Little River Road

[cardfly]

Hi everybody, Coming down in October and Cardfly Jr. has always wanted to fish the little river road all around the park from Gburg to Townsend. Is it worthwhile and if so are there any better spots than others.

Also we are staying in the campground at Elkmont. Any info I need to know or any problems with wildlife either human or non human?

Thanks ahead of time. It's been way too long since I've been fishing in the Smokies.......

[nvr2L8]

Cardfly,

My son and I have caught a bunch of fish on Little River between Meigs Falls and the Sinks.

As you'll read over and over here, Metcalf Bottoms is one of the favorite places to fish along Little River Road. Between the Sinks and Metcalf Bottoms has some nice spots. Above Metcalf Bottoms, where the road crosses over the river to put the river on your right, from that point all the way up to Elkmont has lots of really nice fishing. The pulloff spots are often indicative of popular spots. Just pick one and go.

After reading back over this, I've just covered Meigs Falls to Elkmont. Hmm. Guess the bottom line is that just about anywhere along Little River Road is game.

[duckypaddler]

I would prefer to hike in from Elkmont. Lots less competition, and the smaller water is easier to fish. Go 3/4 mile up if you lazy, hike in Cucumber gap if your willing, or hike up to 3 forks if your hardcore.

Like the Sinks to Meigs falls option that was suggested. As I kayak that stretch, I always thought it looked good with several places that go away from the road. Might want to be careful wading though or you might be in for a Class3 swim.

[silvercreek]

You don't say how old cardflyjr is, so I'll assume is 9 or 10. I'd second Metcalf bottoms. I'd get a ways above the sinks. As nvr2l8 says look for pulloffs along the road and jump in.
Never had a problem with any sort of wildlife four or two legged at Elkmont. Could be a bear or a skunk around, but should be no problem. Safer than the drive up there. Enjoy your trip.

[Rog 1]

If you are staying at Elkmont campground don't overlook Jake's Creek...it enters the LR above section K of the campground....this should be fishing pretty good with the water in the river right now...small feeder creek with nice collection of plunge pools...my son cut his teeth on this creek and it is small enough that he could fish it by himself...he has pulled 8-9" trout out of there.

[Carolina Boy]

Elkmont, bears all around and recent a strong coyote presence. We had one run right through our campsite a couple weeks ago.

[fearnofishbob]

Originally Posted by cardfly

Hi everybody, Coming down in October and Cardfly Jr. has always wanted to fish the little river road all around the park from Gburg to Townsend. Is it worthwhile and if so are there any better spots than others.

Also we are staying in the campground at Elkmont. Any info I need to know or any problems with wildlife either human or non human?

Thanks ahead of time. It's been way too long since I've been fishing in the Smokies.......

Camped at Elkmont in may, water was high due to spring rains. Caught some nice browns and rainbows in LR above the campground. You should be able to find "plenty" of water to fish. Had a lady killed by a bear on LR a few years back. She was on the creek bank reading a book while her companion fished ....sad story but true so be careful.

[cardfly]

I was fishing up above Elkmont with Hugh Hartsell a year or so ago and he told me the sad story of the lady being killed by the bear. Very sad.

I do think we will start off at Metcalf Bottoms to get in some practice. CF Jr. is 8 but loves to try fly fishing. He will get the hang of it sooner or later.

We are looking forward to camping at Elkmont.

[downtownfish]

My girlfriend has been talking about reading on the bank as I fish on our upcoming trip in october. I am stuck on whether to tell her about the bear attack which will freek her out, or not tell her which could lead to her not being as alert.

[jeffnles1]

Originally Posted by downtownfish

My girlfriend has been talking about reading on the bank as I fish on our upcoming trip in october. I am stuck on whether to tell her about the bear attack which will freek her out, or not tell her which could lead to her not being as alert.

Thinking about not telling my wife and slipping a fried chicken leg into her day pack when she's not looking.


Just kidding my love (in case she's reading this).

Jeff