It is raining here in Charlotte, NC today with the accumulation of rain to be 2 inches or more, so I sit at my computer trying to reminisce about the good times in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In particular, I remember about fishing in the Walker Camp Prong and the Oconaluftee near Gatlinburg in early November while the ladies did some Christmas shopping.
I camped at Zbuda’s Campground right in Gatlinburg while the ladies basked in the glory of a nice motel room with a fireplace. When I awoke, there was frost on the ground so I grabbed the camera and took this shot. What a shame that the ladies do not get time to enjoy the view!
November can be an excellent time to fish from the road side pullovers the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you have only a few hours as I did, it is not enough time to do a long hike or drive. There are many streams where roadside fishing is possible and easily accessible. The East Prong, West Prong and Middle Prong of the Little River, the Oconaluftee, and the Walker Camp Prong, are just a few examples.
The air temperature can be cool in the mornings even freezing, but often time it may reach the 50’s by lunch time. The water temperature is not affected so much by the daily changes in temperature but gradually cools down as the season progresses. In the mornings you may feel uncomfortable but the water temperature may be a pleasant 55 degrees for the trout. Also, do not be discouraged by a few small snow showers as the trout do not mind them.
The tourism has slowed down and you will not encounter as many tourist asking if there are any fish in the waters, if so what kind, what size, have you caught any, what will you do with them if you catch them…. My uncle was a great fisherman and he could catch trout in a desert… etc. Another thing about the cooler season is that Junior is not throwing rocks at you or your fly. How many times have I approached a good pool only to find wet footprints on the rocks?
The scenery in the GSMNP is awesome and can be enjoyed at your leisure. The view of the mountains changes every day and if you are lucky you may see the frost sparkling on the mountain tops.
As for the hatches, you will probably see some blue winged olives in the air indicating that there are still some hatches taking place. The hatches may not be heavy but they do exist. If you see them in the air, tie on a blue winged olive dun in size 20 and have some fun. If there are no hatches you will still have fun with the streamers at this time of year.
So, hunting, or football on TV, or books can give way to trout fishing in the GSMNP if you will give it a try.