Hopper droppers in the GSMNP

One of my absolute favorite spots to fly fish is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is full of countless small creeks and streams, often just a short pull-off from the main roads. Some of the riverside banks and hike-in spots can be a little treacherous, so if you're not confident on your feet, I'd suggest driving over to Cherokee and exploring the more accessible waters along the Raven Fork.

Gear and Fly Selection

My preferred rods for fishing the park are an 8'8" Hardy Zephrus Ultralite 3wt or a 9' Syndicate P2- 3wt. I typically use a 9-foot 4x leader and start with a size #14 black and purple or tan hopper pattern. I then attach a short dropper with lighter 5x or 6x tippet. I'll adjust the dropper based on what the fish are keying in on, but a small stonefly nymph, Squirmy Wormy, or Perdigon usually does the trick. If you're struggling to choose a fly, simply flip over a few rocks in the stream to see what insects are active and try to match them.

Strategy and Stealth

Remember that stealth is crucial in the park. Wear drab colors and approach the pools slowly and deliberately. The fish here are often wary, and a careful approach will significantly increase your success.