Smallmouth Bass Foothills Float Trip on the Little Pigeon & French Broad Rivers
Float two iconic East Tennessee rivers with a USCG-certified guide on a private smallmouth bass trip. Expect hands-on instruction, farm-and-forest scenery, and four hours of cast-and-drift fishing tailored to local conditions.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring polarized sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut surface glare and help you spot structure and feeding fish beneath the water.
Layer up for changing conditions
Mornings can be cool and afternoons warm—quick-dry layers and a lightweight wind shell keep you comfortable.
Mind river hazards
Watch for submerged logs and changing current; follow your guide’s route and instructions at all times.
Hydrate and protect from sun
Four hours on the water increases sun exposure—drink water regularly and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet oxbow pools along the Little Pigeon where bass stack during low flows
- •Riverbank farm lanes that offer unobstructed views for spotting feeding fish
Wildlife
- •Great blue heron
- •White-tailed deer along river edges at dawn
Conservation Note
Operators typically follow leave-no-trace and catch-and-release practices; be mindful of bank erosion and pack out all trash.
The rivers flow from the Smoky Mountains through long-settled farmland and towns that grew around 19th-century rail and timber industries, giving local guides deep generational knowledge of river behavior.
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Reduce glare and help you see fish-holding structure below the surface.
Quick-dry layers and lightweight jacketEssential
Layering manages cool mornings and warmer afternoons on the water.
Water shoes or wading sandalsEssential
Provide traction at launch and in shallow edges if you step out of the boat.
Insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects from bugs and UV on long floats through farm and forest sections.
Common Questions
Do I need a Tennessee fishing license?
Confirm with the operator before your trip; many guided excursions include licensing or advise you how to obtain a short-term Tennessee license.
What species will I likely catch?
This float primarily targets smallmouth bass, though you may encounter largemouth bass and panfish depending on flow and season.
Is the trip suitable for beginners?
Yes—trips are private and guides provide hands-on instruction, making it well suited for anglers learning techniques or refining presentation.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled for unsafe conditions; the operator typically allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Sevierville, Tennessee
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to board a float boat and stand briefly to cast.
Ready to Explore Sevierville?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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