Little Pigeon River in Sevierville

[MattR]

I'm heading up there this weekend and was wondering if anyone had any tips? I know TWRA is trying to turn the area into a trophy smallmouth destination and I certainly wouldn't mind getting in on that! Any info would be appreciated as its always tough to be on new water with a limited amount of time to figure things out.

Thanks,

[bd-]

I have only fished it on a very limited basis, but it apparently holds some huge smallies. It may be a little early yet, especially in East TN where things will be a little cooler than they are locally. It's not a big river though - it ought to fish like any other large creek/small river.

bd

[Travis C.]

There is no fish in that river....just slick rocks. ;)

You can catch fish in the West Prong that runs through the city from the confluence all up through the cities. But I would go over and fish the East Prong. Take 411 up past the airport then right 416 (Old Newport Hwy) but make sure you go right at the split after that (416/pittman center rd).

Fish the pull offs along there. The river will go under and away from hwy 411 but will come back to then follow along again. It will also start showing trout the further up you go.

If time allowed I'd fish it from Sevierville along 411 all the way until it dead ended into 321 (east parkway). Turn right and 321 will take you right back down into the middle of Gatlinburg. If familiar with the area hwy 321 is the one that runs north to Cosby out of Gatlinburg.

[Ken C]

I know this may not be relevant today, but many, many, many years ago, Jerry McKinnis shot a "Fishing hole" show there. He was with a local guide and they went down the river in float tubes fishing live minnows. One of his best shows for numbers of quality fish.

[MattR]

Thanks guys, that is some great info! I'll definitely make a run and let you know how I do. I'm thinking crank baits, flukes, swim baits, in-line spinners.....anything else?

[Travis C.]

If you chasing smallies don't forget grubs on jig heads. Pumpkin or brown, smoke or salt-n-pepper, black in 3"-4" are great. Sometimes chartruse or white work well too.

We used grubs and black/white countdown rapalas.

[Travis C.]

Here is a report from east tn fishing forum.

Posted 05 March 2012 - 03:26 PM
Well, with spring right around the corner, the sewage gone, commercial jet boating on the French broad, and hopefully no more tornadoes in the area, it might be time to hit the little pidg for some smallies. Has anyone already fished the river yet this year? If you did, how did you do? I am going this Thursday with a coworker who thinks he's the best fisherman in the world. I will probably take my kayak with me even though I usually wade fish. Hope to hear back from some folks and anything would be of help.


Posted 06 March 2012 - 11:31 AM
Are you talking about the West prong or the Middle Prong? I fished the Middle Prong off and on throughout the winter with only one small smallmouth but some decent rainbows. FYI there may be less sewage in the West prong, but it's still contaminated from Gatlinburg all the way down. Thus, the water is likely warmer in the West-especially towards Sevierville city limits. I'm going to try in a few days on the Middle..

It looks like Thursday will be an awesome day to fish-best of luck and have fun!

Posted 08 March 2012 - 11:53 PM
It is time, went today before rain caught 3 and missed a bunch more biggest was 20.5. The water was at 900 Cfs. With all the rain tonight it'll be tough for awhile

[Travis C.]

Here is from last year this time:

Posted 22 March 2011 - 08:57 PM
3/21 went wading for a few hours last night from 5-7:30 water was around 700 cfs caught 6 smallies biggest was 18" all were on tubes.

Posted 23 March 2011 - 10:46 AM
I need to get out there soon. I used to wade it all the time. Does anyone know how far up I can go in a jet boat from the French Broad?


Posted 23 March 2011 - 11:01 AM
I have seen them up as far as the music outlet on 66. I would bet you would have to know your way around to get there though. Probably pretty hard on the river itself to get the boat up that far as well.


Posted 23 March 2011 - 08:13 PM
I'm heading down there this weekend, for the first time and wondering where a good place to shore fish on the river is....We'd like to hook some of those huge trout you're famous for, but bass would be great too. We're doing a whitewater rafting trip on Saturday, starting in Hartford (Smoky Mtn Outdoors, I think).

Could you guys give some advice about a good place to park and walk the river bank?


Posted 24 March 2011 - 12:04 AM
Hello, Hope that you are well!! I like to fish at the walking trail parking lot by hardees! If you are going into sevierville and come to the stoplight on the bridge over the river,turn right,get into the left lane and turn left at the light,go park and fish!! I also like to fish at city park.Go back out to the light after leaving the trail by hardees,turn right.Go to the light,turn right.Go to the citgo(?) and turn left(it's the last road on the left before you go up the hill to the right to pigeon forge)go to the light,veer right by the garage.This is park road.Follow it out til you get to the park.Go all the way to the end and park by the picnic pavilion.Walk to the water and fish back towards the bridge.My friend caught a 7lb smallie here in this stretch.His son caught a 7.5 lb smallie by hardees!!Honest to GOD,certifiable scales say so.I was there for the 7 lb'er.MADE ME SICK!!LOL!
Hope this works out for you!!

Take care and GOD BLESS

[MattR]

First off, thanks again for all the great info. If the weather had been as cooperative as you guys things could have been a lot different. Turns out we got brief but intense storms every day. I kept checking the river gauges with unfavorable results but decided to go Saturday regardless. Sure enough the river was a muddy torrent which pretty well knocked everything out. Maybe next time the weather will work out a little better.

[Dakota]

Trout magnet and there small float is a must. I've had luck with the root beer color. I know they stock the gatlinburg area Thursday so u can't fish that day. Next couple of days r good. Go to the gatlinburg ace hardware for updated local info and to get your daily trout stamp.Thanks guys, that is some great info! I'll definitely make a run and let you know how I do. I'm thinking crank baits, flukes, swim baits, in-line spinners.....anything else?

[Travis C.]

Trout magnet and there small float is a must. I've had luck with the root beer color. I know they stock the gatlinburg area Thursday so u can't fish that day. Next couple of days r good. Go to the gatlinburg ace hardware for updated local info and to get your daily trout stamp.

Don't forget if you still up there and looking for trout that you need a City Permit in addition to the trout stamp for Gatlinburg city limits.

Also they are still in the DL (delayed harvest) period which means all fish have to go back. Better check the water your on if it is included in that or not.

The Delayed Harvest up there runs Dec 1 thru March 31.