Deep Creek Fly Fishing
PURPLE TOP RETREAT / DEEP CREEK GUIDE
A dependable Smokies stream, thoughtful pocket-water fishing, and wild trout in the mountains near Bryson City.
If I could recommend only one Great Smoky Mountains stream that consistently fishes well year-round, Deep Creek would be near the top of my list. Unlike many mountain streams that slow down during the warmer months, Deep Creek can produce excellent trout fishing almost year-round. That said, where you fish matters.
Distance
Approximately 45 minutes
Species
Wild Rainbow Trout
Wild Brown Trout
Fishing Style
Dry Flies
Nymphs
Streamers
Difficulty
Moderate
The Upper Nantahala
One thing to keep in mind if you're fishing Deep Creek during the summer is that it becomes one of the most popular tubing destinations in the Smokies.
That doesn't mean you should avoid the lower section altogether.
If you can get there early, before the tubers start showing up, the fishing can actually be quite good.
Once the crowds begin floating through—typically by mid-morning on busy summer days—it's time to change your plan.
That's when I start working my way farther upstream, away from the tubing traffic.
The farther you get from the crowds, the more relaxed the fishing becomes, and the trout respond accordingly.
If you're staying at Purple Top and planning a summer morning on Deep Creek, set your alarm, grab a cup of coffee, and get on the water early. You'll enjoy the best fishing of the day long before the first inner tube hits the river.
Avoid the tubing section near the park entrance during summer. Drive upstream to around the third bridge before you begin fishing.
Fish Deep
The Lower Nantahala is Hatchery Supported water and fishes exceptionally well during the summer. Recreational rafting and kayaking make the middle of the day less productive, so I prefer fishing early in the morning or in the evening after the recreational releases.
I always check the TVA generation schedule before fishing, and I never take risks with rising water. The Lower Nantahala can be outstanding when I time the river correctly, but safety comes first.
Expect Smarter Fish
These fish see a lot of action. Plenty of local guides use the creek to show newbies how to fish and the easy access make it a common desitnation for fishing in the park. Don't be fooled, there are great fish in Deep Creek, but they are wise to a bad presentation or clumsy approach.
Watch the Water
Deep Creek can rise quickly after heavy rain in the mountains. Even if the weather is beautiful where you’re standing, storms upstream can turn comfortable pocket water into dangerous current surprisingly fast. Always keep an eye on water levels and don’t hesitate to call it a day if conditions begin changing.
“If you’re not hitting bottom, you’re probably not fishing deep enough.”
My Take
Deep Creek isn’t the easiest trout stream in the Smokies. It’s technical. The fish are smart. It can get crowded. But I’ve landed beautiful wild brown trout over 15 inches here, and it’s one of the few streams I happily fish almost any month of the year.
Start early. Walk farther than everyone else. Fish every pocket thoroughly. And if you’re not occasionally touching bottom, you’re probably not fishing deep enough.