Smallmouth Bass Float Trips in the Smoky Mountains
Summer isn’t over yet—and our Smallmouth Bass Float Trips are still going strong!
Late August and September are excellent times to float the rivers of Western North Carolina for hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass. Our Summer Smallmouth Float Trips take you down the Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee Rivers for a full day of fishing, beautiful mountain scenery and some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in the South.
Smallmouth are aggressive, powerful and incredibly fun to catch. From explosive topwater strikes to fish crushing streamers and lures, these trips offer a completely different fishing experience from our traditional Smoky Mountain trout trips.
Choose fly fishing or light spinning tackle—we provide the gear, equipment and instruction.
6-Hour Private Float Trip • 1–2 Anglers • Fly or Spin Fishing • All Gear Included
Smallmouth Bass Float Trips Available Through September
BOOK YOUR SUMMER FLOAT TRIP
Tuckasegee River Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The Tuckasegee River offers wide, scenic float water with long runs, rocky banks, ledges, and deep pools that make perfect smallmouth habitat. During the summer months, the Tuck becomes a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery, giving anglers a chance to throw streamers, poppers, soft plastics, crankbaits, and other productive patterns and lures. These fish are aggressive, strong, and willing to chase. When a smallmouth eats, there is no mistaking it.
Little Tennessee River Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The Little Tennessee River is one of the most scenic float trips in the region. Flowing through a beautiful mountain valley, the river is lined with rolling farmland, wooded banks, mountain views, rocky shoals, and quiet stretches of water that feel far removed from the busy tourist areas. It is a peaceful, historic river with deep roots in the Southern Appalachians.
The Little Tennessee River also carries a rich Cherokee history. Long before it became known as a great fishing destination, this river valley was home to Cherokee towns, travel routes, and gathering places. The river was an important part of daily life, providing food, transportation, and connection between communities. Floating the Little Tennessee gives anglers more than just a fishing trip — it offers a chance to experience a river that has shaped the culture and history of this region for generations.
Smallmouth bass are one of the most exciting fish to target in the summer. They are powerful, aggressive, and known for their hard runs, head shakes, and acrobatic jumps. Pound for pound, smallmouth are one of the best fighting freshwater fish you can catch. They attack flies and lures with attitude and make every hookup exciting.
Fly Fishing and Spin Fishing for Smallmouth Bass
On fly fishing trips, we target smallmouth with streamers, crayfish patterns, baitfish patterns, and topwater poppers. Watching a smallmouth explode on a popper is one of the best moments in summer fishing. For spin fishing, we use a variety of lures including soft plastics, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater baits. Both methods are effective, and our guides will match the setup to the water, conditions, and angler experience level.
Our Summer Float Trips for Smallmouth Bass are perfect for beginners, experienced anglers, families, and anyone looking for a fun full day on the river. We provide the gear, equipment, instruction, and local knowledge needed to make the most of your day.
There’s still plenty of summer fishing left! Late August and September are some of our favorite times to chase Smallmouth on the Tuckasegee and Little Tennessee Rivers. Come spend a day floating the mountains, throwing flies or light tackle, and finding out why Smallmouth Bass have earned their reputation as one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish around.
$500 PER BOAT — UP TO 2 ANGLERS
BOOK YOUR SMALLMOUTH FLOAT TRIP
Call or Text 828-421-6378