Localwaters

Abrams Creek is magnificent. From beginning to end it’s waters course entirely within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As it empties into the Little Tennessee River it marks a geographically and historically important place of settlement and trade for the Cherokee and earlier tribes. The confluence of Abrams Creek and The Little Tennessee River has been inundated since 1957 by Chilhowee Lake. Important historical and cultural remains lay submerged for now but someday… Cherokee Nation will return. :-)

Abrams Creek is also famous for it’s fine trout fishery, most of which is now stocked with rainbow and brown trout but was historically the exclusive domain of the native southern appalachian strain brook trout. The waters of Abrams Creek are especially fertile for trout and the aquatic insects they feed on. The water is said to have an unusual PH (for the area) because of the limestone through which it flows underground at it’s headwaters.

Abrams Creek was named for Cherokee Indian Chief Oskuah, who later adopted the name Abram. Oskuah was the chief of Chilhowee a Cherokee Overhill village located at the confluence of Abrams Creek and the Little Tennessee River, the site of the village is now inundated by Chilhowee Lake.

The headwaters of Abrams Creek flow underground for the most part through Cades Cove and as a result of the limestone has a higher PH than most of the surface streams in the park. The higher PH is said to lend itself to better insect hatches resulting in a richer source of food.

To fish Abrams Creek’s upper sections access is gained through the Cades Cove loop within Smoky Mountain National Park. Anticipate traffic issues dependent on the day and season of your visit. Access to the lower sections can be gained by Abrams Creek Campground. Abrams Creek is known for it’s rainbow trout and in several trips there over the years it’s the only trout we’ve caught. Brown Trout and Brook Trout are reported to be part of the mix along with smallmouth bass in the lower stretches of the stream. Abrams Creek empties into Chilhowee Lake where Hwy 129 crosses over. Abrams is probably the most popular trout stream within the Smoky Mountain National Park with Little River a strong contender.

The mouth of Abrams Creek on Lake Chilhowee is an excellent fishery for both Brown and Rainbow trout and many large fish are caught here from boats near the bridge.

In the upper sections of the creek exercise caution because of rough terrain, lack of cell phone service and a large concentration of bears.

Please consider showing your appreciation of Abrams Creek by picking up some litter during your visit, many hands make light work.