I was in GSMNP on Friday and caught (and released) four wild rainbows from five to 8 (maybe 9) inches. The fish are small but, they are a challenge and there are some monters in there if you are both skilled and lucky. The scenery alone is worth the trip. Thanks for sharing your blog entry.
Where were you fishing? We most likely crossed paths. We covered a lot of ground on Friday.
John, thanks for the compliment. For me, fishing is more than about catching fish. It’s the entire experience from the “victory” breakfast to the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches alongside the trail to the wildflowers blooming alongside the streams and the smell of the woods and sounds of the streams. Catching fish is a nice bonus.
That is a very nice reference tool for me. We are staying a week in Townsend in August. Not the best time for fishing, but the primary purpose is to scout the area for retirement possibilities!!
Thanks for sharing your trip. It’s funny but you’re clear across the country but I felt like I was there for a moment. Sweet.
How did your boots work out for you?
It’s probably not totally necessary. I just find, especially in the really fast moving waters in the Smoky Mtns. I can land the fish faster and put less stress on it with a net. Also, I can remove the hook, snap a photo and not need to take the fish totally out of the water. In the slower moving waters, I don’t always use a net (some of the photos with fish in hand). I try to keep the fish out of the water for as short of a time as necessary and always make sure my hands are wet before touching the fish.
I was with Ian Rutter and we fished the Pigeon (in the morning) and the Little (in the afternoon). We only saw one other person actually on the streams and he was spin casting. I’m looking forward to returning.
We hired Ian on our first trip to the Smokys. He’s a good guide, taught us a lot about the water and how to fish there. Glad you had fun.
Where did you fish on the little river? Up by Elkmont? That’s some nice water up there. Also some nice water on the middle prong of the little up by Tremont.