The East Prong of the Little River starts inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) on the north slope of Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is located directly on the Tennessee-North Carolina boundary. The Appalachian Trail passes over Clingman’s dome, but the Little River is not easily accessible from there. By the way, when you mention the East Prong of the Little River to the local Tennessee and the Tar Heel anglers, you will usually get a puzzled look. This is because it is simply known locally as the Little River.
Several branches and prongs in the area also offer excellent brook trout fishing especially the Fish Camp Prong.Spring brings about most of the hatches of aquatic insects in Little River and consequently, some of the best dry fly-fishing in the fast pocket water which usually requires only short, upstream casts. However, the fish are usually much easier to catch on a nymph. Some good suggestions are mayfly’s nymphs and duns as well as stoneflies nymphs and adults.
Fishing in the lower elevations will slow down, but the higher elevations remain good. Some good suggestions are blue winged olives, slate drakes, and cream cahills.
Fall:
Fall is a great time to be on Little River. The fall season also means the brown trout will be spawning offering the opportunity for some large browns.
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Little River Trail follows the river from Elkmont Camp all the way up to the headwaters at Camp site #30. Below Elkmont, the Little River Road follows the Little River until the confluence of the Midle Prong of the Little River flowing from the west in an area known locally as the Towsend Y. This section of the Little River follows closely the Little River Road and can be fished from the pullovers along that road. As a consequence, this convenience is rewarded by heavy fishing traffic. Most of th river is easily navigated with not a great deal of overhanging trees to contend with.
Maps:
Check out our full color, waterproof map and fly fishing guide measures 11" x 17"
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Recommended DVDs:
Fly Fish Fishing the Great Smoky Mountains Park,
Stoneflies Imitating Aquatic Insects
Fly Fishing for Small Stream Brown Trout
Shop our TroutU Store for the “Perfect Fly” line of flies.
Also see Trout University for free classes, Fly fishing Instructional DVDs and much more.
Other Info: National Weather Service
Trail maps are availavle at the GSMNP Visitor Centers.
Recommended Reading: The best book about the GSMNP. Fly Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: An Insider’s Guide to a Pursuit of Passion. by Jim Casada.
View Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fly Fishing Guide in a larger map