What Types Of Fish Can You Catch When Fly Fishing On The Little River?

Depending on where you fish, the Little River is a great place to fly fish and catch some big ones, especially for experienced fishermen. This cool water stream runs through different landscapes, and the fish adapt to those environments. You might be surprised by what's beneath the surface as you cast your fly across the riffles and pools. So before you head out on your next Little River fisherman’s trip, let's look at what types of fish you can catch when fly fishing on the Little River, TN.
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Wild rainbow trout is a shiny prize for fly fishermen who opt to go fly fishing on the Little River. Their rainbow stripes are a beautiful sight. They live in the cool, oxygen-rich water of the middle of the river. As you go upstream, rainbows increase, particularly in the East Prong of the Little River. The East Prong is a prime location for fishermen wanting to catch wild rainbows. They like the current and will be near rocks and logs for cover. Dry flies with flies that imitate mayflies and caddisflies can be very effective with these skittish but opportunistic eaters. You can find a lot of different fish in Little River.
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Little River has a healthy population of brown trout, known for their strong fighting and marbled brown color. The Little River Gorge is a notable area for brown trout fishing. They like slightly warmer water than rainbows and are most abundant in the middle and lower sections of the river, particularly around the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. 

The river has deep pools, riffles, and pocket water, perfect for browns. The rugged Little River Gorge, with its huge pools and dangerous rapids, offers fantastic fishing opportunities, especially for impressive-sized trout. Wet flies with streamers that imitate baitfish are a good choice for these bottom feeders. Moreover, fishermen should watch for hatches of aquatic insects; browns will rise to take advantage of an easy meal.
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For fishermen who prefer a real challenge and want to see the wild side of the Little River, go to the headwaters. Here, the native brook trout is king. These fish, with their blue and red markings, live in the cool, clear water of the upper reaches. 

The fishing is more personal here, with smaller streams and more vegetation. Small flies that imitate gnats and midges are good for brook trout. These fish are more skittish, so stealthy approaches and delicate presentations are key. Moreover, it is important to have the right fly gear for this part of Little River.
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Little River has another species to chase – smallmouth bass. These bronze-colored fighters live in the lower sections of the river, particularly in areas with rock bottom and current. They are ambush predators, so fishermen are advised to look for them near structures like submerged logs and boulders. Streamer flies that imitate crayfish and baitfish are good for these aggressive eaters. Smallmouth bass are a blast to catch, so fly fishermen love them.
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It's not the most glamorous fish, but rock bass adds another level of adventure to your Little River fly fishing experience. These little scrappers are everywhere in the river, rocky shoals, and weedy areas. Their greenish-brown bodies with a dark spot on their gill cover are easy to spot. Rock bass are opportunistic eaters, taking small flies that imitate crickets and grasshoppers. They are aggressive and will strike, so it's a great way to practice fly fishing and get some fast action on the water.
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Little River is one of the fishing spots to target a rare and beautiful fish - the warpaint shiner. This federally endangered minnow has an iridescent blue body with red and yellow splashes. Since they are so sensitive to their habitat and the declining population, remember warpaint shiners are catch-and-release only, although we assume that experienced fishermen would already be aware of this. If you're lucky enough to catch one, enjoy the beauty and carefully release it into the water. Small flies that imitate midges and other tiny insects are best for these delicate fish. Prioritize their well-being and enjoy the catch-and-release experience.
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Q: What types of fish can I catch fly fishing on the Little River?
A: The Little River boasts a variety of fish species perfect for fly fishing, including:
Rainbow Trout: The most abundant, known for acrobatics and vibrant colors.
Brown Trout: Larger than rainbow trout, known for aggressive feeding and marbled patterns.

‍Brook Trout: Native to the river, found in higher elevations, known for delicate beauty and colorful fins. (These are the most commonly targeted species)
Smallmouth Bass: Less common but present in lower stretches, known for their fight and tasty flesh.

Fishing Little River offers diverse opportunities, from its tributaries and bridges to campgrounds and backcountry areas, each providing unique challenges and rewards.

Q: Are there any other fish species in the Little River?
A: Yes, the Little River ecosystem includes other fish like rock bass, warpaint shiners (minnows), and others. However, these are less frequently targeted by fly anglers.

Q: Which section of the Little River is best for specific fish?
A: Rainbow and Brown Trout are generally found throughout the river, with higher numbers upstream. Brook Trout, however, are primarily found in higher-elevation streams and tributaries.
Smallmouth Bass: More likely in the river's lower reaches with warmer water.

Q: Are there any special regulations for fly fishing on the Little River?
A: Yes, it's crucial to obtain a Tennessee fishing license and adhere to specific regulations regarding size limits, creel limits, and gear restrictions. Always check the latest Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations before your trip https://www.tn.gov/twra.html.