Trout Regulations

Statewide Regulations

Any combination of trout species:

Daily Limit: 7

Minimum Length: None

Exceptions:

• Only 2 trout in a creel may be lake trout
• Brook trout—6 inch min. length limit
• See the following specific regulations

Delayed Harvest Areas

In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout will be prohibited during the catch-and-release season. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited.

Hiwassee River – Appalachian Powerhouse downstream to L&N Railroad Bridge.

• Catch-and-release season is October 1 through last day of February.
• From March 1 through September 30, trout creel limit is 7 trout of all species combined and only 2 may be brown trout.

Paint Creek (Paint Creek Campground downstream to mouth at French Broad River)

• Catch-and-release season is October 1 through last day of February.

Piney River – Cumberland Trail State Park downstream to Highway 27 Bridge.

• Catch-and-release season is November 1 through last day of February.

Tellico River (Mouth of Turkey Creek upstream to the mouth of North River):

• Catch-and-release season is October 1 through March 14.

Special Trout Regulations

Caney Fork River (Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries)

• Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish
• Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 14–20 inch protected length range, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested
• Brook Trout: 5 per day, 14–20 inch protected length range, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested
• Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit

Clinch River (Norris Dam. downstream to Hwy. 61 bridge, including tributaries)

• 14–20 inch protected length range on all trout
• 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches

Clear Creek (tributary to Clinch River— Anderson Co.)

• Closed to fishing and minnow seining from Hwy. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1–Mar. 31.

Hiwassee River

• Apalachian Powerhouse downstream to L&N Railroad Bridge.
• March 1 through September 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout.
• October 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas.

South Holston River (South Holston Dam to Hwy. 37 Bridge at Bluff City)

• 16–22 inch protected length range on all trout
• 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches
• Closed to all fishing Nov. 1–Jan. 31 in the following areas:
  1. Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to the confluence with Bottom Creek
  2. downstream point of Boy’s Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge

Watauga River (Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges)

• 14 inch minimum length limit
• 2 trout creel limit
• Use or possession of any bait is prohibited.
• Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession

Polk County (Big Lost Creek, Goforth Creek, Spring Creek, and their tributaries in Polk County)

• Closed to fishing on Fridays from Mar. 1–Jul. 1 except for state and federal holidays
• Only one single hook lure or baited single hook is permitted
• The use or possession of lures or baits with multiple hooks is prohibited
• Fishing is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
• Fishing equipment or tackle is prohibited on the stream banks except during legal fishing hours

Horse Creek (Greene County, US Forest Service Boundary Line upstream to the junction of Squibb Creek)

• Daily limit: 7 per day except from May 1–Sep. 30 daily limit is 2. Fishing is limited to ages 12 and under, ages 65 and older, and physically challenged individuals.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone (865) 436-1200.

Fort Campbell Military Reservation

Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Noah’s Spring Branch, Little West Fork and Fletcher’s Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. For details, contact the Community Recreation Division, Hunting and Fishing Unit, Fort Campbell, KY 42223-5000; phone (270) 798-2175.