If you plan to fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024, you will need a valid fishing license from either Tennessee or North Carolina. The good news is that either state’s license is accepted throughout the entire park, and you do not need to purchase a trout stamp.
However, it’s important to note that fishing licenses and permits are not available for purchase within the national park itself. Instead, you can obtain your license online, via phone, or from various retailers and offices in nearby towns.
Purchasing a Tennessee Fishing License
To fish in the Tennessee portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can purchase a Tennessee fishing license in one of three ways:
- Online at the Go Outdoors TN Portal (available for immediate use)
- Via phone using a credit card (a $3.95 service fee applies, but the license is available for immediate use)
- In person from authorized retailers and offices (a full list is available on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website)
The cost of a Tennessee fishing license varies depending on your residency status and the type of license you need:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing Permit (All Species) | $22.00 | $99.99 |
| 3-Day Fishing Permit (All Species) | N/A | $40.00 |
| 10-Day Fishing Permit (All Species) | N/A | $61.00 |
Additionally, there are some special permits required for fishing in specific areas, such as the Gatlinburg Trout Permit and the Tellico-Citico Trout Permit.
Purchasing a North Carolina Fishing License
If you plan to fish in the North Carolina portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can purchase a North Carolina fishing license online or from authorized retailers.
The cost of a North Carolina fishing license depends on your residency status and the type of license you need:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Inland Fishing License | $20.00 | $86.00 |
| 10-Day Inland Fishing License | $9.00 | $23.00 |
It’s important to note that the possession of brook trout (also known as “brookies”) is prohibited in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is actively working to restore the native brook trout population, so any brook trout caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Fishing Regulations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In addition to having a valid fishing license, there are several regulations anglers must follow when fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters, from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
- The daily possession limit is five rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these (minimum size: 7 inches).
- Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used.
- Fishing is permitted with only one hand-held rod per licensed angler.
- Fishing tackle and equipment, including creels and fish in possession, are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with these regulations and to follow them strictly to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In conclusion, fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 requires a valid fishing license from either Tennessee or North Carolina, which can be obtained online, via phone, or from authorized retailers in nearby towns. By following the park’s fishing regulations and respecting the natural environment, anglers can enjoy a memorable fishing experience in one of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States.