Smith's Creek

[Kevin_Thomas]

I'm a regular on the mountain streams of TN, but I'm gonna try Smith's Creek on 15 March. Anything out of the ordinary I need to know? Access, regulations, crowds, places to avoid... The last thing I want is someone's honey hole, I don't mind a little challenge somewhere new. I'd be glad to return the favor if anyone needs advice on Tremont, Abram's, Elkmont, etc. PM's or email are fine if you prefer privacy. Thanks in advance!

Kevin

[bow]

During the week Smith is usually not that busy, but during the weekend there is a good bit of people up there, just depends on the weather. If the weather is nice than there will be a good bit of people there. Before you fish you will have to sign in at unicoi lodge and get a 3$ parking pass. Fishing has been a little slow for me up there but with the weather warming up the fishing really should pick up. Maybe this will help.
Bow

[Kevin_Thomas]

Thanks for the help Bow. I grew up in Toccoa, not to far from you, but that was before my FF days. Mostly baitfished on Hartwell back then. Thank goodness the Air Force saw it fit to station me about 20 min from the Townsend entrance to the park. I started FF and never looked back. I'm taking my wife to Helen because I slipped up and said that's where I took my girlfriends back in High school. Lucky for me she's gonna let me fish for a few hours.

[Vance Hendon]

Smiths is also a artifical only stream, You will need to be sure and sign in at the Lodge and get that parking pass from them, as well as your
permit for the day. It has been very slow lately, have been there at least once a week since the 1st of January, weekdays are ok, weekends no way.
Way to little water to fish for way to many people. Most of the fish are concentraed in a few long, SLOW, CLEAR runs above the Beaver dams.
Fish has a LONG time to look over the fly before taking it. Good luck and maybe you will have a good day.

[bow]

No problem, and it will still a delayed harvest steam which if your ff should not be a problem, just cant keep any fish. Most fish are in concentrated in certain holes, but with the weather warming up maybe the will spead out and they will be more active. If you like a challage then smith is a good choice. Then the next would be Dukes. Good luck and maybe between now and then there will be a good stocking.
Bow

[Kevin_Thomas]

Wow this should be fun! Our streams are very gradient and the fish tend to hold in the medium speed foam. Best caught high stickin a double nymph rig on the bottom. Sounds like a carefully presented dry will be the ticket there. I get some practice on that at the local tailwaters from time to time.

DH is no problem, I mostly C&R unless I'm camping with the boys.

[Kevin_Thomas]

Where is the most convienient place to pick up a permit?

[Gatorbyte]

You get the permit at the Unicoi lodge when you sign in. It's free. The parking costs $3.00

[bthays]

You also need your Ga fish license w/ trout stamp before your $3 day permit.

[huntfish]

Wow this should be fun! Our streams are very gradient and the fish tend to hold in the medium speed foam. Best caught high stickin a double nymph rig on the bottom. Sounds like a carefully presented dry will be the ticket there. I get some practice on that at the local tailwaters from time to time.

DH is no problem, I mostly C&R unless I'm camping with the boys.

Big hint....If you high stick with a double nymph rig on the bottom, you will catch more fish. Stick to what you are familiar with. Dries catch some fish, nymphing catches MORE fish..

[fishnpreacher]

Better listen to huntfish....the dude knows Smiths Creek ;)

[Kevin_Thomas]

I really appreciate all the help guys. Its starting to look like I need to make a trip down there without my wife and fish at Duke's too. Preferably during the week. Thanks again...

[cholman]

If you bought a year round pass at one of the DNR park lots does that work at Smith's Creek and other places?

[B Kar Ma]

The year round pass for Georgia State Parks does work at Smith's Creek lot, since it is in Unicoi State Park.

[THE EG]

I don't mind a little challenge somewhere new.

This is kind of the ordinary but:

Just remember, this is a popular DH late in the season. Usually about this time come the announcements that it has been poached clean...until the 4 wheeler with the supplemental pellets drives by and all the non-existent trout frenzy to the surface.

And also realize that if you do see fish stacked up in those obvious pools at the top end they are probably to the point now that those "pea brains" can differentiate between Tiemco and Mustad.

Hike a bit further down the creek.

On the left side of this page there should be a "Maps" link that has a drawing of the Smith's Creek DH that shows 1) the lodge (where you get the permit and pay your $3) and 2) the DH fishing access. Once you cross the dam they are on different side roads (lodge first) and a bit confusing to first timers. They are both on the right assuming you are coming from the direction of Helen.

[huntfish]

This is kind of the ordinary but:

Just remember, this is a popular DH late in the season. Usually about this time come the announcements that it has been poached clean...until the 4 wheeler with the supplemental pellets drives by and all the non-existent trout frenzy to the surface.

And also realize that if you do see fish stacked up in those obvious pools at the top end they are probably to the point now that those "pea brains" can differentiate between Tiemco and Mustad.

Hike a bit further down the creek.

On the left side of this page there should be a "Maps" link that has a drawing of the Smith's Creek DH that shows 1) the lodge (where you get the permit and pay your $3) and 2) the DH fishing access. Once you cross the dam they are on different side roads (lodge first) and a bit confusing to first timers. They are both on the right assuming you are coming from the direction of Helen.

Good point EG,

If you are there early, while gearing up, ask the folks where they are going. If they are going downstream, fish the upper end and especially the area from the road to the cabins. Otherwise go really downstream. I mean to the end. If you go all the way, you might not make it to the first bridge by dark, but you should have a 50+ day if you can high stick.....BIG HINT!

[huntfish]

I really appreciate all the help guys. Its starting to look like I need to make a trip down there without my wife and fish at Duke's too. Preferably during the week. Thanks again...

Dukes only open on Weds during the week. Call for reservation but you can usually slide in during the week. IF not there will be Smiths, and upper Hooch available within Helen.

[Hawkeye]

The year round pass for Georgia State Parks does work at Smith's Creek lot, since it is in Unicoi State Park.

B Kar Ma, I don't believe that is correct. I purchased an annual pass from Unicoi Lodge and Unicoi State Park is part of the Georgia State Park System. Hawkeye