Great Smoky Mountains Fishing Report December 14th

The fishing in December has been very good all across the Smoky Mountains region. Big Fish love cold weather! That is a fact. No other time of the year do we see more active big fish than in winter time. Although it’s not technically winter yet, tell that to the fish! The best fishing in the region at this time is the Tuckasegee River. Currently there are 17,000 trout per mile on the Tuckasegee. This River holds Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout with average trout size around 16-18 inches! We are catching many fish into the mid 20 inch and beyond range. The recent deluge of much needed rain has done wonders for the water levels in the Tuckasegee River and surrounding tributaries. We are seeing full streams and rivers with great water clarity. This makes perfect conditions for both Wade and Float Trips this winter.   The Cherokee Trophy Section is the second choice for fantastic fishing this time of year. The Raven Fork and Oconaluftee River are both fishing very good. Trout here are monsterous with many fish exceeding 24 inches and better. We are seeing good action on both dries, nymphs, and streamers on the Trophy Section. Water levels are dang near perfect right now. Honestly you couldn’t ask for much better. We are still seeing the Elk wander through the area as well rounding out a fun filled day! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is fishing good for December. Brown trout are finally becoming very active on the larger low elevation streams such as Little River, Deep Creek, and the Oconaluftee River. We’re seeing dependable hatches on Blue Winged Olives and several small Caddis species around mid morning as the sun warms things up a bit.

The weather this week has been chilly to down right cold in the mornings which is typical this time of year. Tuesday was off and on rain showers and stayed overcast which triggered some epic fishing! Wednesday was clear and cool with a sun all day with highs reaching mid 40’s. Thursday is going to be clear and cold with a high of only 33 degrees. Brrr! Friday clouds up and starts to warm and by Saturday and Sunday we are forecasted for rain showers and high reaching the mid fifties. Should be some great weather for catching big fish!

Faith, Family, and Fishing! We’ll see you on the water.