A limited number of low-elevation streams in the park reach depths and flow levels suitable for big browns. These areas are within a short walk of the roads, particularly on the north side of the park, but fishing them extensively requires all the planning and patience of a through-hike on the Appalachian Trail. “I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve received complaints about a lack of fish down there,” Moore says, “and at times I’ve had to resort to shocking them up a 5- or 6-pounder to prove it.”

In the fall, colder temperatures trigger the browns’ natural spawning impulses, drawing them out of the depths and into the open water where they can be seen. As they begin to venture onto the shoals, they feed actively to store reserves for their upcoming activities; this can make for exciting fishing, if you can find them. But if you miss this window and are tempted to fish to active spawners, don’t--not only is the fishing less productive, it’s also hard on the fish. Byron Begley of Little River Outfitters in Townsend, Tennessee, explains: “In the fall the browns congregate to spawn in the deeper rivers . . . We tend to get our biggest rains starting in November, which means the spawn can be hit or miss. Some years a whole age class will be wiped out, and that means you never know which year the big browns are coming up the river.” Browns move onto and off of the shoals throughout the winter as temperatures and water levels suit them. During this period, which can last for several weeks, the fish still must eat, and they do so vigorously during a limited time, often during the day (because they spawn mostly at night). Learn to recognize the redds (they resemble bathtub-size, clean spots in the rocks) so you can tell the difference between a spawner and a forager.

Big fish of all kinds tend to move the most during rain and after cold snaps. The U.S. Geological Survey provides real-time stream flow charts on the Internet (www.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis), so you can track the river from home. If the water begins to rise, it’s time to go. This is sight-fishing, so bring polarized glasses. Work upriver, scanning ahead of you before each step. Staging browns hold in channels and tailouts below gravel beds, and they also feed during this period.

The best technique for landing a big Smokies brown is to cast to a visible fish using a tandem nymph rig and 6X fluorocarbon tippet. Stay low and out of sight behind the brown, and rig your flies so a larger nymph (like a Bitch Creek) can act as both weight and indicator to take your smaller Pheasant Tail or egg pattern down to the trout. Cast upstream of the fish and watch the big fly (white rubber legs help) as it passes the trout--if the fly hesitates, set the hook. You can use an indicator to float the rig at the desired depth, but stay away from bright colors--these fish are spooky.

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Zach Matthews is a freelance writer and the editor of The Itinerant Angler, www.itinerantangler.com. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia. This article originally appeared in the May 2007 issue of Fly Fisherman.

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