West Prong Little Pigeon River
The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an easy-access trout stream with rainbow and brook trout.
- 36 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 100Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the West Prong Little Pigeon
The West Prong Little Pigeon River runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It has plenty of road access and a lot of roadside parking. That makes it an easy place to learn fly fishing during a family trip.
The city stretch is stocked with trout, and the upper river runs into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rainbow trout and brook trout live here. Larger fish are put into some sections.
Special rules apply in town. A permit may be required in addition to a Tennessee license and trout stamp, and some sections are limited to children. Check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Gatlinburg rules before you go.
Expect crowds in summer and on holidays. Winter and early spring can be quieter. Winter midges, little black caddis, blue-winged olives, quill gordons, yellow sallies and terrestrials show up through the year.
West Prong Little Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, TN
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Nearby gages
- Little Pigeon River at Sevierville, TN9.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03470000
- Little River above Townsend, TN11.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03497300
- Little River near Maryville, TN19.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03498500
- Oconaluftee River at Birdtown, NC22.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03512000
- Little River near Alcoa, TN22.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03498850
- Tuckasegee River at Bryson City, NC22.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03513000
- Pigeon River below Power Plant near Waterville, NC23.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03460795
- Pigeon River at Newport, TN25.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03461500
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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Brook Trout
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the French Broad-Holston 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 West Prong Little Pigeon
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Bring a Tennessee license and permit
Gatlinburg has special rules for some sections. Check the TWRA rules first.
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Know the children's stream sections
Some water is only for kids age 12 and under. Look for signs.
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Fish early or late
The river gets busy in summer. Early morning or late evening can be calmer.
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Try winter
Cooler months are quieter and many anglers like the pace.
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Handle fish gently
Heavily fished trout need careful handling. Keep them in the water and release fast.
Every access point on the West Prong Little Pigeon, in your pocket.
- 100 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 West Prong Little Pigeon
West Prong Little Pigeon River FAQ
Can you fly fish in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
Yes. The West Prong Little Pigeon River runs through town and has roadside access. Check TWRA rules and permit requirements.
Can you wade the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
Yes. It is a small mountain river, and most anglers wade it. Rocks are slippery, so wear good boots.
What is the best time to fish the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
Winter and early spring are popular with anglers who want fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest season.
What flies work on the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and small streamers are good classics. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
The river holds rainbow trout and brook trout.
Are there special rules on the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
Yes. Special rules and a permit apply in parts of Gatlinburg. Check TWRA and city rules.
