.

Carp

The best time to catch carp in the Smoky Mountains is in the warmer months, from May to September, with June and July being the peak. Dawn and dusk are the best times of the day to fish for carp. The Little Tennessee River, Douglas Lake, French Broad River, and the Holston River are some of the best spots in the Smoky Mountains to fish for carp.

Longnose Gar

The best time to fish for Long Nose Gar in the Smoky Mountains is from late spring to early fall, especially in May, June, and July. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the best times of day. Some of the best places in the Smoky Mountains to find these fish are the Little Pigeon River, Little River, French Broad River, and the Holston River.

Best Fishing in the Smoky Mountains on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

The French Broad River is a good spot for pike fishing. The cooler months of late fall to early spring, especially December and January, are ideal for fishing, usually in the early morning and late afternoon.
Fontana Lake is known for walleye. The best time to fish for them is late winter to early spring, particularly in February and March, either early morning or late evening.
Douglas Lake is a popular place for yellow perch. Late winter and early spring, especially in February and March, are good times to fish, usually in the early morning or late afternoon.
The Oconaluftee River is great for brook trout. The best months to catch them are during the cooler months of spring and fall, but you can also try in winter, particularly in the early morning and late evening.

Spring

The Little River is an excellent spot for smallmouth bass fishing. Spring, particularly April and May, are the best months to go, with early mornings and late afternoons being the most productive times.
The French Broad River is great for white bass fishing. April and May, during dawn and dusk, are the best times to catch them.
Norris Lake is a popular place for walleye. The late winter to early spring months, especially February and March, are the best times to fish, usually in the early morning or late evening.
The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River is fantastic for rainbow trout. The prime months to catch them are March and April, during the early morning and late evening.

Summer

The French Broad River is a fantastic place for catfish fishing. During the warm summer months of June, July, and August, nighttime is usually the best time for catching these fish.
Douglas Lake is known for its largemouth bass. The early summer months, especially May and June, are ideal for fishing, with early mornings and late evenings being the prime times.
Cherokee Lake is a great spot for crappie. The best months to catch crappie are usually April, May, and October, but summer can also be a good time, particularly in the early morning and late evening.
The Little Tennessee River is perfect for white bass. Dawn and dusk in the summer months, especially June and July, can be the best times to catch them.

Fall

Douglas Lake is a great spot for largemouth bass fishing. In the fall, especially in September and October, you can have a successful fishing trip early in the morning or late in the evening.
The Little River is a top place for smallmouth bass. The cooler temperatures of fall make early mornings and late afternoons the best times to catch them, especially in September and October.
Abrams Creek is known for its brown trout. October and November are particularly good for fishing here, preferably in the early morning and late evening.
The Oconaluftee River is a great location for rainbow trout fishing. Fall, especially September and October, is the best time to fish, with mornings and evenings being the best times.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of Tennessee’s best times to fish. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in North Carolina.