Fly Fishing on Raven Fork - Great Smokies National Park

Raven Fork in the Great Smokies National Park is one of the hardest to reach, wildest, most interesting creeks that I have fished. The lower parts of Raven Fork are pretty well known as trophy fly fishing waters of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. People also (crazily!) kayak down the middle and lower sections of this river, which I can't even begin to imagine. However, it's the upper reaches of the creek - those without direct trail access - that are the most interesting and fun to fish.

Some fancy footwork will be required on Raven Fork!

Getting to Raven fork is not particularly difficult, but will involve some hiking. To reach the trailhead, head to Cherokee on the North Carolina side of the Great Smokies. From there, you will take Big Cove Road for nine miles to where Straight Fork Road splits to the right (right after the bridge at the junction of Straight Fork and Raven fork creeks). Big Cove Road parallels the lower stretches of Raven Fork where some of the trophy waters are and you will pass plenty of campgrounds for those less adventurous or traveling with families.

Never forget that the Smokies are bear territory.

Straight Fork road is paved for a mile or two and then turns to dirt at a trout pond. You will see a sign welcoming you to the Great Smokies National Park. The parking area at the trailhead will be in about a mile on the left - it's the first you will come to. You may have to share with some horse trailers, but there is plenty of space. Side note - this dirt road follows Straight Fork creek for several miles and gives easy access to this creek. I haven't fished it myself (yet), but the word is that it is a wonderful creek as well.

Clear waters and big boulders define Raven Fork

After parking at the Haytt Ridge trailhead, head up the trail for 1.8 miles (and several hundred feet of elevation gain) to the top of the ridge, where you will meets the Enloe Creek Trail. Follow this trail to the west (stay straight) and it is about the same distance down the other side of the mountain to Raven Fork.

A beautiful gravel beach on Raven Fork - perfect for lunch.

You will cross the river on a huge steel truss bridge that looks quite out of place so far from humanity. Across this bridge is campsite 47, which requires a permit for overnight camping. At this point, the trail turns and follows the creek downstream. However, the more adventurous will turn upstream for some of the best native speckled trout fishing in the Smokies. Once past this point, there is no more trail access for the length of this creek so be prepared to rock-hop and wade your way for the rest of the day.
 

Steel truss bridge at campsite 47 where the Enloe Creek Trail crosses Raven Fork - start fishing here.

The terrain on this creek is like none I have encountered in the Great Smokies or any other part of western North Carolina. It reminds me more of a western stream with huge boulders and extremely clear waters. Stealth is the key when fishing here, though the native brookies are usually pretty hungry. A royal wulff or thunderhead pattern in a size 12 or 14 will be very effective at almost any time of year. A beadhead prince nymph dropped below one of these flies will double any angler's chances.

Beautiful mini-waterfalls and greenish-blue water on Raven Fork

The only downside to fishing this part of the creek is that you have to wade your way up the creek as well as back down when you are ready to head home. I never advocate fishing alone, but this is a place that you should never fish without a companion. Leaving a detailed plan for your location and return time is always a good plan as well.

Rugged and beautiful!

Good luck and tight lines!