Noland Creek Fly Fishing
PURPLE TOP RETREAT / NOLAND CREEK GUIDE
One of the Smokies’ best wild trout streams for dry flies, pocket water, and rewarding backcountry fishing.
Noland Creek is one of my favorite streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It isn’t known for giant trout—it’s known for beautiful wild fish, endless pocket water, and the kind of fishing that keeps you smiling all day. Wild rainbow and brown trout are abundant, and while most fish are modest in size, landing a twelve-inch trout here is something to celebrate.
This is a creek where success comes from good presentations, steady hiking, and enjoying every willing fish along the way.
Distance
Approximately 45 mins
Species
Wild Rainbow •Wild Brown •
Fishing Style
Nymphs • Dry Flies
Difficulty
Easy
Feel & Vibe
Getting to Noland Creek starts with a drive down the famous Road to Nowhere before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park near the second bridge, take the trail to the left, and begin working upstream.
The farther you hike, the better the fishing generally becomes. After two or three miles, the creek feels wonderfully remote, with fewer anglers and more opportunities to find eager wild trout. Don’t be surprised to see horseback riders heading toward one of the park’s designated backcountry horse camps as you make your way upstream.
Dry Droppers
Noland Creek is made for dry flies and dry-dropper rigs. Accurate casts and careful drifts are rewarded, and the wild trout aren’t nearly as careless as they look. You can also fish downstream toward Fontana Lake, where large brown trout occasionally move upstream during the fall spawn. While I’ve never landed one there, it’s always enough to keep me wondering what’s around the next bend.
My Take
This is one of those rivers I never get tired of fishing and is a fantastic summer fishery. You’re not chasing trophies—you’re chasing a classic Smokies experience. Beautiful pocket water, aggressive wild trout, and miles of creek that only gets better the farther you walk. If I’m looking for a fun day catching wild trout on dry flies, Noland Creek is always near the top of my list.