Abrams Creek
Abrams Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cades Cove holds rainbow trout and smallmouth bass across about 33 miles of water.
- 33 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 16Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Abrams Creek
Abrams Creek runs through the western end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. It starts near Cades Cove and drains toward Chilhowee Lake. The creek is about 33 miles long and has 16 mapped access points.
It is a limestone influenced mountain stream, so it grows more insects than most Smokies water. Rainbow trout live in the upper creek near the Abrams Falls trail. Smallmouth bass hold in the deeper pools and runs lower down, closer to the lake.
The classic Smokies hatches show up here, including Quill Gordons, March Browns, Yellow Sallies, Light Cahills and little black caddis. Winter midges hatch on mild days. Summer fishing turns to terrestrials. Smallmouth fishing is best once the water warms past about 60 degrees, and bass sit in deep pools when summer flows run low.
You wade it. The creek is small and brushy in places, and some stretches take real effort to reach. Nearby waters like Anthony Creek, Little River, Hazel Creek and Slickrock Creek make it easy to build a multi day Smokies trip.
The park sets its own rules, including a fishing permit or license, minimum sizes and daylight hours. Check the current Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations before you go.
Gages near Abrams Creek
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Other gages nearby
- Little River above Townsend, TN11.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03497300
- Little River near Maryville, TN13.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03498500
- Little River near Alcoa, TN14.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03498850
- West Prong Little Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, TN21.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03469251
- Nantahala River near Hewitt, NC24.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03505550
- Little Pigeon River at Sevierville, TN26.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03470000
- Little Tennessee River at Needmore, NC27.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03503000
- Tuckasegee River at Bryson City, NC27.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03513000
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
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Tips for fishing Abrams Creek
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Start near Cades Cove
The upper creek near the Abrams Falls trailhead is the easiest water to reach. Plan on a hike if you want to get away from the crowds.
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Match the fish to the water
Trout water and bass water are not the same stretch. Think rainbows in the upper creek and smallmouth toward Chilhowee Lake.
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Wait for warm water for bass
Smallmouth turn on once the water climbs past about 60 degrees in spring. In low summer water they stack up in deep pools.
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Bring a terrestrial box
Summer fishing leans on beetles, ants and hoppers. Keep a few Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams for the evening hatches.
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Map the access first
The FlyFishFinder app maps all the access points on Abrams Creek and the nearby Smokies streams, so you can pick a stretch before you drive in. Free users can see today's top 10 rivers.
Every access point on Abrams Creek, in your pocket.
- 16 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- Bite forecast for the days ahead
Rivers near Abrams Creek
Abrams Creek FAQ
What is the best time to fly fish Abrams Creek?
Spring and fall are popular for trout, and smallmouth bass fishing picks up as the water warms in late spring. Summer works best early and late in the day.
Where can I fish Abrams Creek in the Smokies?
The upper creek near the Abrams Falls trailhead and Cades Cove is the easiest. Other access points run down toward the Abrams Creek area and Chilhowee Lake.
Can you wade Abrams Creek?
Yes. It is a small to mid sized stream and most people wade it. Expect rocks, brush and some long walks to reach good water.
What flies work on Abrams Creek?
Classic patterns like Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams cover most of it. Streamers and woolly buggers are the usual choice for smallmouth. The app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish live in Abrams Creek?
Rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.
Do I need a license to fish Abrams Creek?
Abrams Creek is inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the park's current regulations for license, size and season rules before you fish.
