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Post by greenman on Aug 17, 2020 10:56:25 GMT -6
I will be heading up to Deals Gap, NC.(Tail of the Dragon) in mid October. This is on the Cheoah River/Lake just west of Fontana Lake. This is between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahla National Forest. Google Map of AreaLooking for any information from someone who has fished the area. Sights, cabins, trails and water info is all appreciated. Thanks In Advance. |
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Post by jonbo on Aug 17, 2020 18:33:00 GMT -6
I can tell you a tiny bit about the Gatlinburg side, nothing about the NC side, except about a year ago I was researching it and there seemed to be some cool spots on the NC side inside the Park. I can't remember what they were as I wasn't going to be able to go to them. We're going in January to Gatlinburg. Taking the family. If I'm able to go into the Park at all it will only be to the very lower elevations, I'm sure.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 17, 2020 18:41:12 GMT -6
Oh, man. I just looked at your map. It's near Cade's Cove. That's supposed to be a good area. Research it. There's a section of the river there, it's supposed to be in a canyon or gorge where once you enter, you kind of have to go all the way through to where you come back out onto the road. I really want to fish that. Yeah, Cade's Cove's supposed to be good for larger brookies. Note: brookies are native to that area. They're not despised as invasives as they are in Colorado.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 17, 2020 18:55:31 GMT -6
Call Little River Outfitters. They're in Tennessee but close to where you are and around the base of where you'll go into the Park should you go to Cade's Cove, for example. They'll be able to tell you if you can really go to that elevation at that season. I never can, but we vacation in very late fall/ early winter because of my work. I imagine they also can hook you up with a guide if you want. I used one the first time I was in Gatlinburg. He helped, a lot. Further around the NC side, though, I don't know a thing except that once I poked around on the 'Net and it looked pretty cool. LRO also has a forum. |
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Post by greenman on Aug 17, 2020 19:07:43 GMT -6
Thanks Jonbo.
I saw a few things for Cade's Cove and Abrams Creek. Brookie's is what I've heard that area is good for. I don't know if i'll have opportunity for a guide. It looks like it might be more of I have an hour or three to kill, but can't say on what day. Taking my other oldest brother on the Tail of the Dragon for his last wish, Memorial Ride. He is the main reason for the trip. Will have Wife, youngest brother and his wife and sister and her husband and i'm the only fly fisher in the group.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 18, 2020 5:56:36 GMT -6
I hope this isn't a sad trip, greenman!
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Post by greenman on Aug 18, 2020 8:15:43 GMT -6
Jonbo, We hope it isn't either. Brother was a bike rider with a group that did benefit rides for Veterans and Elderly in the East Texas area. They were planning a trip to Tail of the Dragon, but he developed cancer and passed before they could make it there. We are carrying him there to make the trip with him.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 18, 2020 11:24:05 GMT -6
Really sorry for your loss, Greenman. Blessings to you and yours.
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Post by danimal on Aug 18, 2020 21:33:36 GMT -6
I've kayaked the Cheoah several times, but never fished it. You might check with Ken Kastorff from Endless River Adventures in Bryson City. He guides on the Nantahala and has a lot of knowledge on all the rivers and creeks in the area. On another note -- if anybody in your group likes mountain biking, some of the finest trails in the country are in that area. Can't remember the names, but we found some great ones over near the Ocoee River in Tennessee (about an hour away). Good luck!!
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