A nice wild 'Bow on a 2 wt Rod
RAINBOW TROUT
The Rainbow trout is the most abundant species of trout within the Smoky Mountains. Rainbows like fast moving, cool, clean water, making the mountain streams ideal habitat. Most trout streams of the Smokies have a good population of wild rainbow's, making up for most of an anglers catch. Many of the fish caught out of the streams will be of average size, between 6 and 9 inches. A fish in the 12 to 15 inch range is a good fish, and that measurement has been reached and bested many times. An angler fishing these streams properly will eventually net one of them. Rainbows are strong fighting fish and typically leap several times before giving up the fight. A joy to catch, especially on a light stream rod.


BROOK TROUT
The Southern Appalachian Strain of brook trout is the only native species of trout in the Smokies. Brookies have beautiful color patterns,with deep orange bellies and fins with a bright white trim. The are a cherished fish among Smoky Mountain anglers because of their beauty, nature and symbolism. Brook trout like cold, clean water and the higher elevation streams have a good population. Brookies average 6 to 9 inches in size. Occasionally some larger ones are caught. They are an eager fish and tend to not let a meal pass by. Regulations and restoration project are in affect to protect and preserve this fish.


BROWN TROUT
The Brown trout grows the largest of the park trout. Most Brown average 8 to 12 inches, although some catches have been made on some up to 30 inches. They prefer deep pools and look for natural cover. Browns hide along undercut banks, logs and other cover waiting for an easy meal. After a certain size, browns become carnivorous and feed a lot on bait fish. Aiding in their fast growth. As well they are a nocturnal fish and larger ones are best caught in the early A.M and Evening. They are a strong fish and will fight to stay on the stream bed in the deep water when caught. A hook up on a stream rod is a fabulous fight.

                        "A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it."  
                                                      ~by Arnold Gingrich~