Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing Hazel Creek North Carolina
Hazel Creek is considered by many to be the finest
stream in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is
remote enough (you have to hike in or go across
Fontana Lake) that it is rarely crowded and it has about
as many large fish as any of the streams.
Once you hike in or cross the lake, the stream has
excellent access and a number of campsites. It is a very
popular camping and fishing destination in the park.
This is the most popular stream that requires either a
long hike or crossing Fontana Lake. Most anglers fish the
lower portion of the stream. The headwaters of Hazel
Creek see little pressure.
The large valley of lower Hazel Creek was the home of
several families of mountain people. It was once the home
of a large lumber company's operation. Much of the
timber was cut in the valley and its tributaries. This
changed the area in many ways, some of which hurt the
native trout population but other ways that actually
helped the non-native species that were introduced to the
park. It has a tremendous diversity and a very good
population of aquatic insects.
Fishing Hazel Creek and its tributaries requires several
different methods, depending on the particular species
you target. Its waters are very diverse, ranging from
larger open areas to small, tightly enclosed streams.
Seasons:
The season is open year-round and trout can be taken
year-round.
Spring:
Spring is the best time to fish Hazel Creek because of the
aquatic insect hatches.
Summer:
Although the water can get a tad warm during the hottest
time of the summer, the middle to upper parts of the
stream are always in good shape.
Fall:
Fall is a great time for fly fishing Hazel Creek. The brown
and brook trout spawn in the Fall.
Winter:
This is one of the better streams in the park to fish during
the winter. It has some very large brown trout.
Fly Fishing Guide to Hazel Creek
Fly fishing Hazel Creek is about as good as it gets in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Click here to
continue)
Hazel Creek is considered by many to be the finest
stream in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is
remote enough (you have to hike in or go across
Fontana Lake) that it is rarely crowded and it has about
as many large fish as any of the streams.
Once you hike in or cross the lake, the stream has
excellent access and a number of campsites. It is a very
popular camping and fishing destination in the park.
This is the most popular stream that requires either a
long hike or crossing Fontana Lake. Most anglers fish the
lower portion of the stream. The headwaters of Hazel
Creek see little pressure.
The large valley of lower Hazel Creek was the home of
several families of mountain people. It was once the home
of a large lumber company's operation. Much of the
timber was cut in the valley and its tributaries. This
changed the area in many ways, some of which hurt the
native trout population but other ways that actually
helped the non-native species that were introduced to the
park. It has a tremendous diversity and a very good
population of aquatic insects.
Fishing Hazel Creek and its tributaries requires several
different methods, depending on the particular species
you target. Its waters are very diverse, ranging from
larger open areas to small, tightly enclosed streams.
Seasons:
The season is open year-round and trout can be taken
year-round.
Spring:
Spring is the best time to fish Hazel Creek because of the
aquatic insect hatches.
Summer:
Although the water can get a tad warm during the hottest
time of the summer, the middle to upper parts of the
stream are always in good shape.
Fall:
Fall is a great time for fly fishing Hazel Creek. The brown
and brook trout spawn in the Fall.
Winter:
This is one of the better streams in the park to fish during
the winter. It has some very large brown trout.
Fly Fishing Guide to Hazel Creek
Fly fishing Hazel Creek is about as good as it gets in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Click here to
continue)
| Type of Stream Freestone Species Rainbow Trout Brown Trout (Wild) Brook Trout (Native) Size Small to Medium Location Great Smoky Mountains National Park Nearest Towns Bryson City, NC Fontana Village, NC Season Year-round Access: Difficult Special Regulations None Non-Resident License State of North Carolina or Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart: Perfect Fly Hatch Chart Fly Fishing Guide Hatches and Trout Flies Fly Fishing Gear Additional Information: Fly Fishing Smoky Mountains |
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Hazel Creek North
Carolina GSMNP
Carolina GSMNP
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| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |