Top 10 Best River Fishing Spots in the United States

Fishing for trout in streams and rivers requires special skills. Finding an ideal fishing spot requires searching areas where fish hide or can find food sources such as undercut banks, eddies, and sunken trees or bushes; drop-offs, feeder brooks, and dams/falls offer sustenance sources. Holston River offers an idyllic and productive warm water fishery for smallmouth bass and trout.
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The Cherokee River is a prime fishing spot, offering diverse opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Known for its rich waters, the river is home to various fish species, including the elusive northern pike and the popular channel catfish.

1. The river's deep pools and slower currents provide an ideal habitat for these species, making it a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts.
2. Local fishing laws ensure sustainable fishing practices, promoting conservation while allowing anglers to enjoy their favorite pastime.
3. The Cherokee River is also stocked with rainbow, brook, Donaldson, and palomino trout, adding to its appeal.
4. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Cherokee River offers a perfect fishing spot to land a nice fish and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Holston River is a prime destination for local anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities. Known for its deeper water, the river is ideal for using live bait, especially along the eastern shore. It offers abundant fish species, making it a hotspot for catching various fish.

The Holston River is a tailwater home to trout, offering anglers plenty of fishing opportunities throughout its waters. It is a popular winter and spring spot, as well as smallmouth bass, common carp, walleye, and crappie.
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Douglas Dam is home to sauger and walleye fisheries, making the waters beneath Douglas a haven for their capture by experienced boaters who use colorful lures such as jigs and grubs nightly throughout spring to attract these hard-fighting predators.

The Little Pigeon River runs through Tennessee and boasts some of the nation's best smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. Fly fishing for these prized smallies is another popular way to experience nature in these Smoky Mountain locales.

The French Broad River, flowing through Asheville, offers a picturesque setting with its mile-high peaks and tree-lined slopes. This river is a visual treat and a haven for anglers seeking exceptional fishing opportunities.

The river's deep holes and flowing water provide ideal habitats for various fish species, making it a prime location for smallmouth bass fishing. The presence of crayfish offers an abundant food source, attracting these fish to sections 9-10.

Beyond fishing, the French Broad River is home to various wildlife, including black bears, beavers, and river otters. Its waters also attract kayakers and rafters, making it a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities.
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The Norris River is a renowned haven for trout fishing enthusiasts. The river's rocky points and gradual sloping shorelines provide great overhead cover and perfect spots for casting upstream. Whether using live bait or artificial lures, the Norris River promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst stunning natural beauty.

The Norris River in East Tennessee, is a paradise for anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities. This reservoir, with its rocky points, islands, cliffs, and gradual sloping shorelines, offers a stunning backdrop for fishing.
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On the Clinch River, trout prefer holding in rifle waters that require long leaders and fine tippets for fishing. A skilled guide can assist in finding suitable structures to fish from and making accurate casts.

This tailwater is an ideal location to fish with midge patterns, so anglers who come prepared will likely have success fishing this tailwater. Small sulfur nymphs, including caddis pupae and scuds, have also proven effective.

Clinch River offers anglers trophy brown and rainbow trout that weigh up to 10 pounds and spin fishermen who float the river during one generator flow in search of diverse rough fish species.
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Anglers flock at Little River for the chance to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The river's clear waters and lush surroundings provide overhead cover, making it an ideal location for both fly fishing and traditional bait casting.

Its diverse habitats, from deep holes to slower currents, offer excellent fishing opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you're a local angler or visiting from afar, Little River promises an unforgettable fishing adventure.
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Outdoor enthusiasts will discover breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and exceptional fishing opportunities along the Pigeon River. Its pristine mountain waters feature wild trout and smallmouth bass streams for an unforgettable fishing experience.

The Pigeon River ("Dirty Bird") begins its journey in North Carolina. It flows northwestward into Tennessee, becoming more tannic downstream of Canton than at its headwaters, featuring scenic waterfalls and dramatic elevation changes.
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The Caney Fork River is a bass fishing paradise, offering anglers an exceptional experience amidst its scenic landscapes. Known for its abundant smallmouth and largemouth bass, the river provides excellent fishing opportunities.