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Trout Fishing in Gatlinburg

Public Parks and recreation facilities are plentiful in the Pigeon Forge area. You may enjoy tennis, bowling, racquetball, swimming, weight training, baseball, soccer, and football at Pigeon Forge area parks and public recreation facilities. You can even launch a boat onto Douglas Lake from one area park. Feel free to submit any questions or comments regarding parks in the Pigeon Forge area.

Do you view Gatlinburg as a prime fishing destination? If not, consider this: the city of Gatlinburg is the only city in Tennessee which stocks the rivers weekly with Rainbow Trout to provide the experience of trout fishing for visitors and locals alike. There are very few cities in the nation that spend resources to stock animals for the enjoyment of the population, and Gatlinburg is one of them.

A child enjoys one of several Children's Fishing Areas in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg also provides many children's fishing areas to allow children to participate in one of the great outdoor traditions of the Smokies.

Trout wait to be released at the hatchery.

The trout-stocking project began in 1980 and continues strong today. In 2005, Gatlinburg ordered a large upgrade of their trout farm, ensuring a steady supply of trout for city waters.

Anywhere from 35,000 to 45,000 fish ranging from 8-14 inches long are placed in Gatlinburg streams annually. The trout hatchery is located at Herbert Holt Park, just past the Gatlinburg entrance from Pigeon Forge. Pictured at left is the trout hatchery.

If you'd like to try your luck in Gatlinburg waters, remember that a city permit is required in addition to a state fishing license. If you trout fish within Gatlinburg city limits, you only need a 1-day state permit. If you fish elsewhere, you need a regular state license.

The state fishing license can be purchased online from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, or by calling 1-888-814-TWRA (8972). You will legally be able to fish as soon as your transaction is complete, and a permanent license will be mailed to you within 48 hours.

For more information regarding Tennessee fishing regulations, visit the TWRA Fisheries Management Division web page.

Gatlinburg Visitor Trout Fishing Permit
1-Day State Visitor Trout License	$10.50
Required Gatlinburg Permit - Daily	$2.50
Required Gatlinburg Permit - 3-Day	$6.50

Tennessee Visitor Fishing License Fees
All Fish
3-Day Fishing Permit	$33.50
10-Day Fishing Permit	$50.50
Annual Fishing Permit	$81.00

*Please note that the prices posted here are subject to change, visit the TWRA Fisheries Management Division page for more details and a complete price list, including resident license fees and children's license fees.

The creel limit on trout is five fish per day, however, between the first of December and the end of March, all trout must be immediately released after capture, and only artificial bait is permitted. For the remainder of the year, anything goes with a hand-held rod and single hook. Treble hooks are never permitted.

Because the trout are stocked on Thursday, no fishing of any kind is permitted on Thursdays.

Look no further than the Pigeon Forge area for the excitement of casting your line and trying your hand at trout fishing! Pack up your tackle box and take a fishing trip to Gatlinburg this year!

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks rainbow trout in the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center Tennessee, just east of Gatlinburg on 321. Native trout inhabit the waters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for brook trout and brown trout in the National Park.

For more information about trout fishing in Tennessee and in Gatlinburg, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s fishing site.

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