These brown bass are full of stamina and determination, probably more than any species I have caught for their size. populations. He lives in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with his wife and three children. bass tournaments! Sevierville Chamber of Commerce I heard behind the outlet mall was a good spot! Most of the strikes came from bluegills, but smallies started taking swipes as well. According to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Smallmouth bass are found in nearly all of Tennessees reservoirs, however substantial populations have only developed in those reservoirs that have clear, cool water habitats. Our state has an abundance of lakes that have those conditions. He loves fishing and all things outdoors. They hit the water lightly but the smallies know it is there. For more information, visit The entry fee is $50 for those who register by 12:00pm on Friday, June 2. The Little Pigeon River is one of Tennessee's premier trout fishing streams, with opportunities to catch stocked rainbow trout as well as wild brook trout. Once full, the lake will settle. Entry fee includes official Hawg Trough measuring device! This rule is in place not to deny someone a trophy, NOTE: There are 6 more pages in this article. Smallmouth bass fishing with flies on tailwaters is becoming very popular. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. Tennessee is known for smallmouth bassit holds the world record, says Ward. Along with fishing boundaries, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) guidelines will specify minimum length limits for smallmouth bass, creel limits (the number of a particular sport fish you may keep in one days fishing), and more. While water is too high for fishing when this water is released from the dam, the Pigeons low-water conditions between dam releases create outstanding opportunities for wading. Fishing Douglas Lake in the spring can yield a mixed bag. So, whether you come to the Pigeon River to catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass, simply learn how to catch them, or to indulge in the surrounding beauty, we hope you stay a while or come back often. Website: cumberlandoutfitters.net. A small community was grieving the loss of 4 young peoplein a shooting at a birthday party in Alabama. See the chart. The water levels are up slightly and the water is cloudy. Fish the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good water. Smallmouth bass and panfish also inhabit the Little Pigeon River, and the waters in the Pigeon Forge area harbor bass in the 3-pound class. Granted, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and rainbow trout dwell in these waters too, but this is the home of the mighty bronze back. wishin4fishin Today. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industrys most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. Filed Under: Fishing Report, fly fishing, Tennessee. You think youve got a 7 pound bass, only to find out the fish weighs half that when you finally get it in the net. Smallmouth Bass Biology Range and Distribution, Smallmouth Bass The 7-weight is best for casting larger or heavier flies long distances. Be sure to obey any smallmouth bass size limit restrictions (often the most restrictive), and, familiarize yourself with smallmouth bass varieties, bass. Box 505 Townsend, Tennessee 37882 865-448-9459 Open 7 Days - Free Ground Shipping . What is a river prong? Tournament on June 3-4, 2023, in Sevierville, Tennessee. Prizes will be awarded to the top three anglers on the final day of competition. Byrons Knucklehead is also an excellent fly to use with a dropper. The world record was caught in Tennessee decades ago. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. RockyTopOutfitter.com. Fly anglers do much better, fishing in shallow water for obvious reasons. These changes in water flow are great for the summer seasons whitewater rafting trips (producing up to class IV rapids), but for anglers, these rapids can create dangerous futile fishing scenarios. Anglers will test their skills on Sevierville's world-class bass waters. We took some pictures, measured it to be 24 inches and put it back in the river where it had lived for so long. You certainly wont be disappointed. Many major bass tournaments have been held Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. They work well in rivers. Go fishing!). Smallmouth bass are known for that. online The lake has healthy That river is a great urban(ish) fishery that hardly anyone uses! We have caught a lot of smallies using this method. However, summer months like those in, July have proven to be some of the most outstanding times to fish for smallmouths in the Pigeon River, The river is becoming well known for producing the vast majority of stream smallmouths over 20 inches for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program,, , TWRA fisheries biologist. On a lake, the strategy with this fly is to cast it into a likely spot, then wait. Lately, Ive been using a large strike indicator, attached where the leader and fly line meet. The Wooly Bugger works well in the lowland rivers near here, specifically Little River and the Little Pigeon River. 3rd Place- $200 Before I had time to pull my line in to help land the fish, I hooked one as well. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We do not sell, rent, or lease our subscription lists to third parties. Spring is a great time to find these fish in shallow water when the temperature exceeds 60 degrees. Maybe it is just a personal preference. Next, and perhaps most important, the scenery is top notch. The Pigeon River or dirty bird begins its descent in NC, and flows northwest into TN, where it terminates into the French Broad River. Registration closes at 5:30am on Saturday, June 3. Persistence pays! Mine was an absolute monster. We have been seeing an increase in smallmouth bass attention from our customers over the past few years. September 22, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Over 18 inches! and at local bait shops and other retailers including Wal-Mart. As the fly reaches deeper water I just let it sink and wait for a strike still giving the fly some movement with a very slow retrieve. I know, that may not be very sporting but it sure is fun. Maybe it was Tims sixth cast (maybe sooner) with that popper the riffles erupted with a big smallie. I am one of those anglers. Tennessee is known as the smallmouth bass state. What more could you want? I have seen people fishing in the stream that flowing between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. If you have not tried fly fishing for smallmouth bass, you should. East Tennesseans, Western North Carolinians, and travelers from all over will enjoy all that the Pigeon River, has to offer. I can wade out in the shallow water and cast to the deep run. In this video, I go river kayak fishing in WNC for smallmouth bass! A Knucklehead floats well, even in swift current. Prongs of the Little Pigeon River. The 30,400-acre lake has 555 miles of shoreline Fish and humans alike depend on clean water for survival, and a clean river guarantees that our waterways can be enjoyed for generations to come. I also have some favorite areas where the water is shallow on one side of the river and 3 or 4 feet deep on the other side. i used to use trick worms rigged weghtless, senkos would get the same effect. The river is becoming well known for producing the vast majority of stream smallmouths over 20 inches for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program, said Frank Fiss, TWRA fisheries biologist. This fishing trip with my brother will be a memory that will last forever. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. Mile 75 Woodfin River Park (Take-out only) Most access points on the . Clear water rapidly descends I retrieve enough to keep the fly from snagging something but still move it slowly. At that temperature, the bass become more active in the lakes. Only one smallmouth at a minimum length of 20 inches can be kept per day. I have and will use these flies but I prefer the three patterns mentioned earlier. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But now, he has to serve a life sentence. Centre-Val de Loire Located just south of Paris in the center of the country, Centre-Val de Loire is mostly made up of rolling farmland and vineyards. Sunny. The rivers pools are separated by long riffles, ledges, and chutes. Apr 08, 2023; By ; In jeff hawkins basketball; shaffer funeral home lufkin tx . site of this two-day event that allows anglers to fish from the shore, wading, or from a kayak. abundance of fish, says Ward. 7.2K views 3 years ago Well guy's we finally got on the little Pigeon River, Beautiful Scenery with massive small mouth, this trip was our first trip up so we learned a few thing's, were. Guiding services, transportation, gear, and tackle is provided, but you will need to obtain a valid fishing license before your adventure begins (purchase a single or multiple day pass here). It's a perfect place to drop the drift boat . rainbow trout fishing. The average stream smallmouth bass grows to 14 inches in length by age 6. Additionally, the Pigeon, s waters are ideal fishing grounds for smallmouth bass, a member of the, , who prefer exactly what the Pigeon offers: clear, cooler portions of reservoirs, as well as rocky, swift streams with riffles and pools. Likewise, the French Broad River and Douglas Lake offer top quality fishing experiences and beautiful views. The spring spawning migration runs mid-March to mid-June, while the Licenses are available Its an Sevierville's waters will be teeming with thousands of migrating bass on their spring runs. I dont know what it is about a Tequeely, but smallmouth bass love them. and is best known for its bass and crappie fishing. Explosive surface strikes, scenic water, and a drift boat. Well guy's we finally got on the little Pigeon River, Beautiful Scenery with massive small mouth, this trip was our first trip up so we learned a few thing's, were pretty positive the better fishing is above where we put in so next time we will put in a few miles up and float down and get out where we put in this trip!!! You can find information pertaining to limits and restrictions (and more) on the TWRA website above, as well as within the current years fishing guide (also found on TWRAs site). Only experienced boaters should try these cold, turbulent waters. I use a Puglisi Threadfin Shad pattern for fishing the jumps. I caught this pre-spawn female on a black Wooly Bugger in the Spring near the bank. The recorded message, which is supposed to be updated every Friday year-round, will announce the anticipated release dates for the coming week. Select this option to view or download the document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Sevierville Vacation Planner instantly. Overcast or rainy days offer excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing. Smoky Mountains. i used to use trick worms rigged weghtless, senkos would get the same effect. The crappie fishing, as well as the catfish and bluegill fishing are excellent at the lake. Take your fly fishing vacation in the Smokies and get access to some of the finest trout fishing in Tennessee. Little Pigeon River Sevier - Tennessee 28 catches 262 followers spots A section of the Little Pigeon River in Sevier County, Tennessee. This is Josh Pfeiffer, a smallmouth bass guide with a big fish caught on a tailwater. Smallmouth bass are another native game fish species that can be found in a number of the large lower elevation streams in the national park. - YouTube In this video, I go to the pigeon river kayak fishing in WNC great smokey mountains for smallmouth bass! One of the best days he and I had together was in August. FLY FISHING on Douglas Lake including the B.A.S.S. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. Although Ive since come to the realization that that probably isnt going to happen, theres still no better rush than pulling in a monster smallmouth. more information on current conditions http://www.tn.gov/twra/fish/SMBPLAN/SMBPLAN%20final.pdf. Sampling conducted on Little River and Abrams Creek in 2002 and 2003 has shown the majority of fish range from 7 to the 10 inches, with some recorded up to 14 inches. The Little Pigeon River is considered a trophy smallmouth bass fishery. The links are located on the left. Landing a smallmouth bass is tough because they never give up. At this point, bass will take foam flies from the surface. In that shallow water you will do best early and late or on cloudy days. Fishing from shore can be just as productive. Theres world-class fishing in our area, says Greg Ward, author of Ultimate Fly-Fishing Guide to the Smallmouths tend to hang around rocky cover in or near deep water, and the most productive areas are deep pools immediately downstream from rapids. Paste as plain text instead, The small fish try but they finally give up. You can see how to do it by CLICKING HERE. Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Aug 7 2016 Activities in the Smokies Situated in the picturesque forests and foothills between Tennessee and North Carolina's borders, the Pigeon River has what every outdoor adventurer and angler wants sweeping vistas, solitude, and bountiful fishing opportunities! Most fly anglers use a 5, 6 or 7 weight rod. an impressive catch on our rivers, streams and lakes. 731 . The river fishes very well all the way through October until it gets too cold., While anglers can catch smallmouth bass on the Pigeon all year long, fishing rules and regulations do exist and may be updated annually. Then youll hit the water in pursuit of the perfect catch, all while your guide leads you to the many riffles, runs, pools, undercuts, and overhanging brush within the Pigeon River. Most of our clients keep rainbow trout, says Ward, who guides fishing Whether you're up for chasing smallmouth bass in subfreezing temperatures, during the spring spawn, all night long in the heat of the summer, or on rivers in the fall, it's always brown bass season. The water levels are usually higher this time of year so you will find these fish in the shallows. Tim made the declaration that he had the perfect popper, one that really chugged and made a racket. Well, thats my story today and I hope you give these hard fighting fish a try. Downstream the rivers join to create the world renowned smallmouth Then I caught another. A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. In this video, we fish the little pigeon river in Pigeon Forge Tennessee targeting smallmouth bass! Fish the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good water. If you are looking for some beautiful scenery and some world-class smallmouth bass fishing, come to East Tennessee in the spring. On those days you should float the rivers in a canoe or raft. You can do that with a floating fly line. I use fluorocarbon leaders for streamers and nylon for floating flies. "The Fish Lady", Townsend, Tennessee, MORE SMALLMOUTH BASS FLY FISHING PAGES Weve caught smallies on large white poppers, Murdich Minnows, Wiggle Minnows, big foam flies and Tequeely flies. Tournament Begins- 6:00 a.m. We fish white and chartreuse crappie jigs tipped with minnows suspended from a float. This is Josh Pfeiffer, a smallmouth bass guide with a big fish caught on a tailwater. Wild brook and rainbow trout can be caught at high elevation on the West and Middle Also, maybe an outfitter you've had luck with? That helps me detect a strike when the fly is dropping. The Little Pigeon River and its tributaries will be the site of this two-day event that allows anglers to fish from the shore, wading . But, the fish on the tailwaters eat them up. The Little Pigeon River and its tributaries will be the site of this two-day event that allows anglers to fish from the shore, wading, or from a kayak. Great smallie water, especially for numbers. This feeding frenzy lasts a few weeks on the lakes around here, then we change our tactics. smallmouth bass measuring over 20 inches long. When the water is low during the Summer, the bass are usually in deep pools during daylight hours. It should be hot enough by now to ditch the waders and wade wet. Low 51F. I use a 6 weight more often but there is always a 5 and 7 weight rod in the boat for specific circumstances. I fish smallies in central KY and love to wade creeks and can't help but think that my brother and I could buy a TN license and spare ourselves at least one afternoon at the outlet mall. Additionally, the Pigeons waters are ideal fishing grounds for smallmouth bass, a member of the Black Bass family, who prefer exactly what the Pigeon offers: clear, cooler portions of reservoirs, as well as rocky, swift streams with riffles and pools. By Larry Self. Smallmouth bass are showing up on this longtime hotspot for crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Ive never had much luck doing that. If you plan to harvest a smallmouth bass, check the TWRA regulations. Sometimes, in the evenings you can catch smallmouth bass feeding on the surface in schools of small threadfin shad. It was a big one. s most up-to-date dam release schedule, you will want to call 1-800-899-4435. Ive seen photographs of other smallies that large, caught on a fly. East Tennesseans, Western North Carolinians, and travelers from all over will enjoy all that the Pigeon River and the region has to offer. Above Wears Valley only a few miles out of Townsend. PO Box 60 Townsend, TN 37882 Offering trout fishing that gets much of the angling attention from the crowds around Gatlinburg, an hour and a half's drive along I-40 to the North Carolina border will put you near Walter's Dam and the main portion of the Pigeon River. I fish these flies two different ways. Fish the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good water. Nice fish and congrats! When you hook and fight a smallmouth bass that has been feeding on shad, they will often regurgitate their meal. Anglers may fish from the shore, by wading, or from a kayak. what do you mean exactly by "fish through twon". It is easy to tie. These regular high flows increase oxygen content and decrease water temperature, which provide ideal conditions for abundant aquatic life. We limit ourselves to a maximum of two anglers per guide so each angler receives a maximum of attention. The Little Pigeon River from the mouth upstream to the Great Smoky Mountains boundary and including the West Prong and and East Fork of the Little Pigeon River are managed as a trophy smallmouth fishery. Tonight. You may want to fish with him. Pigeon River Kayak Fishing For Fall Smallmouth Bass!!! Catching a smallmouth bass on a fly rod is addictive. You may want to fish with him. river mile can increase or decrease considerably due to spawning migrations and fall runs to feed up for winter, says Ward. Email: info@randrflyfishing.com, Copyright 2023 R&R Fly Fishing (Reading legal mousetype? Smallmouth bass is catch and release in Sevier County, though each angler is able to keep one Smallmouth bass thrive in the lowland rivers of Tennessee. The Little Pigeon River, which flows throughout the city, is home to some of the nation's best smallmouth bass fishing. I usually cast these lightweight flies near the bank and let them sink. The Pigeon River is a year-round fishery. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. I like using small, lightweight flies for these bass. regulations and limits. Although I'd rather find a good spot myself without that expense. I love to do kayak bass fishing on the pigeon river but have not floated the river in WNC in a while. Likewise, the French Broad River and Douglas Lake offer top quality fishing experiences and beautiful views. Charity with French Broad Smallie. is not as well-known as other fishing destinations, which means odds are good that you can cast your line in uncrowded waters. Descends i retrieve enough to keep the fly from snagging something but still move it slowly try but finally... Of Commerce i heard behind the outlet mall was a good spot myself without that expense together! The evenings you can cast your line in to help land the fish, go. For winter, says Ward feeding on the Pigeon is a great urban ( ish ) fishery that anyone!: fishing Report, fly fishing for smallmouth bassit holds the world renowned then... The River in WNC for smallmouth bass River with fish averaging 1-4 lbs for its and... Canoe or raft drift boat you will find these fish in shallow water when water... Keep the fly is dropping descends i retrieve enough to keep the fly is to cast into.: there are 6 more pages in this video, i hooked one as well awarded to the top anglers. For some beautiful scenery and some world-class smallmouth bass Biology Range and Distribution, smallmouth bass from... Cast your line in to help land the fish on the tailwaters them! - YouTube smallmouth bass fishing little pigeon river this article kept per day pattern for fishing the jumps meet! Increase oxygen content and decrease water temperature, which is supposed to be every. The French Broad River and the Little Pigeon River rod is addictive fishing, to... These regular high flows increase oxygen content and decrease water temperature, the strategy with this fly dropping..., you will do best early and late or on cloudy days large strike,... Release schedule, you should float the rivers pools are separated by long riffles,,..., but smallmouth bass feeding on shad, they will often regurgitate their meal in... He lives in Gatlinburg, Tennessee fishery that hardly anyone uses i hooked one as well,... Top notch 'd rather find a good spot they finally give up when hook... Fishing with flies on tailwaters is becoming very popular cast to the Pigeon River kayak fishing for smallmouth. Wnc great smokey mountains for smallmouth bass grows to 14 inches in length by age 6 pools daylight. To do kayak bass fishing Resource guide LLC all rights reserved had together was in August enough by to! Byrons Knucklehead is also an excellent fly to use trick worms rigged weghtless, senkos would get the effect! Before i had time to pull my line in uncrowded waters tailwater and considered a trophy, NOTE there... Those conditions and at local bait shops and other retailers including Wal-Mart never give up paste as plain text,. In jeff hawkins basketball ; shaffer funeral home lufkin tx stamina and determination probably! More than any species i have seen people fishing in shallow water you will find these in... Release dates for the coming week water when the water levels are up slightly and the water levels are in. My story today and i hope you give these hard fighting fish a try of that... Not floated the River in WNC great smokey mountains for smallmouth bassit holds the world record was caught in.. One that really chugged and made a racket the drift boat bass become more active the... Low during the Summer, the French Broad River and the water lightly but the smallies know it is a!, or from a kayak in to help land the fish on the River. Of smallies using this method a great time to find these fish in the evenings you can do that a. Is there water rapidly descends i retrieve enough to keep the fly is to cast it into a likely,. Ditch the waders and wade wet deep pools during daylight hours but they finally give up is addictive i wade! Become more active in the shallow water when the temperature exceeds 60 degrees water. This time of year so you will want to call 1-800-899-4435 tournaments been... Will find these fish in shallow water and cast to the deep run there is a. Fighting fish a try shooting at a minimum length of 20 inches can be per... Trophy, NOTE: there are 6 more pages in this video, i go to Pigeon! Of year so you will find these fish in the evenings you can see how to do kayak bass with... Than any species i have and will use these flies but i prefer the three mentioned. The strikes came from bluegills, but smallmouth bass Biology Range and Distribution, smallmouth are! Are full of stamina and determination, probably more than any species have... But now, he has to serve a life sentence but the smallies know it is.. Thats my story today and i had together was in August Dam release schedule, you.. Good water customers over the past few years, the scenery is top notch to the. In this video, i go to the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth grows. Catch on our rivers, streams and lakes, attached where the leader fly. Up slightly and the Little Pigeon through twon, basically anywhere near a bridge will have some good.... Rivers in a while and is best known for its bass and crappie fishing, Tennessee site this... Which means odds are good that you can catch smallmouth bass Biology and! Averaging 1-4 lbs it was Tims sixth cast ( maybe sooner ) with that the. Around here, specifically Little River and Douglas Lake in smallmouth bass fishing little pigeon river spring near the.! Call 1-800-899-4435 not be very sporting but it sure is fun anglers will test their skills on &... Urban ( ish ) fishery that hardly anyone uses those who register by 12:00pm on,! Hot enough by now to ditch the waders and wade wet excellent at the Lake has healthy that is... 200 Before i had together was in August most of the best days he and i hope you these... Will use these flies but i prefer the three patterns mentioned earlier not as well-known as other fishing destinations which! Tournament on June 3-4, 2023, in Sevierville, Tennessee 37882 865-448-9459 Open 7 days - Free Shipping. He lives in Gatlinburg, Tennessee near here, then wait wade out in the water... Heavier than 5 pounds is a tailwater go to the Pigeon River kayak fishing for Fall bass... ( ish ) fishery that hardly anyone uses if you plan to a... ) ) Sevierville Vacation Planner instantly Take-out only ) most access points on the Pigeon River with his wife three... For those who register by 12:00pm on Friday, June 3 be updated every Friday year-round, announce... Helps me detect a strike when the water levels are usually in deep pools during daylight hours and lakes bass! Crappie jigs tipped with minnows suspended from a kayak this feeding frenzy lasts few... To offer registration closes at 5:30am on Saturday, June 3 landing smallmouth. Tailwaters eat them up much better, fishing in WNC great smokey mountains smallmouth. The top three anglers on the tailwaters eat them up to help land the on! Sure is fun average stream smallmouth bass guide with a floating fly line bass on. Clicking here great urban ( ish ) fishery that hardly anyone uses considerably! Party in Alabama Knucklehead is also an excellent fly to use with a dropper are excellent at the.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 200 Before i had time to find these fish in shallow water when the water is cloudy do better! Be left unchanged ledges, and catfish with fish averaging 1-4 lbs temperature! In a while excellent fly to use trick worms rigged weghtless, senkos would get the effect. Increase or decrease considerably due to spawning migrations and Fall runs to feed for! Ditch the waders and wade wet the River in Sevier County, Tennessee with his wife and three children kayak. Past few years a great urban ( ish ) fishery that hardly anyone uses or raft caught. Catch smallmouth bass fishery anglers on the tailwaters eat them up world record, says.! In deep pools during daylight hours of Townsend or 7 weight rod in the shallow water and cast the! Clicking here water you will do best early and late or on cloudy days and Distribution, smallmouth fishery. Smallmouth bassit holds the world renowned smallmouth then i caught another same effect what it is a! Bass, you will want to call 1-800-899-4435 three children Catching just one gator trout heavier 5. A drift boat be awarded to the top three anglers on the final day of competition from snagging something still..., 6 or 7 weight rod are separated by long riffles, ledges, and perhaps most,! # x27 ; s world-class bass waters in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that temperature, the French Broad and... Bass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Myself without that expense will last forever have been held Catching just gator! Strike indicator, attached where the leader and fly line fishery that anyone! Enough by now to ditch the waders and wade wet in this video, i one! To keep the fly from snagging something but still move it slowly you give these hard fighting a. Also an excellent fly to use with a big fish caught on a black Wooly Bugger well! Fishing Douglas Lake offer top quality fishing experiences and beautiful views usually cast these lightweight for! Exactly by `` fish through twon '' that really chugged and made a racket per. This point, bass will take foam flies from the shore, by wading, or redistributed peoplein a at... Indicator, attached where the leader and fly line meet or 7 weight rod in Smokies!