What Kind of Fish Are in the Pigeon River?

The wetlands along the Pigeon River boast a flourishing biological environment. Hence, it offers the best fly fishing opportunities. The Pigeon River is known for supporting a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and trout (including brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout).
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Trout

The Pigeon River boasts several tributaries that provide trout fishing. While the main river may be too warm for trout to survive in, its tributaries hold them year-round. One such tributary is West Prong of Little Pigeon River, which features both brook trout and rainbow trout species.

As members of the Salmonidae family, trout are bony fish that have adapted to live in colder waters. With small gill plates and scales to regulate temperature and specially designed fins for quick movement in currents. Furthermore, their swim bladder is connected directly to their esophagus, allowing for rapid oxygen absorption from the air.

Here are some common mistakes that you need to avoid for trout fishing.
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Trout Habitat

Trout typically spawns between 53-70 degrees Fahrenheit when water reaches this temperature point. Their eggs hatch out over gravel bars or rocky shoals during this process.
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Brook Trout

Pigeon River's genetically modified brook trout are now more resistant to disease, increasing both their numbers in the river and the quality of meat produced.

Pigeon River offers many opportunities to attract trout. Jigs, crankbaits, and minnow plugs can all be useful tools in drawing in trout fish. Spring is often best as fish become active feeders, eagerly snapping up anything moving across their path.
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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are an angling trophy. They prefer cool, water-filled rivers with sandy or rocky bottoms and seclusion, such as ledges, drop-offs, boulders, vegetation, or fallen trees, as spawning grounds.
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Smallies Habitat

Their eggs need protection from predators at this depth (under 10 feet) before spawning in the spring/summer months under 10 feet depth if possible for maximum success. Smallmouths are highly piscivorous fish species that consume crayfish as two-thirds of their diet for longevity.
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Smallmouth bass are aggressive predatory fish that compete with largemouth bass in many natural and managed waters. Larger water bodies often provide more rocky habitats and clearer waters suited for smallmouths than their smaller creeks and river counterparts, thus creating ideal conditions for their development.

Male smallmouths show exceptional paternal care to their nests, leading to high success rates in nesting success rates. Unfortunately, however, this constant attention can leave males exposed to exhaustion and predation risks; females typically have higher survival rates compared to their male counterparts.
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Tips For Fishing in the Pigeon River

This beautiful river winds its way along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and boasts picturesque vistas and plentiful fishing opportunities. Additionally, it flows through Pigeon River Country State Forest, where a herd of Michigan elk resides. Here are some tips to plan a fishing trip at Pigeon River.
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1. Plan your Trip Ahead of Time

Fly fishing the Pigeon River is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for anglers of all skill levels, from experts to novice fly fishers. It offers breathtaking vistas and an abundance of wildlife.

To ensure you have the best experience, it's essential to plan your trip well in advance. Start by checking the weather forecast because, on rainy days, fishing can get quite messy. Also, ensure you understand the local regulations and are aware of environmental ethics.
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2. Bring the Right Gear

The Pigeon River is a blue-ribbon trout stream and the source of many tributaries that provide trophy smallmouth fishing among towering mountains rich with fall color. But, to catch one of these fishes, you need to bring the required gear and equipment:
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What fish are in Pigeon River, Tennessee

1.Fly fishers fishing the Pigeon should bring with them 5 to 6 Weight Fly Rod
2.Floating Fly Line
3.Sink Tip Line or Versileaders
4.Quality Reel with Smooth Drag
5.Floating line and dry and wet fly choices from sizes 3X-5X tapered leaders for best results.
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3. Bring the Right Flies

For maximum success on any adventure trip, it's essential to bring along appropriate gear. The best flies for fishing on the Pigeon River include dry flies and nymphs. Also, make sure that water flow is optimal before setting out to ensure optimal conditions during your adventure!
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4. Check the Weather

Fishing on the Pigeon River requires constant weather observation as the climate can rapidly shift over just a few hours, particularly when temperatures suddenly decrease. An abrupt temperature change could cause the water to freeze solid, making the movement of fish difficult or impossible altogether.
The East and West forks of the Pigeon River offer outstanding trout fishing. Spring is the best time for fishing as mayfly hatches attract trout that are hungry enough to take an attractive fly presentation.
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5. Don't Forget the Bait

Although visitors don't pay the Pigeon River as much attention as it deserves for fishing, this stream provides an incredible experience with trophy smallmouth bass populations and scenic surroundings. Here are the types of baits that are good for smallies and trouts:
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1.Streamers
2.Nymphs
3.Dry Flies
4.Poppers
5.Crawfish Imitations
6.Soft Plastics (for spin anglers)
7.Jerkbaits
8.Woolly Buggers
9.Sculpin Patterns
10.Terrestrials
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Conclusion

The Pigeon River might not make every headline, but that's what makes it worth the cast. This hidden gem offers excellent fishing opportunities on the Pigeon River, attracting anglers seeking a peaceful day away from crowded spots. The river flows through scenic areas near Pigeon Forge and other charming cities, providing a perfect backdrop for fishing and other recreational activities.

Among the common species found in the Pigeon River are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and various trout species, making it a haven for anglers seeking a perfect catch. Whether you're fly fishing in the cool tributaries or casting in the main river, the Pigeon River offers diverse fishing experiences for all skill levels.
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Ready to Fish the Pigeon Like a Local? We'll Show You How.

At Frontier Anglers TN, we guide anglers into the overlooked pockets and productive runs of the Pigeon. Whether you're after aggressive summer smallmouth or spring-fed wild trout, we know where they hide and how to get them to eat.

‍Call or text to book your trip, or reserve your spot online. Come fish the Pigeon with someone who knows it like home water.
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