Throughout its headwaters downstream to Canton, anglers will find both wild and stocked trout. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs.
Table of Contents
Where can I fish in the West Fork Pigeon River?

Is the Pigeon River good for fishing?
Flowing northward from North Carolina to Tennessee, the Pigeon River itself skirts along the eastern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a particularly generous river when it comes to fishing for Tennessee’s state sport fish โ the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu).
Is the Pigeon River delayed harvest?
For anglers who favor stocked waters and easier access, the West Fork of the Pigeon River also offers 5 miles of hatchery-supported waters and an additional 2 miles of delayed-harvest waters, which fall under the same regulations as do the hatchery-supported waters during the summer and are stocked with nearly 1,000 …
Where can I fish in Pigeon River?
There are several access areas to reach the best parts of the Pigeon River. One of them is at Canthook Landing, where anglers can find steelhead, brook trout, and brown trout.
Can you fish in the West Prong Little Pigeon River?
You are permitted to fish year-round at the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, as with most of the rivers in the Park. There may be designated times or seasons where access is restricted or limited by the National Park Service, but that will generally be rare, and posted if it is an issue.
Is there trout in the Pigeon River?
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. Smallmouth bass inhabit the water as well.
What kind of fish are in the Pigeon River in Michigan?
Brook, brown and rainbow trout all thrive in the Pigeon River, with migratory trout from Mullett Lake providing additional opportunity.
How do you fish Little Pigeon River?

Where does the Pigeon River begin and end?
The Pigeon River Starts in North Carolina and ends in East Tennessee. It can be easy to forget how long this river is! The Pigeon River begins in Haywood County in North Carolina and flows mostly northwest, with a few exceptions.
Are largemouth bass native to Europe?
Largemouth bass are now found across Latin America and Europe, in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and in Japan. Generally speaking, anywhere in the world you find a mild climate and a dash of freshwater, you’ll also find bass.
Can you fish in Cades Cove?
Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters. In Cades Cove, you can fish from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. It is very important you bring your license with you and keep in on you at all times while you are fishing.
Where do they stock trout in Gatlinburg?
There are also two, designated children’s fishing areas which are heavily stocked with trout. These areas are located at North Gatlinburg Park, at the northern Parkway entrance to the city, and Mynatt Park, off Airport Road.
Can you wade the Little Pigeon River?
Fishing the stream is its lower section in the Sugarland area of the park is as easy as it gets fishing the West Prong of Little Pigeon River. The stream is moderately declined with a series of riffles, runs and pools. The stream is fairly wide and easy to wade and or progress along its banks in most areas.
How do you catch trout on Little Pigeon River?

Where is the west prong of the Little Pigeon River?
Description: The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River is one of the best trout streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It runs nearby highway #441 that crosses the park from Tennessee into North Carolina from near its beginning near the Chimney Top Trailhead to its exit from the park at Gatlinburg.
What do I need to fish in Pigeon Forge?
A valid fishing license or permit is required for fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No trout stamp is required. Fishing licenses may be purchased online through the state government of Tennessee or at one of the local businesses in Pigeon Forge. Fishing is allowed within all streams of the national park.
Where can I trout fish in the Smoky Mountains?
- Little River. You’ll find one of the most popular trout fishing spots in the Smoky Mountains on the main section of the Little river.
- Middle Prong Little Pigeon River.
- Cataloochee Creek.
- Raven Fork (Upper Raven Fork/Three Forks/Enloe Creek)
- Deep Creek.
- Fontana Lake.
How do I get a fishing license in TN?
All permits are valid from the time of purchase until the last day of February. Purchase a Tennessee fishing license online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Licenses can also be purchased through local agents. The minimum annual Tennessee fishing license for residents is $34 annually and covers basic fishing and small game.
What kind of fish are in Pigeon Forge Tennessee?
Trout and smallmouth and some rock bass are found in the Little Pigeon River, along with panfish. Fishing is permitted in the city of Pigeon Forge, and the Riverwalk Greenway offers easy, in-town access to the river. The river throughout its full extent is regarded as one of the best streams in Tennessee for trout.
Is there fishing in Sevierville Tennessee?
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.
Can you fish at the Sevier County park?
It rises from a series of streams which flow together on the dividing ridge between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, with most of the flow from inside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
How polluted is the Pigeon River?
Anglers of all ages can enjoy both lake and stream fishing in Sevierville. Douglas Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, camping and recreation. This 30,400 acre lake has 555 miles of shoreline and is nestled in the foothills of the Great Anglers in The Great Smoky Mountains Smoky Mountains.
How deep is the Pigeon River?
Decades of pollution turned the water into a dark, malodorous, and toxic brew, Fish were eventually declared unsafe for consumption due to high concentrations of dioxin, a chemical known to cause cancer, neurological and reproductive disorders.
What class is the Pigeon River?
However, the deepest point on the river is located at the Pigeon R Bl Power Plant Nr Waterville reporting a gauge stage of 5.53 ft. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Pigeon River, the highest being perched at an elevation of 2,584 ft, the Pigeon River Near Canton.