Smallmouth Bass Fishing Trips
If you have never fished for river Smallmouth bass, you are definitely missing out. To put it in simple terms, it’s fishing for Largemouth on a trout stream, but Smallmouth fight harder than either.
Elk Creek Outfitters is very excited about offering the premier Smallmouth fishing of the area. ECO guides live to fly fish for Smallmouth but equally welcome fishing with conventional tackle, and sometimes prefer it, depending on conditions.
New River
The New is well known for its incredible Smallmouth bass and Musky fishing from its headwaters in North Carolina to its destination in West Virginia. We float and wade sections in NC and VA and have private accesses in both states. ECO is proud to guide on this beautiful river, which is recognized as one of the country’s “National Wild and Scenic Rivers.” Whether it’s a day float or an overnight trip, you’re sure to be inspired by this river’s beauty and incredible fishing.
Nolichucky River
The “Chucky,” in TN and NC has proven to be a fantastic fishery time and time again. During a day’s float you will have opportunities at Smallmouth bass, Spotted bass, Rock bass and Muskellunge. Several times a year, the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) releases monster Rainbows, which are great fly rod or light spinning rod targets. The Chucky is an awesome river for those who like to add the thrill of light rapids to their fishing adventure.
Holston River
This is a mega smallmouth fishery with plenty of fish for everyone! The section of the Holston known for awesome bronzebacks is downstream of its famous trout water but still dam regulated. This ensures a healthy smally population season after season with regulated flows and cold water temperatures all summer long. The Holston River provides more consistent smallmouth fishing than any other we’ve found in the Southeast.
Swine River
The Swine River is ECO’s trophy smallmouth water. The name “Swine” is made up to protect our secret and describes the hogs that we consistently catch every Spring! If it’s quality and not quantity you seek, then look no further than the Swine River. There’s a pig waiting just for you!
French Broad River
The French Broad is the largest and most productive smallmouth bass and musky river in North Carolina. With mild to wild water, it has all types of scenic floats- including a smallmouth section that floats through the whitewater section of the river to increase the fun and adventure. The river travels north from Ashville area up through scenic Hot Springs and beyond. There is no other opportunity that we offer than as many species to be caught either including Fresh Water Drum, Walleyes and Sauger as well.
Pigeon River
This is one of the area’s best kept secrets. West of Asheville near Newport, TN is the dam-controlled Pigeon, full of extra large smallmouth bass. In past years there have been some pollutants in the river that has limited any keeping or consumption of the fish and that has obviously left us with a wonderful catch and release fishery! You can expect to catch some Walleye as well!
Book a Smallmouth fishing trip now…
Click here for a list of additional gear you might want to bring along…
