Fishing Report - G.S.M.N.P.

[Drifter]

Now's the time to fish the streams in Great Smoky Mountain National Park! The trees are in full color and the trout seem to feed with that sense of urgency that the cooler weather brings. Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River fished particularly well with attractors and nymphs. I had my best luck on #16 Beadhead Prince fished about 30 inches above a strike indicator. A small splitshot was added for the deeper, faster runs. No hatches to speak of. Most fish were 6 to 9 inches with an assortment of rainbows and brookies.

One word of caution, the traffic is horrible around Cherokee. I'm sure Gatlinburg is just as bad, if not worse. I usually head for the backcountry but fished from the road this trip. I didn't see another fisherman! Reach your destination early and stay till dark. Don't even think about getting a hotel room or campsite. In true trout bum fashion, I slept in the bed of my truck ;)

http://ct.pbase.com/g6/84/653284/2/68921252.dVb0FnSD.jpg

http://ct.pbase.com/g6/84/653284/2/68921265.6KCul7pR.jpg

http://ct.pbase.com/g6/84/653284/2/68921263.lD5zAquY.jpg

[River rat]

Drifter, did you hit Hazel? After I posted about my trip, I was reminded that a scout troop of 200 will be camping on Hazel Creek, sometime in late October.
This was from the guy who shuttles folks from the marina. Glad you had a good trip! Know anything about Snowbird Creek? Lets fish it!

[Drifter]

No...really didn't have the time to go to Hazel. I car camped and fished some areas that I haven't visited in a while. The fish are still there! I was amazed that I did not see another fisherman even though I was fishing from the road.

I've never fished Snowbird but have heard good things.

[Loopdawg]

I'm heading up to GSMNP this weekend, and I'm hoping one of the Hazel Creek campsites will be available. That would suck if the boy scouts were all over the creek.

[AM]

Hey River Rat, I am headed to Hazel Creek in a couple of weeks. I've never fished it - got any suggestions about places to try or fly patterns to use? BTW are you at one of the Cumming Fire Stations?

[Grateful Sam]

Thanks for posting the report! That first picture sure is nice. I plan to head up there sometime soon.

[Drifter]

AM,

When you nail down dates, let me know. I'd be happy to help with gas money and as a bonus, I've fished Hazel for tha past 30 years.

[River rat]

AM, you will love it up there. I would walk in at least a mile before you start to fish. Plenty of room and some beautiful holes. Large drys seemed to be the ticket for me. Adams, Wulff, Stimulator, with a small Copper john, or Pheasant tail dropped off. Take Drifter up on his offer if you can, he seems to know the creek pretty well.
I work for Gwinnett County, Station 19 in Duluth. RR

[spinboy]

Did you fish the Oc on the reservation or off? I haven't made my way back up there in a while and it itches.

[Drifter]

I was about 2 miles above Collins Creek.