Crisp Air and Peaceful Streams
Early September in the Smoky Mountains brings the first hints of fall. Cool mornings and crisp evenings make for some of the most refreshing fishing conditions of the year. The lush greens of summer are beginning to give way to the first touches of autumn color. Crowds are gone, kids are back in school, and anglers often find entire stretches of stream completely to themselves. The air is quieter, the water clearer, and the serenity of wading a mountain creek is unmatched this time of year.
Favorite Streams Right Now
Deep Creek – Flowing cold and steady out of the high country, Deep Creek offers a wonderful mix of species this time of year. The lower and middle sections hold healthy browns and rainbows, while brook trout are found higher up near Newfound Gap. Morning terrestrial fishing along the grassy banks can be excellent, and afternoons bring reliable hatches of Blue Winged Olives. Pools and pocket water are fishing especially well with dry-dropper rigs.
Little River – Both the Middle and West Prongs of the Little River are in prime condition right now. These stretches offer solitude and a true backcountry feel with eager wild rainbows and the occasional brown. The cooler weather has trout rising to parachute dries and terrestrials during the day. Look for shaded plunge pools and boulder-strewn runs for the best action.
Oconaluftee River – A favorite for its size and variety of water types, the “Luftee” is fishing best in the early mornings and late afternoons as cooler temperatures settle in. Rainbows are feeding actively in riffles and pocket water, while browns are beginning to move around more as fall approaches. Terrestrials like beetles and ants are working well near shaded banks, while nymphs continue to produce in deeper runs.
Abrams Creek – Known for its meadow section inside Cades Cove, Abrams offers some of the most scenic and peaceful fishing in the Park. Hopper–dropper setups are effective in the open meadow water, while dry flies and terrestrials tempt fish along the shaded banks and riffles. The brook trout population here is holding strong in the headwaters, making it a great place to target all three Smokies trout species.
Nantahala River Report
The Nantahala is fishing well in the early morning and late afternoon. Water temperatures remain cool, and both dry-dropper setups and small streamers are working. Expect plenty of eager rainbows, with some nice browns showing up in the deeper runs. Terrestrials continue to be effective during sunny afternoons
Cherokee Fly Fishing Trophy Section Report
The Cherokee Trophy Section continues to fish strong into early fall. Water clarity is excellent, and the cooler nights are keeping trout active throughout the day. Anglers are finding success with midges, small BWO nymphs, and streamers for larger fish. Dry-dropper combos with ants or beetles paired with a small nymph are a winning setup. This section is producing some impressive rainbows and browns right now.
Hatch Chart – Early September
The transition to fall brings a reliable mix of hatches:
- Blue Winged Olives (#18–20) – mid-morning to afternoon
- Little Yellow Stoneflies (#16–18) – afternoons in sunny pockets
- Slate Drakes (#12–14) – sporadic, often late afternoon
- Terrestrials (ants, beetles, hoppers) – all day, especially along banks
- Caddisflies (#16–20) – evenings
Recommended Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#14–18), BWO Parachute (#18–20), Royal Wulff (#14–16)
- Terrestrials: Black Ants (#16–18), Beetles (#12–14), Dave’s Hopper (#10–12)
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (#16–20), Prince Nymph (#14–16), Copper John (#16–18)
- Streamers: Woolly Bugger (olive or black, #8–10), Sculpin patterns
Take advantage of our Fall Specials for great deals on guided fly fishing trips this Fall! Just click the image below
