Sevierville is surrounded by waterways. The Little Pigeon River, which flows throughout the city, is home to some of the nation’s best smallmouth bass fishing. Likewise, the French Broad River and Douglas Lake offer top quality fishing experiences and beautiful views. Discover some of the best places (and ways) to fish in the Smokies here.

FLY FISHING

Enjoy fly fishing for smallmouth on the Little Pigeon River, just across from The Apple Barn & Cider Mill. Never fly fished before or looking to perfect your roll cast? Sevierville’s Orvis Company Store offers free beginner’s classes as well as classes for more advanced anglers.

Fly fishing is also a popular option in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has over 2,000 miles of streams within its borders. Head out to fish on your own or enlist the guidance of an outfitter such as Smoky Mountain Angler to find the best fishing holes in the Smokies.

FISHING THE RIVERS

Sevierville’s Little Pigeon River is home to some of the nation’s best smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers will be pleased to learn that varying water depths make it easy to fish from the shore or wade while landing a trophy-sized fish.

Kayak fishing is also popular on the Little Pigeon River, French Broad River, and Douglas Lake and provides a relaxing way to enjoy a day on the water.

There are a few unofficial kayak put-in points located along Sevierville’s rivers currently including at the Sevierville City Park, along Old Knoxville Highway, and near Walters State Community College.

FISHING DOUGLAS LAKE

The 28,420 acres of water that make up Douglas Lake’s surface area offer ample opportunities to fish – whether from a kayak or bass boat. Bring your own watercraft or rent from an area marina, such as Mountain Cove Marina. The public boat launch at Douglas Lake is located at 1680 Boat Launch Road, Sevierville, Tennessee, and the nearby swim beach adds to the fun for those enjoying a day on the lake.

WHAT KINDS OF FISH CAN I CATCH IN SEVIERVILLE?

Sevierville’s rivers are best known for smallmouth bass, sauger, walleye, and crappie.

Douglas Lake is best known for black bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, white crappie, and black crappie but also has sauger, bluegill, and catfish.

Smallmouth bass is catch and release in Sevier County, although each angler may keep one smallmouth bass that measures over 20 inches long. The rule is designed to help protect Sevierville’s smallmouth bass fishery, which is among the top in the nation.

DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE IN SEVIERVILLE?

Those age 13 & older must have a valid fishing license purchased from the state of Tennessee. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers such as Bass Pro and Wal-Mart.
See gooutdoorstennessee.com for additional information regarding limits.