Trout Fishing Regulations To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Licenses are not available in the Park, but can be obtained from sources in the towns adjacent to the Park. Townsend TN
At Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, we have over 2000 feet of river frontage for your fishing enjoyment.
The river is full of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and small mouth bass just waiting to jump on your hook.
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The local lore tell that the best way to catch fish is to do the fish dance followed by using the trout call.
What you have never heard of a trout call, Mmmmm you must be a flatlander!
If you dont have a trout call, let me help you start to catch fish.All you need is a 12oz soda can and a thin rubber band.Punch three ¼ inch holes in the side of the soda can one inch up from the bottom of the can. The holes should be a ½ inch apart from each other in a strait line. Place the thin rubber ban around the can so that the rubber ban is over the three ¼ holes.Now you have your trout call.
How to use your trout call.
Wade into the river about chest deep water with your trout call. Turn downstream and place your new trout call into the water. Blow into the top of the soda can with long gentle blows. The air will exit thru the three ¼ holes with the rubber ban over the holes. The vibration of the air passing over the rubber bans will send sound waves thru the water exciting the trout. The vibration is similar to the mating call of the trout. This normally will take 15 to 20 minutes before you will start to see the trout moving into your area.
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Trout Fishing the Smokies
Trout Fishing Regulations (short version):
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Licenses are not available in the Park, but can be obtained from sources in the towns adjacent to the Park. Non-residents 3-day permits are $10.50 and can be purchased in Gatlinburg at City Hall, Chamber of Commerce and Ace Hardware on Hwy 321. A daily permit for Gatlinburg only is $10.50, and a combined permit for both Gatlinburg and the Park is $20.50. The Cherokee Indian Reservation charges an additional $5 fee. Fishing is permitted year round in the Smokies from one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset. Know your fish before you go--the possession of brook trout (brookie) is prohibited. A combination of five rainbow and brown trout per day (minimum 7 inches) is the limit. Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod is permitted. Some streams are closed to fishing to protect and study the threatened brook trout. Stop by a ranger station to obtain maps and get answers to questions. For more detailed information, read on.
Trout Fishing Regulations (long version):
The following information is taken from an official Park publication. The official publication for all Park regulations is Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A copy of the Code can be obtained at most ranger stations and visitor centers.
Licenses:
You must have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina state fishing license to fish all open Park waters. Licenses must be presented on demand by a Park Ranger.
Tennessee License Requirements Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older need a license. The exception is residents who were 65 prior to March 1, 1990. These persons require only proof of age and Tennessee residence.
North Carolina License Requirements Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license. Residents age 70 and older may obtain a special license from the state.
Persons under 16 in North Carolina and under 13 in Tennessee are entitled to the same limits as adults and are subject to all other regulations.
The Park does not sell state fishing licenses. They may be purchased in surrounding towns (see license cost in "short version" above.
Season
Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters.
Time
Fishing is allowed from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
Daily Possession Limits
The possession of brook trout is prohibited because the Park is pursuing an aggressive program to protect and restore the brook trout to a self sustaining level. Logging operations in the early 1900s eliminated the brook trout from its natural range.
Five (5) rainbow or brown trout, small mouth bass, or a combination of these (7 inch minimum), each day or in possession. Any brook trout caught must be immediately returned unharmed to the water.
Lures, Bait, and Equipment
(a) Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod. (b) Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. (c) Fishing tackle and equipment including creels and fish in possession are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
Fishing License Requirements
Who Must Have a Tennessee Fishing License?
If you take fish or attempt to take fish (including crayfish) by any method or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing license. There are some exceptions:
No Fishing License Needed If:
You are under 13 years of age (resident or nonresident).
Landowners, their spouses and children, who fish on their farmland which is owned by an individual or a family. Landowners, their spouses and children must be residents of Tennessee but need not reside on the land.
Tenants, their spouses and dependent children who fish on farmland owned by an individual or a family. Tenants, their spouses and dependent children must be residents of Tennessee and must actually reside on the land and have permission of the landowner to fish. A tenant is a person who, for money or free rent, or other consideration, cares for farmland. The tenancy must be agricultural in nature.
Resident grandchildren (under 16) and resident great-grandchildren (under 16) who fish on farmland which is owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents.
First cousins who own farmland jointly or in common may fish on the farmland. Their children may fish as well.
You are on military leave, carrying a copy of your leave orders. A pass does not meet this requirement.
You are a resident who was born before March 1, 1926. (To qualify for this exemption, you must carry proof of your age and residency to show to a wildlife officer, if requested.)
It's Free Fishing Day!
It's Free Fishing Week! Children all ages 15 and younger can fish free during free fishing week.
Farmland Owner License Exemption
Persons hunting without a license under a resident farmland owner exemption must complete and sign a statement, attesting where the property is located and how this land qualifies for a landowner exemption. Persons may complete the form in advance and carry it with them while hunting or they may complete the form when requested in the field by a TWRA official or when checking game. Resident landowners and their children hunting on their parent's land under this exemption are also exempt from Hunter Education Certification requirements.
Resident Licenses
Persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver's license.
Persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home. Proof of residency required.
Military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status.
Students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months (must present a student ID card or other proof of enrollment
A Social Security Number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license
Type
Description
Cost
001
Annual Hunting & Fishing Combination Minimum license required to fish and/or hunt small game
$28.00
002
Jr. Hunt, Fish & Trap (Ages 13-15) Good for hunting all game, fishing, and trapping. Must be purchased prior to 16th birthday. No supplemental licenses are required, but special season and WMA permits will need to be purchased in addition to this license.
$8.00
021
One-Day Fishing
$5.50
022
Annual Trout (Type 22 is a supplemental license that is required in addition to Type 001, Type 020 or Type 021)
$18.00
004
Sportsman An all inclusive license, valid for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Sportsman licenses can be purchased from all TWRA license agents.
$136.00
401
Lifetime Sportsman (under 3 years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$200.00
406
Lifetime Sportsman (3-6 years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$540.00
402
Lifetime Sportsman (7-12 years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$810.00
403
Lifetime Sportsman (13-50 years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$1,620.00
404
Lifetime Sportsman (51-64 years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$945.00
405
Lifetime Sportsman (65+ years old) An all inclusive lifetime license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. Allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. Call your local TWRA office for an application or download an application to apply.
$270.00
166
Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap Available from any license agent for a one-time fee, and valid for the rest of the license holder's life. This is not a Lifetime Sportsman License. Additional permits may be required. Can only be purchased when 65th birthday is reached. A valid Tennessee driver's license or proof of age and residency is required. A trout license is not required.
$11.00
167
Annual Senior Citizen Permit May be purchased as a supplement to cover all permits needed in the current license year.
$41.00
20
County of Residence Fishing This license allows an angler to fish in his/her county of residence with natural bait (worms, crickets, corn, etc.), but not minnows. No artificial baits can be used. A supplemental license (Type 022) is required to fish for trout.
$9.00
Permanent Fishing Licenses
The following licenses are available only by application from the TWRA Sales Office located in Nashville. They are available for a one-time fee and are valid for the rest of the license holder's life. They are not Lifetime Sportsman Licenses. Additional permits may be required. A trout license is not required.
197
Permanent Sport Fishing License for the Blind
$10.00
189
Permanent Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing Application must be accompanied by a doctor's statement stating that the applicant is permanently confined to a wheelchair. Covers all license requirements to hunt and fish but holder must purchase any applicable permits.
$10.00
198
Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing Available to resident veterans certified by the VA as 30 percent disabled by reason of war service or 100% service connected.
$10.00
199
Permanent Mentally Challenged Must be receiving SSI benefits due to mental retardation.
$10.00
Nonresident Fishing Licenses
Anyone who does not qualify for a resident license must purchase the appropriate nonresident license(s) to fish in Tennessee.
Type
Description
Cost
070
Jr. Hunt/Fish Required for nonresidents age 13-15, fishing and small game only
$9.00
076
Annual Fishing (no trout)
$41.00
077
Three-Day Fishing (no trout)
$16.50
079
Ten-Day Fishing (no trout)
$25.50
078
Three-Day All Fish
$33.50
080
Ten-Day All Fish
$50.50
081
Annual All Fish
$81.00
Special Permits
If you purchase one of the following special permits, you must also have all applicable licenses.
Type
Description
Cost
089
Reelfoot Preservation Permit - Annual
$17.00
088
Reelfoot Preservation Permit - Three-Day
$10.50
090
Reelfoot Preservation Permit - Daily
$3.50
098
Tellico-Citico Trout-Daily Required for all ages
$5.50
191
Agency Lake - Daily Permit
$5.00
193
Agency Lake - Annual Permit Valid on all Agency lakes, this permit is sold at Agency Lake offices.
$40.00
065
Bedford Lake Daily Permit
$5.50
Gatlinburg Trout Fishing
For information on fishing in the Gatlinburg area, contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Phone: 865-436-4558; 1-800-568-4748.
Type
Description
Cost
097
Nonresident Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout Permit Only requirement for nonresidents, ages 13 and up, to fish in Gatlinburg for one day.
$11.50
099
Gatlinburg Trout - Daily Required for both residents and nonresident ages 13-64 in addition to the appropriate fishing licenses except for nonresidents who purchase the Type 097 license.
$2.50
096
Gatlinburg 3-Day Trout Permit Required for both residents and nonresidents ages 13-64 in addition to the appropriate fishing licenses except for nonresidents who purchase the (Type 097) permit.
$9.50
The closest place to Misty River Cabins & RV Resort to get your TN fishing license is: Little River Outfitters
