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Wade & float trips

Guided fly fishing for wild trout in the Great Smoky Mountains

Wade trips and river boat adventures near Gatlinburg, structured, safe, and tailored to your skill level. Our team is led by Wes Farragut, a licensed USCG captain and native angler of Smoky Mountain streams. The obsession with premium guiding and hospitality SMG has become known for remains consistent across his team of anglers leading daily trips in the GSMNP.

865-223-5397
From
$200
Duration
2 hours – multi-day
Departs
Gatlinburg area
Guides
WFA / WFR certified

Choose your format

This is not guesswork fishing. This is intentional, professionally guided angling.

  • 2 hours or ½ day

    Short Wade Trips

    Ideal for: Beginners, families with kids, and short vacation itineraries

    • Wild trout streams in GSMNP
    • Casting instruction
    • Fly selection & reading the water
    • All gear, waders & boots provided
  • Most popular

    ¾ day or full day

    Longer Wade Trips

    Ideal for: Experienced anglers and backcountry fishing with hiking involved

    • Multiple water sections
    • Native brook trout opportunities
    • Advanced presentation strategy
    • Hazel Creek multi-day trips by inquiry
  • ½ day or full day

    River Float Trips

    Ideal for: Anglers chasing trophy smallmouth bass from the boat

    • The legendary Little Pigeon River
    • USCG-licensed captain
    • Premium gear & guide-tied flies
    • Scenic East Tennessee floats

7 fly fishing

Explore fly fishing

Compare routes, difficulty, and pricing, then book the one that fits your group.

  • Fly Fishing

    2-Hour Fly Fishing Experience

    A quick, beginner-friendly taste of wild trout fishing in the Smokies.

    Duration
    2 hours
    Difficulty
    Easy

    From$200 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    Half-Day Wade Trip

    Four hours of instruction-focused fishing on wild mountain streams.

    Duration
    4 hours
    Difficulty
    Easy

    From$250 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    ¾-Day Wade Trip

    Six hours on the water, with time to explore more than one stream.

    Duration
    6 hours
    Difficulty
    Easy–Moderate

    From$300 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    Full-Day Wade Trip

    Multiple streams, advanced presentation, and backcountry water.

    Duration
    8 hours
    Difficulty
    Moderate

    From$350 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    Half-Day River Float Trip

    Float the Little Pigeon River for trophy smallmouth bass.

    Duration
    Half day
    Difficulty
    Easy

    From$350 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    Full-Day River Float Trip

    A full day on the Little Pigeon River chasing big smallmouth.

    Duration
    8 hours
    Difficulty
    Easy

    From$500 for 1 angler

    View & book
  • Fly Fishing

    Hazel Creek Multi-Day Fishing Trip

    A remote, multi-day backcountry fishing expedition on legendary Hazel Creek.

    Duration
    Multi-day
    Difficulty
    Moderate

    Custom pricing

    Inquire

Why go guided

More mountain, less guesswork.

Without local knowledge, anglers waste vacation time on the wrong water. Led by USCG-licensed captain Wes Farragut, a native angler of these streams, our team has fished the Smokies for decades.

  • Right water

    We select streams based on current conditions and season.

  • Hatch knowledge

    Understand what’s hatching and how to match it.

  • Park regulations

    We walk you through licensing and park rules before your trip.

  • Professionally certified

    Wilderness First Aid / First Responder, CPR, and risk-management trained guides.

What to expect

We keep it organized, safe, and intentional.

An SMG fly fishing guide shows three clients in waders how to handle the rod on a forest trail
Fly fishing: a guide coaching clients before they wade in
A young guest watches a guide tie a fly at the Guide Room table
Fly tying in the Guide Room
  1. 01

    Before your trip

    • Your guide reaches out at least 24 hours ahead to get your shoe and wader sizes
    • Help getting the right fishing license
    • Water level and weather monitoring
  2. 02

    During your trip

    • Full equipment provided
    • Safe wading or river boat management
    • Fish handling and ethical release
  3. 03

    After your trip

    • Recommendations for more Smoky Mountain experiences
    • Dining and activity suggestions

FAQ

Fly Fishing: common questions

Not sure which is right for you? Call 865-223-5397, or stop by the Guide Room and we’ll help you choose.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required in the park. A TN license can be displayed on your phone.

Are trips inside the national park?

Wade trips are commonly inside GSMNP or nearby waters. River float trips run on the Little Pigeon River.

Is this beginner-friendly?

Yes. Many guests are first-time fly fishers, and we specialize in instruction.

What if water levels are high?

We monitor conditions closely and may adjust location or format for safety.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is available on request for $15 per person.

Ready for fly fishing in the Smokies?

Book online in minutes, or call and we’ll help you choose the right trip for your group.

Or visit us at the Guide Room, Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort lobby · Mon–Sat, 8am–3pm
865-223-5397