It is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River (and in turn the Tennessee River, Ohio River and Mississippi River), into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin. The Little Tennessee River, affectionately called the "Little T" by our guides offers some outstanding Smallmouth Bass fly fishing during Summer months. Well keep you up to date with the local happenings and events here in Franklin its like home away from home! Hatchery Supported Trout Waters. The river almost always has some current, often slow and easy. Fly Fishing for Largemouth Bass in Florida He also lives part time in the North Carolina mountains where he fishes for trout and other species. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishinglidokey_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Due to the swift, shallow water in the section, anglers must vary there lure selection and techniques just a bit. Several Cherokee Indian fish traps, which are weirs made of stacked rocks used to catch fish, remain in the riverbed. 1363 to S.R. Abundant plantings. All properties are subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawal. North Carolina Game and Fish has named the Nantahala River one of North Carolinas ten best trout streams. Live wigglers work great when the water has a little color to it. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. The Little Tennessee River, at the location we were wade-fishing, was approximately 10 miles from its juncture with Lake Fontana. Two Recommended areas to access the river:Needmore Rd inTelico: From intersection of Main Street and Depot Street (Adjacent to "Hot Spot") in Franklin, take "Riverview Road" North to N.C. Hwy-28 North for 13 miles to Tellico Road on your left and over the "lost bridge." This is a very nice greenway along the Little Tennessee River. Anglers who venture a ways up stream will find the current speed increase as they do so. The variety really is part of the fun of fishing this stretch of the Little Tennessee River! The Little Tennessee River offers some of the best Smallmouth Bass Fishing in the south! Legendary trout streams and family-friendly whitewater (Class I-III), plus miles of mountain biking, horseback, and backpacking trailsincluding the Appalachian Trailmake the free-flowing upper basin a vital driver of western North Carolinas vibrant recreation-based tourism economy. Here are a few of our favorite companies to work with: Tuckaseegee Fly Fishing Guide. As rapid population growth and urbanization continue to push into the watershed, pressure placed on the regions intrinsic ecological and recreational values is increasing at a pace unanticipated 10-20 years ago. When they do, look out! A small spinner bait works well as it tends to be more weedless than other lures. 81 Bennett Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Gordon Vanderpool, the owner of Turning Stones Fly Fishing, is an expert in his field and has incredible insight. We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. I am going to break down the Little Tennessee River into three sections; the upper section, Lake Emory, and the lower section. We found the Greenway in downtown Franklin and it became our daily habit in the morning to walk several miles. Pending availability, waders are available for FREE. The Greenway represents a voluntary local strategy to preserve scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources and promotes increased public access to the Little Tennessee River through the creation of riverside parks and trails. The Greenway is the perfect for hiking, jogging and bicycling. Turning Stone's comes highly recommended since they have a plethora of experience and expertise that they generously share with their clients. Each river is productive for smallmouth with good public access. This place does not accept credit cards because it is free to the public. The Little Tennessee River is great when the doldrums of summer hit for smallmouth. Wade fishing the Little T is possible, but floating and covering lots of water is much more productive. This is such a gem! Access to this portion of the river is a bit limited, though better than it used to be. We prefer the area, that starts at Wells Grove Rd. Regardless of your level of experience, you'll have a good time and learn something. The road is winding and narrow. The more pressing threat is seen in habitat degradation due to urban sprawl and swift, uncontrolled development in the basin. This property, along with 20 others, will be liquidated for literally pennies on the market dollar on Saturday Feb 4th. The Little Tennessee River Greenway is a five-mile hiking and biking trail in Franklin, NC which features fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic shelters, exercise stations, and a butterfly garden along its length. Smallmouth bass are the most sought after species in this section of the Little Tennessee River. It is small enough to catch numbers while large enough to entice larger fish. Capt Jim Klopfer is a wel rounded angler with 50 years fishing experience, and he loves to share what he has learned with other anglers! Fortunately, Smoky Mountain Blueways has 51 public access points mapped out on the upper watershed alone, including the Cheoah, Nantahala, Oconoluftee, Tuckasegee, and the Little Tennessee itself. During our last visit, we noticed some of the boards were a little loose too. We went fly fishing in Cherokee with Turning Stone's. Much of the native fish biodiversity remaining around dams on the Little Tennessee and its tributaries survives in isolated fragments of relatively intact native habitats. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Little Tennessee River Large freestone river Location West of Bryson City on NC 28 South and also Needmore Road (off US 19/74). |. A short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. Within sight of the greenway is the Nikwasi Mound, once the center of a thriving Cherokee village. I spent Friday with Justin on the legendary Tuckasegee and the next two days with Forrest and Dan on separate smaller rivers, and I can't imagine better guides or better fishing days! Reflecting the extraordinarily rich diversity of the Franklin, North Carolina landscape, visitors can experience wetlands, stroll through two railroad cuts left behind by the Tallulah Falls Railroad, wander alongside an old pasture, catch sight of the desert agave, and experience the upland woods. I passed others along the way but it wasnt crowded at all. Imagine driving up to the East Outlet of the Kennebec River to fish a section that was shin deep last month to find that it is now over your head. Adventures await you in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains of Franklin, NC. Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 14-20 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. We've provided volleyball and badminton equipment for extra family fun right in your own private yard. - Go Tubing along the Little Tennessee River from your back yard, or for adventure try White Water Rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center just 30 minutes away - Try your hand at Gem mining right here in Franklin - The Gem Capital of the World. Little Tennessee River Greenway (Franklin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The variety really is part of the fun of fishing this stretch of the Little Tennessee River! White Oak River. Not many hills and it enjoyed getting to run across several bridges. If you have a nicer car and don't want to risk getting it dirty, this isn't the drive for you. The next access point is a nice little park right at the 28 bridge a few miles downriver. The Little Tennessee River changes in the area around where Tellico Creek and burning town Creek enter the river. Where is the best place to park to walk across the bridge? Providing a cornucopia of wildflowers and wildlife, the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin, NC cuts a 13 foot wide meandering path of nearly five miles through the Town and points along the river. This lure allows anglers to cover a lot of water in search of fish. Plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the river. We offer both Wade Trips and Float Trips on the Little Tennessee River. There are some very specific rules about where and when trout are stocked and where and when you are permitted for fish for them. This marvelous asset began as a dream. The tactic that I primarily use is to go up river of the area I want to fish then let the current drift me down while using the trolling motor to correct my position. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The 24-mile reach of the Little Tennessee River between the town of Franklin and Fontana Reservoir is believed to contain all of the same aquatic wildlife that was present when British colonists arrived in North America. They went above and above to help us find fish throughout our half-day on the lake, and they were completely involved throughout the trip. Look for deals on fly fishing schools. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Even the shallow running jerk baits that I prefer can get hung up quite a bit. Many of the colder streams that flow into Little Tennessee River offer some great trout fishing. Lake Emory is a river style lake that is long and narrow and usually has a little current. Youre in luck because the Nantahala River is also a very popular trout fishing destination. Unfortunately, lake fish rarely move out into the rivers according to fishery biologists. There is not a ton of holding water in this section. Lake Emory sits right in the middle of Franklin, North Carolina. The Little Tennessee drains portions of three national forestsChattahoochee, Nantahala, and Cherokee, and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the county seat of Macon County. There are a few mild rapids, but all are very easily navigated in normal water. Turning Stone's provides the knowledge you need to have a great fly fishing experience. Rainbow and brown trout live in the river all year, with spring runs of walleye and white bass providing plenty of action before the smallmouth start showing up in mid-May. The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. Little Tennessee River Greenway Providing a cornucopia of wildflowers and wildlife, the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin, NC cuts a 13 foot wide meandering path of nearly five miles through the Town and points along the river. Daily permit is required October 1 through August 15. 6. . - Brookings Anglers, Google Maps will not only provide driving directions but will show you where to park. However, anglers adventurous enough to do this long float when water conditions are right will find a lot of action on rock bass, panfish, and smaller smallmouth bass. Community leaders within the basin have recognized the impacts of development and zoning is coming around to address land use in rapid growth areas. He had a fantastic weekend and learned a great deal about the sport. However, the slack water behind any rock, ledge, or boulder is liable to hold a fish. Toll-free: 866-372-5546. The river is near the town of Franklin, NC, about an hour drive from the Brookings shop in Cashiers. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The Greenway is the perfect for hiking, jogging and bicycling. These gentlemen are world-class anglers and teachers, and if you don't leave a better fisherman, you aren't paying attention. Great playground and nature learning activity for kids. However, there are a lot of other fish that can be caught as well. 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