Little River
Little River near Townsend, Tennessee is a wild trout stream in the Smokies, with rainbows and brook trout from Metcalf Bottoms to Elkmont.
- 75 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 139Access points
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About the Little
Little River flows out of the Great Smoky Mountains near Elkmont and runs past Townsend, Tennessee. Much of the best water is inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river is a tough, clear stream and a favorite for anglers who like to wade and sneak.
The strongest water runs from the Metcalf Bottoms area upstream toward Elkmont and the headwaters. The lower river near Townsend runs warm in summer. The gorge section is hard to reach. Above Elkmont Campground, the Little River Trail gives hiking access. Little River Road follows several miles of the river.
The river holds rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass. The fish are wild and spooky. Stealth matters here.
Spring is the main hatch season, with Quill Gordons, March Browns, Light Cahills and little black caddis. Yellow sallies, green sedges and terrestrials fill in later. The river stays fishable in winter.
A trout stamp may be required for some anglers. Check current Tennessee and park regulations before you go.
Little River above Townsend, TN
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Nearby gages
- West Prong Little Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, TN13.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03469251
- Little Pigeon River at Sevierville, TN14.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03470000
- Flat Creek near Mascot, TN24.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03495005
- Tuckasegee River at Bryson City, NC26.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03513000
- Oconaluftee River at Birdtown, NC28.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03512000
- Conner Ck at E Gallaher Ferry Rd near Farragut, TN29.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03535618
- Nantahala River near Hewitt, NC29.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03505550
- Little Tennessee River at Needmore, NC29.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03503000
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.
Fish you'll catch
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Tennessee watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Little
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Keep a low profile
Fish spook fast. Wear earth tones, stay low and be quiet.
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Use a long leader
Long, light leaders help with spooky fish in clear water.
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Try the trail
The Little River Trail above Elkmont gets you past the road and away from crowds.
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Respect the park
Follow park rules and pack out trash. Check the current park fishing rules.
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Fish the winter
Little River is open in the cold months. A winter midge hatch can still bring fish up.
Every access point on the Little, in your pocket.
- 139 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Little
Little River FAQ
When is the best time to fish Little River in Tennessee?
Spring is the main hatch season. The river stays open in winter and summer terrestrials work too.
Where can I fish Little River near Townsend?
The best trout water is from Metcalf Bottoms to Elkmont and above. Little River Road and the Little River Trail give access. Abrams Creek and the West Prong are nearby.
Can you wade Little River in the Smokies?
Yes. Wading is the main way to fish it. Move slowly and watch your footing.
What flies work on Little River in Tennessee?
Pheasant Tails, Pat's Rubber Legs, yellow sallies, sulphurs, stimulators and terrestrials are all good choices. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in Little River in Tennessee?
The river holds rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass.
Are there special rules on Little River?
Yes. Park rules and Tennessee license rules apply. Check the current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and park regulations.
