What would you use

[fearnofishbob]

I believe a 7' 3wt. to be the most versitle rod for the park......... However I really believe everyone is "right"

[smccarter]

I think I am going to have to learn the Smoky Mountain techniques. Being new to the sport and a bad caster to begin did not help then when I was using an 8ft 4 wt felt like I was going up against every tree. I have the 6’1 3wt that belonged to my father in law but I don’t think my skill level matches the quality of this bamboo rod that was made by Mike Brooks in Oregon.

[fearnofishbob]

Mr. McCarter, if you are coming to the N.C. side of the park any time soon please drop me note and I'll be glad to spend the day with you. I'm going friday the 8th. I've been "beating around" these park water for over 50 years and I love to try to help in any way I can...... I do on ocassion fish the Tn. side so I be glad to meet you over there somewhere ......Bob
p.s.... Im retired so about any time is good with me

[tnflyfisher]

Heck I sometimes fish a rod just because I want to, regardless of the situation. Part of the fun is having more than one rod and constantly trying to figure out what would make the perfect rod. Sorry I kinda deviated off the subject but........................

Lee

I agree...

Also, it will always be a point of discussion because there is no right/wrong answer IMO. I was just up there a couple weeks ago and over the holiday weekend I was close to triple digits in terms of the amount of fish caught. All fish (5"-11")were caught on a medium action 7'9" 5wt and not once did I hear myself sayin'... boy this sucks because I'm not using a 1wt,2wt,3wt,4wt etc. It happened to be the rod I picked to fish with that weekend and it seemed to work pretty good. From my limited GSMNP exp. I would have to say that MY perfect rod up there would be something in the 7'11" to 8'4" range and probably a 3wt or 4wt. 4pc. that is light in the hand but has some backbone to handle wind, nymph rigs and a heavier line if desired. It's a tall order asking one rod to do it all. So glad there are so many...

Tight Lines,

[tlshealy]

If I could only have one rod, it would be a 9' 5wt, because you can fish about any conditions with it, that being said, I usually fish a 7'6" 3wt in the park.
Tad

[MadisonBoats]

A 10' seasoned cane pole with 4# test fishing line. There is really no need to even have a fly rod and reel up there in most areas. All you have to do is lob and drop; repeat.... Most of the documentaries I have watched on fisherman who have fished the Smokies for the past 40+ years use this technique.

Seriously fellas....do you need to cast or utilize a reel in a freestone area? Also; you could basically throw any dry fly to a freestone pool and get a take if presented stealthy...This is why I dislike freestone fishing; plus, I am out of shape to hike most of the streams.

[billyspey]

what works for U no right or wrong answer. everyone has a different opinion, opinion's are like butts everbody has one.

[Grannyknot]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the statements about never having to cast or use a drag system on the smokies streams. I've lost 2 good fish in the mountains because I didn't use my drag properly. When a big fish gets in a swift current and heads downstream with your line, you don't just muscle him over to the bank like its 20 lb trilene.

My favorite all purpose smokies rod is a 9' 4wt.

[MadisonBoats]

Guys, I am just 'ribbing' you! I think fishing the freestone streams is very exciting and actual more natural. However; I usually have a bad time with the tree branches grabbing my flies. Also; it takes some patience at times. I almost broke a rod on my last try and I swore I would only try it again with a cane pole. Plus; I fell about 2-3 times and gnats were trying to make homes in my ears, nose, and mouth. I really had a bad experience on my last trip. So; it is one of those things that each person has their own style and preference.

I really need someone that knows the mountains to give me some pointers.

[Heavynets]

Real vanilla extract will keep the gnats away.