Where are the best places to Fly Fish in Tennessee?

Tennessee is a fantastic fly fishing destination with a wide range of fishing opportunities that cater to both novice and experienced anglers. The state has a diverse geography that includes high mountain streams, tailwaters, and fertile lowland rivers, each providing a unique angling experience. Here are some of the best fly fishing destinations in Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned fly fishing destination, with over 2,000 miles of streams and rivers that are home to wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout. The park is known for its high elevation streams that offer incredible scenery, wild fish populations, and challenging fishing conditions. Experienced anglers can test their skills on the remote backcountry streams, while novice anglers can enjoy the park's more accessible streams and take advantage of its many fly fishing schools and clinics.

South Holston River

The South Holston River is a tailwater fishery that is known for its trophy brown and rainbow trout. The river is located in eastern Tennessee and is famous for its prolific hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. The river can be challenging to fish due to its technical nature, but anglers who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some of the best trout fishing in the country.

Caney Fork River

The Caney Fork River is another popular tailwater fishery that is located in central Tennessee. The river is home to rainbow and brown trout and is known for its excellent year-round fishing opportunities. The river is stocked regularly with trout, and the water is generally clear, making it a great spot for both dry fly and nymph fishing.

Clinch River

The Clinch River is a tailwater fishery that is located in eastern Tennessee. The river is known for its large brown and rainbow trout, and it is one of the most productive trout streams in the state. The river can be challenging to fish due to its technical nature, but anglers who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some of the best trout fishing in the region.

Hiwassee River

The Hiwassee River is a tailwater fishery that is located in southeastern Tennessee. The river is known for its excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing and is a popular destination for both fly fishing and spin fishing. The river is stocked regularly with trout, and it is an excellent spot for both novice and experienced anglers.

Little River

The Little River is a wild trout stream that is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river is known for its wild brook trout and is a popular destination for fly fishermen who enjoy fishing for wild fish in a beautiful and remote setting.

Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is a tailwater fishery that is located in northern Tennessee. The river is home to trophy brown and rainbow trout and is known for its excellent year-round fishing opportunities. The river can be challenging to fish due to its technical nature, but experienced anglers will find some of the best trout fishing in the region.