These rambling waters have been celebrated for years and have provided plenty of recreation opportunities, from fishing to boating. Then it goes state. Two handi-capped parking spaces are provided. That gives them the rights to regulate them down to nothing. By No, I'm outta town but from what I've heard it went well. So it goes from state to county. The French Broad, a Tennessee State Scenic River, has a rich history and compelling variety along its course through Cocke County. Just the number of people present will help the people fighting this. From its start in western North Carolina the river flows into Tennessee where it joins the Holston River just outside of Knoxville to create the headwaters of the Tennessee River. They don't seem to be too worried about doing anything in a hurry. Just hate to see the river, and especially the fishing, get trashed by these dam boats for tourists to enjoy that don't have to deal with the bad part after. Display as a link instead, × We paddle around shallow shoals that allow for swimming as well as sweeping bends and islands through which we will navigate. Canoeing and kayaking (outfitters in Hartford and Hot Springs). Pasted as rich text. The French Broad River, put in at Seven Island Wildlife Refuge/Kelly Lane and take out at Cruze Landing, is the PERFECT stretch for beginner kayakers! Because the coast guard has jurisdiction. It's an excellent fishery. Right past the rapids are a great place to play in the water and enjoy the river. If you continue on down the French Broad past the Ellis take out you will eventually run into the Holston. Sevierville offers world-class fishing on the Little Pigeon and French Broad Rivers. Sevier County isn't going to pass on the opportunity to make money. Required fields are marked *. Our state Representative Dale Carr is against it. Fishing for bass, catfish, crappy, sauger and trout. The water around the right side, at least, was a perfect adventure for beginners and lovely for everyone. Two really good rivers for small mouth are the Pigeon River that runs from the NC line through Hartford and Newport down to the French Broad River above the Rankin Bridge and the Little Pigeon River that runs from Gatlinburg through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville and runs into the French Broad below the 66 bridge. We ended at Cruze landing, just off Kodak Road. If any of us were out there driving like they do, they would find a way to throw the book at us. Your link has been automatically embedded. (or having their pockets lined like you said). From Knoxville:east on I-40, Exit 435 to Downtown Newport. The Pigeon River and the Nolichucky both empty into the French Broad before the river meets Douglas Dam and forms Douglas Lake. The trick was to get it short enough for them not to be exhausted and long enough to feel like an adventure. Your email address will not be published. Clear editor. As the French Broad River begins its journey in Tennessee, it flows through Cocke County (next to Sevier County). guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by 25E) to Dutch Bottoms. Boats: tsunami 12’ cockpit seating Distance: 3/4 day depending on flow of river Highlights: Float away from the bustling town of Sevierville and peacefully enter vast farmland with mountain back drops. I drive an F350 that rolls coal like a train, and wouldn't have it any other way. How do I put it? Problem is Wyndham (I think) owns wilderness resorts. Take the thrill out of the ride. I agree with all that 100%. As a lot of you know, I've been helping my cousin and other land owners, fisherman, and conservationists fight the jet boat rides on the French broad in Sevier county. Smallmouth, sauger, walleye and crappie can be found in these waters. The TWRA says they are not responsible for commercial deals such as this as there are no fish/game involved. Directions: Take Exit 402 off I-40, go south on Midway Road, until you hit Kodak Road, take left, then take right at church, follow signs to landing… I wouldn't say it went well. by French Broad River, Tennessee fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Oh really? What they county essentially did was table the whole thing giving the jet boats free roam for now. That was lunch, but next time, I will have lunch at the northernmost end of the island, where the island was split in three parts, and at the confluence, is a wonderful spot (looking up stream we saw a herd of deer crossing the river). It was swift moving, easy to negotiate, water. × Seems they are either scared to act or someone is putting some money in some pockets. Well, that sounds to me like the county pretty much don't give a rats &@# and aren't going to give up the revenue potential. The French Broad widens as it passes through the village of Del Rio, where the USFS is improving a boat launch at The Sandbar, on Old River Rd., one mile east of the Hwy 107W railroad crossing. The Tennessee then continues on into Knoxville and heads south. The river opened up wide again, and I expected a slow moving river again, but no, it was swift for at least another mile. The French Broad River, put in at Seven Island Wildlife Refuge/Kelly Lane and take out at Cruze Landing, is the PERFECT stretch for beginner kayakers! The French Broad enters Cocke county near the Paint Creek Camping and Recreation Area, and flows around the Weavers Bend Cultural Area, prime for short, challenging hiking routes and dispersed campsites. It appears as they don't know who has the right to regulate... the GC says the county does. It is at this point, that the Tennessee River is formed at the convulsion of these two rivers. With wild brown trout being some of the smaller fish in the river system, they are just as fun to catch. About half way up on the right side, the rock shoals started for us (may begin earlier if the water is lower). We had novice kayakers including an 11 and 14 year old in their own kayaks. We have to give them the rights to give boat rides per commerce law. I drive an F350 that rolls coal like a train, and wouldnt have it any other way. River tour with shuttle provided. guest-paddler, Humpback Whale Almost Swallows 2 Kayakers, USCG Helicopter Rescues Kayakers From Anacapa Island, CA. Hiking trails in the Cherokee National Forest. Thanks everyone. The GC says it is navigable water until the bridge below Hardees in Sevierville on the Little Pigeon along with the entire FB until the dam on Douglas. Our think tank sat down with our attorney and found laws that were found in commerce law. The French Broad River is one of the two rivers that combines to form the Tennessee River. A majority of musky are found south of Asheville, while bigger fish are being caught north of downtown Asheville. It's a great warm up before getting to the Seven Islands area. At Seven Island it's wonderful, the river splits the island and the water speeds up. Even when they do someone will have to enforce those rules and Sevier County has no one to do it. SteveHTN, March 17, 2016 in Conservation & Education. They are going to send a lA letter to the Tennessee State Attorney to figure out the laws. Trout fishing the French Broad river is a different ball game. It's 5 miles with a combination of flatwater, and easy shoals. The island is one mile long. Whether kayak or Jon boat. First off, Im no tree hugging liberal hippie. This site may not function properly in your current browser. Well that sucks. Notable trout rivers such as the Davidson River and Mills River feed the French Broad. In the winter, the river transitions into Douglas Lake as it enters Jefferson county. The forest road across Rocky Top ("Good ole Rocky Top", as in the song), has spectacular views of the river gorge. 5 miles form the dam, you reach a take out under the Hwy 66 bridge near the Smoky Mountain Knife Works.