Beauty and Peacefulness in Early Fall
Hazel Creek, one of the crown jewels of the Smokies, takes on an especially magical feel in September. The crisp, early fall air sweeps down the valley, and mornings often greet anglers with cool mist rising off the stream. The lush summer foliage is beginning to shift, with hints of gold and amber showing along the banks. Crowds are nearly gone, and this backcountry gem feels even more remote and peaceful. The long hike or boat ride in rewards anglers with solitude and some of the prettiest water in the Park.
Fishing Conditions
As nights cool and days shorten, brown trout are becoming more active in anticipation of their fall spawning season. They feed more aggressively, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Rainbows remain eager in the riffles and pocket water, taking dries and nymphs readily. Hazel Creek’s broad pools, tumbling runs, and shaded banks make for varied fishing where you can try different approaches throughout the day.
Hatch Chart – September on Hazel Creek
- Blue Winged Olives (#18–20) – mid-morning through afternoon
- Slate Drakes (#12–14) – afternoons, scattered but effective
- Caddisflies (#16–20) – dusk into evening
- Terrestrials (ants, beetles, hoppers) – all day along grassy and wooded edges
- Little Yellow Stoneflies (#16–18) – early September afternoons
Recommended Flies
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#16–18), Royal Wulff (#14–16), BWO Parachute (#18–20)
- Terrestrials: Beetles (#12–14), Black Ants (#16–18), Dave’s Hopper (#10–12)
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tail (#16–20), Prince Nymph (#14–16), Copper John (#16–18)
- Streamers: Woolly Buggers (olive, black #8–10), Sculpin patterns for probing deeper pools and tempting browns
Why Hazel Creek in September
- Solitude: Few anglers venture in after Labor Day, meaning long stretches of water to yourself.
- Scenery: Crisp mornings, changing leaves, and the sounds of tumbling mountain water.
- Active Browns: Pre-spawn browns are feeding heavily, offering chances at larger fish.
- Cool Water: Hazel Creek stays cold and clear, even as lowland rivers warm
Guided Hazel Creek Day Trip – Fly Fishing the Smokies
For anglers who want the full Hazel Creek experience without the logistics headache, Fly Fishing the Smokies offers a popular guided Hazel Creek Day Trip. Guests enjoy a scenic boat shuttle across Fontana Lake into the remote backcountry, where our professional guides lead you to Hazel Creek’s legendary waters. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels who want to chase wild browns and rainbows in one of the most storied streams in the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Full-day guided adventure with all gear included
- Boat shuttle across Fontana Lake into Hazel Creek backcountry
- Expert instruction for both beginners and seasoned anglers
- Target species: wild rainbow and brown trout, with opportunities for larger fall browns
This trip combines Smoky Mountain scenery, history, and some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast, all in one unforgettable day.
Hazel Creek in September is pure Smoky Mountain fly fishing at its best. Solitude, beauty, crisp mountain air, and hungry trout make this a prime time to visit with our guides.
Call or Text (828)-421-6378
