Little River
Little River
- Boat Ramps
- 4
- Access Points
- 27
- Species
- 25
Little River is a beautiful 60-mile waterway that begins in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and flows through Blount County before emptying into the Tennessee River. The river's upper 18 miles flow through the national park, making it one of the most accessible trout streams in the Smokies. Despite running alongside one of the most traveled roads in the National Park System, Little River doesn't experience the same fishing pressure as other renowned trout waters. It's primarily known for its wild trout populations, clear water, and stunning mountain scenery. The river is characterized by smooth round stones, boulders, and pocket water, with sections of deep pools and swift runs that provide varying fishing experiences throughout its length.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Little River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Little River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Little River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Tennessee licenses and regulations
Tennessee Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Tennessee Fishing License
No Fishing License Needed If: You are under 13 years of age (resident or nonresident). A type 022 supplemental license is required for anglers targeting trout. State-wide creel limit 7 trout.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Tennessee Stream Access Laws
On any river or stream that’s capable of floating a craft, the public has rights to passage, hunting and fishing. The question of streambed use on designated non-navigable rivers, however, is less clear, and probably not legal.
Take Little River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Little River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Little River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Get the onWater Fish app
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Little River and check the forecast before you go.
LITTLE RIVER ABOVE TOWNSEND, TN
All Flow Stations
Little River fishing guides
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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Fishing spots
- Little River Boat Ramp
- Walland Roadside Picnic Area Boat Ramp
- Bill Bennett (Coulters) Bridge Boat Ramp
- Peery's Mill Boat Ramp
- Little River Road Access
- Little River Road Access
- Roundtop Trailhead Access
- Little River Road Access
- Little River Road Access
- Elkmont Pullout access
- Elkmont Road Access
- Little River Road Access
- All 57 spots
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