- Trout Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout
- Angler Type: Wade
- Access Type: Public
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Description
Big Creek is located on the Tennessee, North Carolina border on the north side of the Park, just inside North Carolina. It is about the same size as the Greenbrier watershed, however almost all of the fishing is accessed via Big Creek Trail. Because of the limited roadside fishing, there is less pressure. Big Creek campground is also just inside the park and it makes for a great place to camp and fish in relative seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the Little River/Abrams area of the park.
Suggested Flies
- January: Blue Wing Olive, Little Black Stone, Midges, Stone Fly Nymphs and Mayfly Nymphs
- Feburary: Blue Wing Olive, Little Black Stone, Midges, Stone Fly Nymphs and Mayfly Nymphs
- March: Blue Wing Olive, Quill Gordon, Blue Quill, Black Stone, Brown Stone, Tan Caddis, Hendrickson
- April: Hendrickson, Quill Gordon, Blue Quill, Brown Stone, March Brown, Yellow Stone Fly, Light Cahill
- May: Yellow Stone Fly, March Brown, Light Cahill, Sulphur, Green Drake
- June: Light Cahill, Yellow Stone Fly, Sulphur, Little Green Stone Fly, Tan Caddis
- July: Light Cahill, Sulphur, Yellow Stone Fly, Terrestrials
- August: Terrestrials, Light Cahill, Sulphur
- September: Terrestrials, Light Cahill, Sulphur
- October: Sulphur, October Caddis, Blue Wing Olive, Midges
- November: Blue Wing Olive, Stone Fly Nymphs and Mayfly Nymphs
- December: Blue Wing Olive, Little Black Stone, Midgesd
Suggested Rods/Reels/Lines
There are many opinions for the right outfit for the park. However something in the middle will get you by with just about any type of fishing that you will encounter in the park. Anything from a 7 foot 6 inch 3wt to a 8 foot 6 inch 5wt will get the job done.
2010 Regulations
Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish.
- 7 inch minimum on Brook, Rainbow, and Brown trout, as well as Smallmouth Bass
- Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters.
- Fishing is allowed from a half hour before official sunrise to a half hour after official sunset.
- Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used. Up to two flies on a leader.
- You must have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina Fishing License also
For more information on daily creel limits and additional information please refer to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Fishing website
Click here to purchase a Tennessee Fishing License
Public Access Points
- Big Creek Trail
Click here for maps of Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Getting There
Take interstate I-40 to Exit 451, also known as the Waterville exit, just before the North Carolina line.
