Trout Fishing in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Permit

In addition to State of Tennessee licensing requirements, a local permit is required between 9 and 64 years old of age and for nonresidents 9 years old and above. Special exemptions may apply to all other age groups and the handicapped. Check with local licensing agent for details. Permits available at City Hall, Department of Tourism Welcome Center, and other local outlets.

General Streams

1. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary downstream to Gnatty Branch, except those sections set aside as Children's Streams
2. Dudley Creek from Park Boundary downstream to West Prong Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Children's Streams
3. Roaring Fork from Park Boundary downstream to West Prong Little River
4. LeConte Creek from Painters Branch downstream to West Prong Little River

Fishing is permitted with one-held rod and single hook only.

Children's Streams

1. LeConte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary
2. West Prong Little River from a point to 100 yards above the North Gatlinburg Park Entrance downstream to the Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge
3. Dudley Creek from the Highway 441 Bridge downstream to the West Prong Little Pigeon River

The creel limit is two (2) trout per day for children the age of twelve (12) and under when fishing in Children's Streams. Fishing is permitted with one-held rod and single hook only.

Releasing Fish

1. Play a fish as rapidly as possible, do not play to total exhaustion
2. Keep fish in water as much as possible when handling
3. Handle fish with wet hand, even when using a mesh landing net
4. Remove hook gently; do not squeeze fish or put fingers in gills. Use long-nose pliers to back the hook out gently. The use of barbless hooks is encouraged
5. If deeply hooked, cut the line, do not pull the hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them
6. Gently hold fish upright facing upstream and move slowly back and forth in the water
7. Release fish in quiet water

Season

1. From April 1 through November 30
   • Daily creel limit shall be five (5) trout
   • While fishing or while afield, possession of more than the daily creel limit shall be prohibited, regardless of whether the trout are fresh, stored in an ice chest, in a vehicle or otherwise preserved
2. From December the 1 through March 31
   • Use or possession of any bait other than artificial lures with a single hook shall be prohibited
   • All trout caught must be immediately returned unharmed to the water
   • Possession of any trout shall be prohibited December 1 through March 31
3. Year 'Round
   • Fishing allowed during daylight hours only, which are defined as one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
   • All streams will be closed Thursday of each week

License Cost

For more information ask Tennessee Wildlife Resource agent for assistance. Prices may vary from what is listed below.

• 8 years old and under: No License Required
• 9 years old to 12 years old: In Gatlinburg waters you ONLY need a Gatlinburg One-day Permit (Type 99): Cost is $2.50
• Up to 13 years old in regular waters (NON GATLINBURG): No License Required
• Age 13 to 15 years old: Junior Hunt and Fish (Type 70): Cost is $6.00; good for one year - Inside Gatlinburg waters, they will also need Gatlinburg One-day permit (Type 99): Cost is $2.50 per day OR they may purchase a Gatlinburg One-day Nonresident Permit (Type 97): Cost is $10.50
• Three day fishing no trout: (Type 77): Cost is $10.50 (Not Valid for Gatlinburg Waters)
• Three day All Species: (Type 78): Cost is $20.50 for Gatlinburg, but in addition, you need a Type 99 license to fish the Gatlinburg Waters
• Ten day Fishing no trout: (Type 79): Cost is $15.50 not valid for Gatlinburg Waters
• Ten day all species: (Type 80): Cost is $30.50 for Gatlinburg, but in addition, you need Type 99 license to fish the Gatlinburg Waters
• Annual all fish: (Type 81): Cost is $51.00 for Gatlinburg, but you need the daily Type 99 to fish in Gatlinburg waters in addition to Type 80
• One day nonresident Gatlinburg waters only: (Type 97): Cost is $10.50
• Gatlinburg One-day Permit: (Type 99): Cost is $2.50, must be used in addition to Type 78, Type 80, or Type 81 unless under the age of 13

For more information about fishing and licensing requirements in Gatlinburg visit Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency - TWRA