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. Take advantage of this printable map of the region highlighting the different Managed Waters. 1315 bridge to confluence with North Fork New River) Buffalo Creek (S.R. 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. Check with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org for fishing regulations specific to this river. For the most part, it just consists of casting to shoreline structure, with fallen trees being the primary cover. My guide taught me so much that I sat down and jotted down "notes" afterward to be sure I didn't miss anything. With so many outdoors activities in Franklin to choose from, adventure awaits around every corner! Brochures are available at various places in town or at the Smoky Mountain Visitors Center on Georgia Road. Jun 25, 2015Thirsty Thursdays at City Lights CafeSylva, NCCity Lights Cafe, Jul 2, 2015Thirsty Thursdays at City Lights CafeSylva, NCCity Lights Cafe, Jul 9, 2015Thirsty Thursdays at City Lights CafeSylva, NCCity Lights Cafe, Hiking & Backpacking | Siler Bald enlarge , Have Questions? It also has a few musky left over in the lower reaches. Little Tennessee River Large freestone river Location West of Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore Road (off US 19/74). The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. The Little Tennessee drains portions of three national forestsChattahoochee, Nantahala, and Cherokee, and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other species include catfish, hybrid and striped bass in the lower reaches, and even the occasional walleye. They are a treasure trove of knowledge. There is really good access along Needmore Road for the fly fisherman who likes to wade fish. The Little T is predominantly a smallmouth bass river. To be clear, they offered to let us out of the trip several times owing to the terrible conditions. GSM Fish Camp & Safaris Jerry Anselmo. Ernie and his staff can help you with all fishing needs from local information to tackle and even guided fishing trips! Follow to the Nantahala Gorge. link to Fly Fishing for Largemouth Bass in Florida, access points for the Little Tennessee River. P.O. There is a very long paved walkway/bikeway along the Little Tennessee River (5 miles ). The Little Tennessee River begins its life in North Georgia and flows through the very western part of North Carolina. 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. more, Waterfalls and Breweries Tour from Bryson City, NC, Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest, Skip the Line: Museum of the Cherokee Indian Admission Ticket, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour, Scenic Helicopter Tour of Wears Valley, Tennessee, Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me - Must do tour, Private Walking Tour of a Real Working Cattle Ranch, Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip from Hartford, Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour with Expert Naturalist, Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour, Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge, Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show Admission Ticket, Macon County Historical Society and Museum, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Top water plugs are obviously a good option. The water levels on the Tailwaters are controlled by dam releases and the Freestones by Mother Nature herself. It is a very solid fishery, known more for numbers than for trophies. This charter company is completely customer-focused, and they simply want us to have the finest time possible. The river is not stocked, however these local creeks are and trout will naturally find their way into the larger river. From Franklin follow the winding and picturesque Highway 28. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I've read every book, seen every video, and read what feels like a thousand blog entries on tightline nymphing. Headwaters one mile above NC State line to confluence with Abrams Creek. Needmore Road along the Little Tennessee River is 9.2 miles in total distance. Take the whole family down the river on tubes or in a canoe for a fun filled day of exploration or strap on your waders with a fishing buddy and catch Small Mouth Bass until your arms give out from "setting the hook". 573 E. Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. As with spin fishing, I dont get overly complicated with tackle and fly selection. It is a Native Fish Conservation Area which means you will spend a day floating the Little T and see very little that is man-made. The section upriver of Franklin goes through quite a bit of flatland areas. Stay at this chalet in Franklin. Within sight of the greenway is the Nikwasi Mound, once the center of a thriving Cherokee village. Capt Jim Klopfer has been a fishing guide in Sarasota, Florida since 1991. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Anglers targeting those fish will need to bump up the tackle and lure selection to what they would normally use for largemouth bass in other lakes. 1363 to S.R. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We've provided volleyball and badminton equipment for extra family fun right in your own private yard. Some of the land that belongs to a current gem mine was once sought out by world famous jewelers, "Tiffany & Co.". We prefer guided float fishing trips on the Little Tennessee River because the rock shelves and deep pools provide challenging wading. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from our shop in Cashiers. We rented a cabin in the mountains for a month, but there was no good walking near it. Unfortunately, lake fish rarely move out into the rivers according to fishery biologists. Top 5 Fishing Spots In The Great Smoky Mountains Rv Lifestyle. From confluence with Silver Run Creek near NC 107 in the Nantahala National Forest to the South Carolina state line. Franklin is home to some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the region. Mainspring Conservation Trust has provided maps with information of public, private, and private pay access to the Little Tennessee River. it will be winter here. Fortunately, Smoky Mountain Blueways has 51 public access points mapped out on the upper watershed alone, including the Cheoah, Nantahala, Oconoluftee, Tuckasegee, and the Little Tennessee itself. Youd be hard pressed to pick just one exceptional aspect of the Little Tennessee River. Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville, Scaly Mountain. However, most of the fish are modest size and I just accepted if I hook a very large fish and cant handle it. Wade fishing the Little T is possible, but floating and covering lots of water is much more productive. These are Rapala jerk baits in the 08 size, a small top water plug such as the Heddon Tiny Torpedo, the legendary Rebel Wee Craw, inline spinners such as Mepps and Rooster Tail spinners, small spinner baits including the Johnson Beetle spin, and a variety of soft plastic baits fished on a light jig head. The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town. Come see why we are the Best Outfitter and Guides in the Smoky Mountains! Species Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Kentucky Spotted Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Catfish, Carp, Little Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers in North Carolina and is one of the best rivers in the state for smallmouth bass fishing. Easy to moderate access. Fishing during periods of high, dirty water is not only generally unproductive, it can be downright unsafe. Youre in luck because the Nantahala River is also a very popular trout fishing destination. Nestled amid some of the oldest mountains on Earth, the basin harbors an incredibly rich ecosystem. It also has a few musky left over in the lower reaches. Since we both love fishing, we contacted Turning Stone's Fly Fishing out of the blue. The Little Tennessee River, known locally as The LT, it is a beautiful little river and has perfect habitat for smallmouth bass and other species. Knowing zero about fly fishing, I called Turning Stone and spoke with Gordon Vanderpool, the owner and lead guide. On the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin, North Carolina, is a gateway to some of the most untouched nature in the South. Location West of Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore Road (off US . Welcome to more than 500,000 acres of verdant forest and dramatic mountains that rise as high as 5,800 feet from the floor of the Little Tennessee River valley. He also lives part time in the North Carolina mountains where he fishes for trout and other species. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. All Sarasota fishing charters include everything the anglers needs; tackle, bait, licenses, ice, water, etc. The next access point is a nice little park right at the 28 bridge a few miles downriver. Bryson City, NC 28713. 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. Our guides helped us hook and release numerous rainbow, brown, and brook trout. They went above and above to help us find fish throughout our half-day on the lake, and they were completely involved throughout the trip. The maps can be accessed on their website, mainspringconserves.org . The Little Tennessee River begins its life in North Georgia and flows through the very western part of North Carolina. 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. This lure allows anglers to cover a lot of water in search of fish. There is a good population in the warmer months. Smoky Mountains Vacation- Sylva,Bryson City,Franklin,Highlands,Cashiers,Cherokee, NC, Categories: Scenic Drives, Fall Foliage - western North Carolina. The river almost always has some current, often slow and easy. Whether you're new to fly fishing or want to improve your abilities, I recommend arranging a trip with them! Panthertown Valley, where the Tuckasegee River originates in North Carolina, is often referred to as the Yosemite of the East because of its granite rock formations. There is a good population in the warmer months. Anglers can easily drift down the middle of the river and hit both banks. Smallmouth bass in the Little Tennessee, or "Little T love top-water popping bugs, making it a favorite smallmouth bass destination. 81 Bennett Road, Franklin, NC 28734. These gentlemen are world-class anglers and teachers, and if you don't leave a better fisherman, you aren't paying attention. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. There are several sections to it, each has it's own entrance and parking area. From Franklin, NC travel 12.1 miles along N.C. Highway 28 North to Tellico Road and the "Lost Bridge" on your left (see photo gallery). Fishing for panfish can be very productive! The variety really is part of the fun of fishing this stretch of the Little Tennessee River! All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. 3. Legendary trout streams and family-friendly whitewater (Class I-III), plus miles of mountain biking, horseback, and backpacking trailsincluding the Appalachian Trailmake the free-flowing upper basin a vital driver of western North Carolinas vibrant recreation-based tourism economy. Cumberland River, TN. Those access points are listed below. Everyone was friendly and courteous. However, there are a lot of other fish that can be caught as well. Please explore Gearfor specific recommendations for fishingand Clothing to make sure that you will be prepared for Winter in WNC. By the way, the visitors center is very nice and they are very pleasant and helpful. 2016 All Rights Reserved | TDA Marketing Provided by Premiere Marketing | Hosting and Web Development SiteDartHosting. Top water plugs are obviously a good option. He explained the experience and assured me it would be enjoyable for newbie river fishers such as us. This lure allows anglers to cover a lot of water in search of fish. Turning Stone's Fly Fishing's personal instruction helped me put all the pieces together and improve my game!! Water flows are consistent throughout the year and provide ideal conditions for wade fishing or fishing from drift boats. The maps can be accessed on their website, mainspringconserves.org. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about upcoming events in the Bryson City area. For Sale. Beaver Creek (N.C. 221 to confluence of Beaver Creek and South Beaver Creek) Big Horse Creek (Mud Creek at S.R. Anglers who venture a ways up stream will find the current speed increase as they do so. 11 Redbreast Sunfish 2. In order to further connect the community to the river and increase critical land conservation, American Rivers is proud to share the newest Blue Trail in North Carolina. Waterfront property at its best! Blount. 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. A 5 Senko or other plastic worm is tough to beat. The 24-mile reach of the the river from Franklin to Fontana Reservoir is believed to contain all aquatic wildlife present prior to colonializations effects. There are a few playgrounds along the route. We were given clear instructions and waded into the Nantahala River to put our skills to the test. It eventually empties into the Tennessee River, after creating huge Fontana Lake. While there are hundreds of miles of Wild Trout waters, NC generously stocks Hatchery Supported waters and Delayed Harvest waters. Try this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail near Franklin, North Carolina. It is also very accessible off of Needmore Road, which is a very nice hard-packed dirt road that parallels the river for many miles. I always suggest waiting until the water level drops down in the water clears up. Smoky Mountains Vacation- Sylva,Bryson City,Franklin,Highlands,Cashiers,Cherokee, NC, Categories: Fishing, River Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking. It is one of the most sought after smallmouth bass fisheries in western North Carolina. Parking and Trail Access. Friends of the Greenway -- FROG Quarters Learn about the regulations, requirements and costs and purchase your license. It is a Native Fish Conservation Area which means you will spend a day floating the Little T and see very little that is man-made. During our last visit, we noticed some of the boards were a little loose too. ), we were really thrilled to see what it looked like on the upstream side. Agents, Brokers, Realtors and For Sale By Owner: Advertise Lakefront Property in NC . The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. 2 Bed - 2 Bath - Cabin on the Little Tennessee River - Fish from the Deck over looking the river. Explore our area for your adventure. Gordon is the SE Regional Coachfor the US Youth Fly Fishing Team, Copyright 2023 Turning Stone's Fly Fishing, LLC, Asheville Digital Marketing There are plenty of benches to rest and just look at the river. Here are a few of our favorite companies to work with: Tuckaseegee Fly Fishing Guide. 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