Winter has settled into the Smoky Mountains, and with it comes one of our favorite seasons on the water. Cold mornings, quiet rivers, and big trout on the move make this a prime time to get out and chase fish with Fly Fishing the Smokies. For those who love winter fly fishing—and especially for anglers who appreciate solitude—there’s no better time to be here.
The Tuckasegee River is fishing incredibly well right now under the Delayed Harvest regulations. Heavily stocked with rainbows, browns, and brookies along two sections which are feeding aggressively right now. This is a great place to bring kids and newcomers to learn to fly fish or just have a good time and beat the winter blues! Big wild and holdover Brown trout that have pushed up from Fontana Lake back in late November and early December are now wintering over in the river system. These heavy-shouldered fish will remain with us until early March, giving us a great window to target trophy trout before they slide back downstream. Winter is hands-down one of the best times to stick that fish of the season on the Tuck.
Our float trips have been a guest favorite this time of year, providing a relaxing way to cover water while staying warm, dry, and comfortable. It’s an ideal option for anglers wanting to fish long stretches of the Tuck without hiking or wading. For the hunters at heart, wade trips are excellent for stalking big fish in slow pockets, deep runs, and edge water, where winter trout settle in. Taking your time, reading the water, and working methodically often pays off with quality fish.
Over on the Nantahala River, the Upper Nantahala Delayed Harvest section is fishing strong with plenty of fish spread out and feeding well. Nymphing has been consistent, but keep a streamer ready—winter trout are opportunistic. When flows line up just right, we’re also taking advantage of water release windows on the Lower Nantahala, where the fishing can be fantastic when the generators shut down. Low water on the lower river is a special opportunity not to miss.
The Cherokee, NC fly-fishing-only waters continue to produce some incredible fish. It’s a unique place to cast flies for trophy trout with the backdrop of elk grazing along the banks, often just across the field from where we’re hooked up. It’s a sight that never gets old and one of the true winter gems of our region.
Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the fishing naturally slows down this time of year with colder water temperatures. But on warmer days, especially afternoons with a little sunshine, we still find trout willing to eat. Pocket water, deep pools, and slow tailouts are the key targets, and patience goes a long way. Even when the bite is subtle, the experience is worth every step—winter in the Smokies is quiet, peaceful, and strikingly beautiful. Frost on rhododendron, crisp air, and the sound of the river all to yourself is something special.
Winter fly fishing across the Smoky Mountain region offers solitude, big fish opportunities, and a refreshing calm that you just don’t get during peak season. Whether you prefer drifting the Tuck in comfort or wading small streams with stealth and precision, now is a perfect time to be on the water.
Give us a shout—we’d love to take you fishing this winter!