There are plenty of spots to go fishing in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and one of the best places happens to be Cades Cove! So, grab your fishing gear and get ready for a day of reeling in some big catches! To help you see why this is the best place to cast a line, here are 5 of the top reasons to go fishing in Cades Cove.
1. The Largest Rainbow Trout in the Smokies
Abrams Creek flows underground through limestone depressions for almost 3 miles before emerging at Cades Cove. The limestone geology and rich soils in the creek support a variety of aquatic insects, which are excellent food sources for the fish. These things also help to maintain a neutral pH which creates an environment where trout can thrive. Of course, there are numerous other species for you to catch as well.
2. An All Day Activity
One of the best things about fishing in Cades Cove and other areas in the national park is you can fish from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. So, you can take your time and relax as you enjoy this leisurely activity. This time frame allows you tons of opportunities to catch lots of fish. You just have to make sure you’re staying within the daily possession limits.
3. Scenic Surroundings
When you are fishing in Abrams Creek in Cades Cove, you’ll be surrounded by peaceful wooded views. Once you’re done fishing for the day, you can head over to the Cades Cove Loop Road and take in all of the scenic mountain vistas. You might even catch a glimpse of horses grazing in the cove or maybe even some wild turkeys or a black bear!
4. Fun for the Whole Family
You and your loved ones can all spend time together while trying to make that big catch in Cades Cove. You’ll have a wonderful time teaching the kids how to fish, and the experience is sure to be one they’ll remember for years to come. Please keep in mind fishing licenses are required for everyone over the age of 13 years old. If your kids are under 13, no license is necessary!
5. Accessible All Year Round
As long as you have a permit, you can enjoy fishing in Cades Cove all year round as long as the weather permits. So, no matter when you decide to visit the area, the fish in the cove will always be waiting. Lots of people prefer to go fishing during the spring and summer months because it’s a fun way to cool off on a warm afternoon. However, fishing during the winter months is also favored because there are less tourists around during this time.
Now that you have a better idea of why this is the best location for this fun activity, it’s time to start planning your trip! If this will be your first time visiting, be sure to check out some of these important things to know before you go fishing in Cades Cove.
