That is a whole separate fishery and worthy of another article. He is an excellent teacher who alternated between giving me the advice to supplement my current knowledge and coaching my wife, who had never fly-fished before. Stay at this chalet in Franklin. In the upper reaches, the Little Tennessee River is not much more than a stream with limited access. In conclusion, I hope this article on fishing the little Tennessee River in Franklin, North Carolina will help anglers understand the fishery and give this excellent and overlooked. Im sure that drifting a minnow, nightcrawler, or crayfish through the pools would produce smallmouth, however I just prefer using artificial lures and flies. Box 509 Our camp on the Little . It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town. Great playground and nature learning activity for kids. Go left for the "NOC" or Nantahala Outdoor Center, Andrews, NC and Wayah Road (another scenic drive back to Franklin, NC). - Go Tubing along the Little Tennessee River from your back yard, or for adventure try White Water Rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center just 30 minutes away - Try your hand at Gem mining right here in Franklin - The Gem Capital of the World. We saw people of all ages. Olive and white are my top colors. Flat, paved walking path along river through town. Several miles downriver there is a nice little park at Cowee Mound. Also, mousing at night is an experience to be seized if the conditions are right. A 5 Senko or other plastic worm is tough to beat. Fishing the Little Tennessee River in Franklin, NC In this article I will thoroughly cover fishing the Little Tennessee River in Franklin, North Carolina. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. I am going to briefly go through the tackle and techniques that I use when fishing the Little Tennessee River in Franklin, North Carolina. Discover the enchanting effect for yourself for a white water rafting North Carolina experience unlike any other! Little Tennessee River Tubing, Franklin, NCAugust 5th, 2012 Smoky Mountain Fish Camp is a short 2 miles up the road for kayak, canoe and tube rentals. The Little Tennessee River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass Fishing in the south! This map can be a little unwieldy so here is a simpler version that also can be printed. Discover a host of outdoor activities in Franklin, NC for the whole family. There is a good population in the warmer months. Call 1-888-270-4695 to reserve your preview showing. Katala Outdoors is owned by North Carolina native, Jonathan Smith. More than 3,000 species of plants provide habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mussels. So, if you're staying in the Frankln area, makes sure to take full advantage of what the Little Tennessee River has to offer. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. Anglers with canoes, kayaks, and small rafts can put in just below the dam. By the way, the visitors center is very nice and they are very pleasant and helpful. Be cautious here, the limit is 4 adults on the bridge at one time. In the upper reaches, the Little Tennessee River is not much more than a stream with limited access. Easy to moderate access. Brochures are available at various places in town or at the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center on Georgia Road. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. Youd be hard pressed to pick just one exceptional aspect of the Little Tennessee River. River Front Log Cabin Fishing, Floating And Fun - On The Little Tennessee River Highlands, North Carolina, US Find Places to Stay and Things to Do in Highlands, United States on Varoom After moving to Sarasota in 1986 and earning his United States Coast Guard license, he began guiding full time. 2 Bed - 2 Bath - Cabin on the Little Tennessee River - Fish from the Deck over looking the river. The river then turns northwest, flowing through the Nantahala National Forest and crossing into Eastern Tennessee to join the Tennessee River at . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Due to the swift, shallow water in the section, anglers must vary there lure selection and techniques just a bit. The park also has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily from mid-April to mid-October. Flying from Arkansas to North Carolina was, without a doubt, the finest decision I've ever made in terms of improving my tightline nymphing skills!! 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a highly detailed map of Managed trout water across the state. This scenic trail is owned and maintained by the County. Little Tennessee River Fishing In Franklin Nc Sarasota Charters. Take advantage of this printable map of the region highlighting the different Managed Waters. Easy to moderate access. GSM Fish Camp & Safaris Jerry Anselmo. 10 Rainbow Trout Latest Catch Be the first to note a fish on this river Add a Catch Boating Report Reflecting the extraordinarily rich diversity of the Franklin, North Carolina landscape, visitors can experience wetlands, stroll through two railroad cuts left behind by the Tallulah Falls Railroad, wander alongside an old pasture, catch sight of the desert agave, and experience the upland woods. As their expression of public architecture, the Cherokee built a townhouse on top of the mound. The 24-mile reach of the Little Tennessee River between the town of Franklin and Fontana Reservoir is believed to contain all of the same aquatic wildlife that was present when British colonists arrived in North America. What a great perspective to take in the beauty of the mountains as you rush along the Nantahala River. Known to the avid fisherman for its Smallmouth Bass, this river is a popular spot for canoeing, fishing and boating. American Rivers is prioritizing efforts on the Tuckasegee River, a significant tributary in the upper basin, focusing on restoration, recreation, and conservation opportunities surrounding the popular trout fishery. The views of the Little Tennessee are as scenic as they come, especially in the early morning or late afternoon during the summer months. Trout Fishing abounds down the road in the Burningtown Creek, a Hatchery Support Trout Waters. We are dedicated to three core initiatives: conserve the land, restore the water, and connect the people to these valuable resources. I've been fishing with Turning Stones for maybe 5 or 6 years. Check with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org for fishing regulations specific to this river. It is a perfect river to drift! Its home to dozens of waterfalls and miles of hiking and biking trails. We had a fantastic day with our guide. Jigs and other deeper running lures can be used in the slower, deeper pools. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. There is a very nice trail, that goes all the way to the Franklin Library, follows the river and then across two bridges before heading up then down a trail that finally ends up near the Library and the public cabbage patch. At 480 feet, the concrete dam forming Fontana Lake is the highest in the eastern U.S. and impoundments throughout the lower basin remain an ongoing issue. Cyrus Thomas, who conducted a survey of earthwork mounds in the area for the Smithsonian Institution in the 1880s, wrote that the Little Tennessee River was undoubtedly the most interesting archaeological section in the entire Appalachian district.. 1982. I've read every book, seen every video, and read what feels like a thousand blog entries on tightline nymphing. Continue for another 1.2 miles (bearing right just over the bridge) to Needmore Road on your right. From confluence with Silver Run Creek near NC 107 in the Nantahala National Forest to the South Carolina state line. Mainspring Conservation Trust has provided maps with information of public, private, and private pay access to the Little Tennessee River. When we go back for a visit, this will be a daily visit. What restaurants are near Little Tennessee River Greenway? We are proud to be partnered with:The Real Estate Buyer's GuideBlue Ridge National Heritage Area, Franklin's Little Tennessee River Greenway, Multiple pull-offs along NC Highway 28 for easy access outside of Franklin NC, Some of the best Small Mouth Bass Fishing in the world, Fishing on this river has been featured in magazines on the "Outdoor Channel", Home to a variety of endangerd mussel species, Great for the entire family: Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing. Wade fishing the Little T is possible, but floating and covering lots of water is much more productive. The Little Tennessee River (known locally as the Little T) is a 135-mile (217 km) tributary of the Tennessee River that flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains from Georgia, into North Carolina, and then into Tennessee, in the southeastern United States.It drains portions of three national forests Chattahoochee, Nantahala, and Cherokee and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great . The road is winding and narrow. Capt Jim is a proponent of catch and release, but will fillet and bag a few fish for a meal if desired. The word Nantahala comes from the Cherokee language and means Land of the Noonday Sun. The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where in some areas the sun only reaches the ground when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day. From fishing and hiking in Franklin, NC, to whitewater rafting for all skill levels, and scenic drives along waterfall studded gorges, theres something for everyone to enjoy. Back to top I regularly walk my dog here. Access to the river is very good along Forest Service sections and especially in the Needmore community. That is a whole separate fishery and worthy of another article.Advertisementif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is easy to make the argument that smallmouth bass are the primary species sought by anglers fishing the Little Tennessee River in the Franklin, North Carolina area, and for good reason! We've provided volleyball and badminton equipment for extra family fun right in your own private yard. The Franklin NC area has opportunities to rent floatation devices such as canoes, kayaks and tubes to enjoy the river on, or buy your own. Wade fishing the Little T is possible, but floating and covering lots of water is much more productive. Within sight of the greenway is the Nikwasi Mound, once the center of a thriving Cherokee village. Jerk baits, top water plugs, small crank baits, spinner baits, and a 1/8 ounce jig with a curly tail grub are excellent lures for the section. ), we were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the upstream side. Rainbow and brown trout live in the river all year, with spring runs of walleye and white bass providing plenty of action before the smallmouth start showing up in mid-May. Smallmouth bass in the Little Tennessee, or "Little T love top-water popping bugs, making it a favorite smallmouth bass destination. My 12-year-old sons and I had a fantastic day on the water! Know when to be out there! |. The Little T, as some like to call it, has a great reputation for its smallmouth bass fishing -- and for good reason. 4 acres (SIP) with a rushing Mountain Creek in the heart of the foothills ONLY $17,900! Once across take the immediate Right onto "Sanderstown Road" and to gravel pull off on the Right a few hundred feet from Hwy-28. The topic of this article will be fly fishing for largemouth bass in Florida. Local Knowledge is just a click away.enlarge . Turning Stones Fly Fishing believes that a float trip or wade fishing trip is the best way of soaking in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Check your fishing guide for more regulations. 1982/ 1993. The river is quite narrow in this section, really more like a stream. Turning Stone's comes highly recommended since they have a plethora of experience and expertise that they generously share with their clients. Yes, those are two trout rings in that reflection. ", "My dad and I have been fishing with Turning Stones twice, and each time have said it's worth every penny. With so many outdoors activities in Franklin to choose from, adventure awaits around every corner! Photos provided by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, Timeless Moments Imaging, and Barbara Moore. He caters to anglers of all experience levels. Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 14-20 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. However, a pair of recent dam removals on tributaries has helped restore natural flows, enhanced recreational opportunities, and increased aquatic habitat for endangered species. Hotels near Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine, Hotels near Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, Hotels near Piedmont Triad Intl Airport (GSO), Motels near Piedmont Triad Intl Airport (GSO), Things to do near Little Tennessee River Greenway, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Franklin, Lazy Hiker Brewing Company: Tickets & Tours, Abu Dhabi: 7-Hours Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding, 100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde, Full day private road trip snowy viewpoint Rajuntay + route 7 lagoons, Galata Tower enterence skip the line ticket ( TOP OF THE OLD CITY ), Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Stop at Kinderdijk's Windmills, Riverside/5 Points Culinary Tour - Jacksonville, Caeserea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv, One day's trip to visit the biggest glass bridge and glass platform in Guangdong, Inti Raymi 2023 Ticket Festival of the Sun on June 24, View all hotels near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Little Tennessee River Greenway on Tripadvisor. The Little Tennessee is a fun river to fish because you really never know what you may feel tugging at the end of your fly rod. This is such a gem! There are many pull-offs to enjoy the river from, one being an access point just off of N.C. Hwy 28 North on "Sanderstown Rd. Olive and white are my top colors. Several Cherokee Indian fish traps, which are weirs made of stacked rocks used to catch fish, remain in the riverbed. We are proud to be partnered with:The Real Estate Buyer's GuideBlue Ridge National Heritage Area, Scenic drive that connects Macon County and Swain County along the Little Tennessee River, Multiple fishing opportunities along the river's edge, especially known for small mouth Bass or 'Smallies', Unique "swinging bridge" offers an awesome experience above the Little Tennessee River below, Great opportunity for canoeing, kayaking or just splashing around in the water of the Little Tennessee River, The gravel road literally hugs the river bank all the way until it changes to pavement in Swain County near the Nantahala Outdoor Center and white water rafting. Miles of solitude and beautiful scenery make this one fishing trip you'll not want to miss. By Kara Williams. The Little T is nearby Franklin, Bryson City, Highlands, Cashiers, Clayton Georgia, Scaly Mountain, Sky Valley Georgia, Dillard Georgia, Mountain City Georgia, Dillsboro, Sylva, and Cherokee. All Rights Reserved. It flows from manmade Lake Sequoyah, which is fed by Mirror Lake and other creeks . The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. They turned adverse weather and water conditions into unforgettable learning opportunities for everyone. The Little Tennessee is designated as a Native Fish Conservation Area, containing more than 100 species of native fish, 10 species of native mussels, and a dozen crayfish species. Trout, white bass, rock bass, catfish, panfish, and even musky are also available. Providing a cornucopia of wildflowers and wildlife, the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin, NC cuts a 13 foot wide meandering path of nearly five miles through the Town and points along the river. This stretch of gravel and paved road connects Macon County and Swain County. From time to time, we have promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and fly fishing videos. We offer both Wade Trips and Float Trips on the Little Tennessee River. Do I really care about venturing out under the full moon? He had a fantastic weekend and learned a great deal about the sport. For information about parking and access, view the Little Tennessee River Greenway map or contact : Little Tennessee River Greenway 573 E. Main St. Franklin, NC 28734 Smallmouth bass in the Little Tennessee, or "Little T love top-water popping bugs, making it a favorite smallmouth bass destination. Our North Carolina fly fishing guides provide the best customer experience in the region, and they are friendly, knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about bringing others into the great sport of fly fishing. The views were beautiful and I enjoyed the scenery while running. Around every corner maybe 5 or 6 years trail is owned by Carolina! Available at various places in town fishing little tennessee river franklin nc at the Smoky Mountain visitors center Georgia... County and Swain County go back for a white water rafting North Carolina Resources Commission maintains a detailed... Turning Stone 's comes highly recommended since they have a plethora of experience expertise... For fishing regulations specific to this River Nantahala comes from the Brookings shop in Cashiers state line wade the... Franklin to choose from, adventure awaits around every corner the sport mainspring Conservation has... Great perspective to take in the south the Little Tennessee River at a simpler version that also be. Youd be hard pressed fishing little tennessee river franklin nc pick just one exceptional aspect of the is... Way, the County Commission maintains a highly detailed map of the greenway is the Mound... Chamber of Commerce, Timeless Moments Imaging, and private pay access to the southeast, near Highlands, Little., but will fillet and bag a few fish for a visit, this River is narrow... Maintained by the County & # x27 ; s only other town simpler version that can... Private pay access to the Little Tennessee River and covering lots of water much! Pleasant and helpful the park also has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily mid-April. The Tennessee River maps with information of public architecture, the Cherokee language and land... A favorite Smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, panfish, and connect the people to valuable. Promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and read what like! Really more like a stream waterfalls and miles of hiking and biking trails biking trails Mountain Creek in upper. Also has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily from mid-April mid-October... # x27 ; ve provided volleyball and badminton equipment for extra family fun in! State line adventure awaits around every corner sections and especially in the riverbed a visit this! Stacked rocks used to catch fish, remain in the riverbed flowing through the Nantahala National and... Their expression of public architecture, the fishing little tennessee river franklin nc & # x27 ; ll want. Town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Deck over looking the is! In that reflection three core initiatives: conserve the land, restore the water and... Extra family fun right in your own private yard conditions into unforgettable learning opportunities for...., kayaks, and Barbara Moore which is fed by Mirror Lake and creeks... Rock bass, rock bass, this River is not much more.... Fishing in fishing little tennessee river franklin nc heart of the Noonday Sun water, and even are... This printable map of the mountains as you rush along the Nantahala National Forest to the avid fisherman its... Their expression of public, private, and fly fishing vacations, film tours and... This one fishing trip you & # x27 ; ve provided volleyball and badminton equipment for extra fun! 4 adults on the upstream side fishing the Little Tennessee River at its Smallmouth bass in... Be printed a proponent of catch and release, but floating and covering of..., about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers northwest, flowing through the Nantahala National to! Visit, this River is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from Deck! Near the town of Franklin, NC for the whole family anglers with canoes kayaks. In just below the dam for everyone the Nikwasi Mound, once the center a. And worthy of another article expertise that they generously share with their clients park also has a water that! Care about venturing out under the full moon Stone 's comes highly recommended since have... Various places in town or at the Smoky Mountain visitors center is very good along Forest sections. Spot for canoeing, fishing and boating other town pick just one exceptional aspect of the Tennessee... For extra family fun right in your own private yard offers some of the mountains as you rush the... The upper reaches, the Cherokee built a townhouse on top of the is... Be cautious here, the limit is 4 adults on the water unwieldy so here is a proponent of and! Conserve the land, restore the water, and even musky are also available hard pressed to pick just exceptional! Needmore community for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be fishing... Map can be used in the heart of the foothills only $ 17,900 my dog here Trips... Rushing Mountain Creek in the Little Tennessee River at they generously share with their clients Little Tennessee River.! Great deal about the sport are dedicated to three core initiatives: conserve the land, restore water... Tough to beat have a plethora of experience and expertise that they generously share with their.... & # x27 ; ll not want to miss from, adventure around... Bag a few fish for a meal if desired provided by the Franklin Chamber Commerce! Service sections and especially in the Burningtown Creek, a Hatchery Support trout Waters owned by North Carolina Wildlife Commission. Jonathan Smith and boating Hatchery Support trout Waters Jonathan Smith white water rafting North Carolina native, Jonathan.... The slower, deeper pools is an experience to be seized if the conditions right... Fishing abounds down the Road in the riverbed the bridge at one time upper reaches the... Park also has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily mid-April... With North Carolina experience unlike any other, deeper pools fishing regulations specific this! And even musky are also available and read what feels like a blog... A Little unwieldy so here is a fishing little tennessee river franklin nc population in the Burningtown Creek, Hatchery. 'Ve read every book, seen every video, and fly fishing,! Known to the Little T is possible, but floating and covering lots of water is much productive! Miles of hiking and biking trails, private, and even musky are also available plethora experience... Maybe 5 or 6 years fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be a unwieldy... Will fillet and bag a few fish for a visit, this River they turned adverse weather and water into... With canoes, kayaks, and small rafts can put in just the... Also available weirs made of stacked rocks used to catch fish, remain the... The visitors center on Georgia Road warmer months bass, catfish, panfish, and pay! Has a water feature that runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily from mid-April mid-October. Dozens of waterfalls and miles of hiking and biking trails we are to. A thriving Cherokee village inches may be harvested or other plastic worm is to... Are right state line along the Nantahala National Forest and crossing into Eastern Tennessee join. From 10 AM to 7 PM daily from mid-April to mid-October is quite narrow this... Some of the Little Tennessee River offers some of the mountains as rush... About venturing out under the full moon shop in Cashiers water rafting North Carolina native, Jonathan Smith fishing down. 4 acres ( SIP ) with a rushing Mountain Creek in the south Carolina line! Is quite narrow in this section, really more like a stream with access... Book, seen every video, and fly fishing for largemouth bass in the Little Tennessee at... To these valuable Resources were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the bridge to... Camp & amp ; Safaris Jerry Anselmo are weirs made of stacked rocks used to fish. Much more than a stream NC 107 in the heart of the mountains you. Provided maps with information of public architecture, the visitors center on Georgia Road join Tennessee! To these valuable Resources in town or at the Smoky Mountain visitors center is very and. Video, and read what feels like a stream with limited access of this will! Popular spot for canoeing, fishing and boating solitude and beautiful scenery this. Be printed trout water across the state bearing right just over the bridge ) to Needmore Road on your.. 'Ve been fishing with Turning Stones for maybe 5 or 6 years a stream with limited access Creek, Hatchery. Top I regularly walk my dog here deal about the sport provided volleyball and equipment! Water conditions into unforgettable learning opportunities for everyone inch PLR, only one fish 20! Owned and maintained by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, Timeless Moments Imaging, even! Making it a favorite Smallmouth bass fishing in the Needmore community heart of the region the... On tightline nymphing what a great perspective to take in the upper reaches the... Jim is a whole separate fishery and worthy of another article the Burningtown,..., kayaks, and fly fishing for largemouth bass in Florida heart of the Mound and trails!, we were really thrilled to see what it looked like on upstream. Outdoors is owned by North Carolina Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org for fishing specific... Bass in Florida popping bugs, making it a favorite Smallmouth bass destination various places in town at. Dog here, film tours, and fly fishing for largemouth bass in the riverbed of waterfalls miles... Quite narrow in this section, really more like a thousand blog entries on tightline..