The Little Tennessee River is a magnificent 135-mile waterway that begins in northeastern Georgia, flows through western North Carolina, and eventually empties into the Tennessee River after creating Fontana Lake. Known locally as The LT, this scenic river winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering anglers diverse fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting. The Smithsonian Institution described it in the 1880s as undoubtedly the most interesting archaeological section in the entire Appalachian district, and today it's recognized as a Native Fish Conservation Area supporting over 100 species of native fish. With consistent water flows throughout the year, the Little Tennessee provides ideal conditions for both wade fishing and drift boat fishing, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking smallmouth bass, trout, and various other species.
Learn what type of fish are at Little Tennessee River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Esox masquinongy
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ameiurus melas
Moxostoma duquesnei
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Moxostoma erythrurum
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Hypentelium nigricans
Carpiodes cyprinus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Moxostoma carinatum
Ambloplites rupestris
Moxostoma anisurum
Moxostoma breviceps
Micropterus punctulatus
Lepisosteus oculatus
Minytrema melanops
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Morone mississippiensis
Ameiurus natalis
Perca flavescens
Learn how to get on Little Tennessee 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Download the map around Little Tennessee River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Little Tennessee River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Little Tennessee River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Little Tennessee River.
Little Tennessee River · Below Chilhowee Dam · Brookfield Smoky Mountain Hydropower
Generating today 7:00 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST, up to 2 units
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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