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Trout Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout
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Angler Type: Wade
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Access Type: Public
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Description
It is probably a toss up between Hazel and Abrams as to which is the most written about stream in the Smokies. The Hazel Creek watershed is full of history. It was substantially logged by the Ritter Logging Company. There were hundreds of people that called this valley home. Today you can see reminants of old homesteads, school and rail systems that were used to move the virgin timber out of the valley. Today the valley is completely cutoff. There are no roads that lead to it. The formation of Fontana Lake during WWII flooded all the roads that used to lead to the stream and valley. Today you have to either hike in or take a boat across Fontana Lake. Despite the relative seclusion, Hazel Creek is frequented quite a bit. You will need to secure a back country campsite before going. Hazel is typically not a day trip, but requires an overnight stay. The fishing can be incredible. Every year anglers talk of the big fish that were caught, spotted or lost in it’s waters. It is a stream that everyone should experience at least once.
Please practice safe wading practices and be sure to check the conditions before you go.
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
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Getting There
