Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Little River - Maryville - Tennessee

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Black Fly Larva, Griffith's Gnat
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, San Juan Worm
Blue Winged Olives Late Afternoon 16-18 Adams, Blue Quill
March Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 14-16 Pheasant Tail, Copper John
Quill Gordon Evening 12-14 Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams
Early Brown Stonefly Mid Day 10-12 Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Beadhead Prince
April Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 14-16 Copper John, Pheasant Tail
Little Yellow Stoneflies Mid Day 14-16 Yellow Sally, Humpy
May Green Drakes Evening 8-10 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Cripple
Sulphurs Afternoon 14-18 Yellow Comparadun, Sulphur Emerger
Yellow Sally Stoneflies Mid Day 14-16 Yellow Sally, Stimulator Yellow
June Sulphurs Afternoon 16-18 Sulphur Dun, Sulphur Emerger
Yellow Sally Stoneflies Mid Day 14-16 Yellow Sally, Stimulator Yellow
July Terrestrials Mid Day 12-16 Beetle, Ant
Yellow Sally Stoneflies Mid Day 14-16 Stimulator Yellow, Yellow Sally
August Terrestrials Mid Day 12-16 Beetle, Ant, Hopper
September Terrestrials Mid Day 12-16 Hopper, Beetle, Ant
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
November Blue Winged Olives Late Afternoon 18-20 BWO Emerger, Tiny Blue Dun
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Fly Larva
December Midges Afternoon 18-22 Black Fly Larva, Griffith's Gnat

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Little River flowing through Maryville offers some of the best spot for fly fishing. Among the stand out spots are:

  • Tremont: Situated in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s home to rainbow and brook trout.
  • Cades Cove: Although it’s largely known for its scenic beauty, fly fishing in Abrams Creek is equally enjoyable.

There are several specialized areas within these spots that provide great fishing opportunities:

  1. Elkmont Campground: Located in the Little River, it’s an excellent location for rainbow and brook trout.
  2. Townsend: The stretch of the Little River in and around Townsend has a good population of smallmouth bass.
  3. Metcalfe Bottoms: A popular area inside the park located on Little River Road. It’s an excellent place for catching larger brown trout.

Best Access Points

When planning to fly fish on the Little River in Maryville, keep in mind the following top access points:

  • Kinzel Springs: This offers excellent trout fishing spots. It is accessible through the Little River Road crossing.
  • Tremont: A popular area conveniently located. It has multiple access points along the gravel road leading into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • The Sinks: This bridge crossing point serves as a productive area for brown trout.
  • Elkmont: This is a favorite spot among fly fishermen for its rainbow trout population. Accessible via the Little River trailhead.
  • Metcalf Bottoms: Noted for smaller trout, this area is accessible from Little River Gorge Road.

Make sure to understand local fishing regulations and always practice catch and release to preserve these resources for future generations.

Local Fish

  • Smallmouth Bass: This is a sought-after game fish on the Little River, known for their aggressive fights and acrobatics.
  • Trout: These include the Rainbow, Brown, and Brook species, which are all native to the area and are popular for their various challenges and behaviors.
  • Largemouth Bass: Though not as common as the Smallmouth, anglers also target the Largemouth for its size and strength.
  • White Bass: This species moves into the Little River in large numbers during their annual spawning run, offering exciting fishing.
  • Crappie: Loved by many anglers, Crappie can offer a fun day of fishing with their propensity to bite a well-placed fly.
  • Bluegill: These are small but aggressive fish, which makes them great fun on a fly rod.
  • Carp: Carp offer a real challenge on the fly, being extremely powerful and also very wary creatures.
  • Walleye: Walleye are a trophy fish in the Little River and are a favorite among local anglers.

About The River

The Little River is a gem in East Tennessee, rippling its way through the quaint town of Maryville before making its journey towards the Tennessee River. This beautiful freshwater stream has a rich history entwined with the origins of the local community.

  • Indigenous populations initially used the river for fishing and transportation long before European settlers arrived in late 18th century.
  • Maryville, established in 1795, began flourishing around the river due to the fertile land and accessibility to water.
  • In the 19th century, the river became a critical component of the booming logging industry, with floating logs downstream to mills.
  • Today, the river offers an oasis for rafters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, being an integral part of Maryville’s charm and natural beauty.
It’s amazing to think about how a single river can play such a pivotal role in the community, from the distant past down to the present day!

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