Forney Creek is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a difficult area to access and requires a lot of hiking or a ride across Fontana Lake. However, once you cross the lake, you can find great fishing in the lower sections. If you’re going to this creek, the first thing that you need to remember is that you want to pack the least amount of gear possible.
For example, if you go during the late spring or early summer, you could skip packing heavy waders and plan to wet wade instead. Campsites 68, 69, 70, and 74 are all on Forney Creek, so you can stay at them or just use them as landmarks to find your way into the water. This creek is also enclosed by a lot of tree limbs and rough brush, so open casting is hard to come by.
Short upstream casts work best in this water, anyway, so that is beneficial. However, you’ll still need to find room to move around and hide when you’re casting to keep the easily-spooked fish from running off. Most of the stream is filled with short runs and small pools with water that moves quickly, creating drift whether you like it or not.
Forney Creek is one that is ideal for the remote adventurer or someone who is more advanced in fishing and hiking and who wants the ultimate trip through the Smokies. Forney Creek is home to wild browns and rainbow trout.
Located inside the park, this creek offers year-round fishing opportunities that follow the wild regulations for the state of North Carolina. For those who want a challenge, it should definitely be on the list.
Best Places to Fish Forney Creek
The headwaters of Forney Creek are rarely fished, but can be reached from Clingmans dome if you are up for the hike. You can also hike into the lower reaches of this stream from Lake Shore Road which comes out of Bryson City. This is a 3.5-mile hike, though, and requires navigating a dark tunnel so keep that in mind.
Crossing the lake by boat will take you to an entrance near campsite 74, which still requires somewhat of a hike to gain access. The best way to explore this creek is to follow the campsites and look for the few open, less-covered areas that offer room for easier casting.
This is not a creek where you’ll be able to follow the crowds or have to worry about avoiding them. In fact, when we have been there, it’s been a ghost town, reserved only for the bravest of the brave who are willing to put in a lot of effort to find this challenging creek.
If you’re looking for the same adventure with less difficult access, consider the tributary streams that are closer to the main road or not as hidden by canopy and cover. However, if you want a true backcountry adventure, Forney Creek should definitely be your destination.
Best Time to Fish Forney Creek
You can enjoy year-round fishing in this creek, which follows wild trout regulations. The spring offers the best fishing, like most trout streams in the Smokies, because the insect hatches have the fish active and paying attention. If you want to get the best catches once you finally reach the creek, this is the best time to go.
The summer will find some good fishing in the headwaters, especially, because the lower elevation of the other waters makes them too warm. The headwaters remain cool and offer plenty of potential. It’s a popular time to visit the National Park, though, so be prepared to deal with tourists and other visitors.
Fall is one of the best times to fish Forney Creek, and especially for those who choose a camping adventure in the backcountry. Late-night and early-morning fly fishing is a great way to enjoy the brown trout spawn and capitalize on getting the best catches. There is the opportunity to fish this creek during the winter, but with the difficult access, it’s probably not worth the trip.