Looking for advice on Western NC Smallmouth

[Arrow3]

Looking to take a few days off and head to WNC after some smallmouth. As of now I'm planning on wading the Little Tennessee if the water level allows but I am also open to taking my 14ft aluminum boat . I'd love to do a float trip if possible. I only have a trolling motor on it so no running up river. Suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Sautee Ridgerunner]

Be prepared to mostly catch lots of very little smallmouth in the little T. Its a lot of fun though. Mepps agila spinners are king IMO

 

[Resica]

New River in Virginia has good smallie fishing , I hear, can't be all that much further or maybe it can. Maybe NCHB can chime.

 

[lampern]

There are some big smallmouth downstream in Fontana Lake but I would take an outboard to fish the lake.

 

[ol bob]

Western Piedmont rivers are full of them.

 

[Arrow3]

Be prepared to mostly catch lots of very little smallmouth in the little T. Its a lot of fun though. Mepps agila spinners are king IMO

Ever caught any Rock Bass in there ?

 

[SouthGa Fisher]

Ever caught any Rock Bass in there ?

I've caught tons of them, especially right below the Highway 28 bridge. I used the camp service right there to shuttle and caught them from the bank before even putting my kayak in.

 

[whitetailfreak]

Look at Lake Santeetlah. Your John boat would be fine.