by: Craig Lancaster
July 15, 2008
Chasm Prong:
Chasm Prong, along with neighboring Gulf Prong, is a major tributary stream that forms Bradley Fork about 1.6 miles upstream of campsite #49. Campsite #49 is an ideal location to stay to explore this stream as well as others in the area. The hike to campsite #49 is a relatively easy one, with a gentle 4.1 mile hike up the Bradley Fork Trail that will translate into a slightly more difficult, narrower, but shorter 0.7 mile hike up the Cabin Flats Trail. Once you reach the campsite, access is the major problem prohibiting anglers from fishing this stream as there is no trail access. The only way to reach Chasm Prong is wading up Bradley Fork through a seemingly endless parade of swift, and sometimes deep, runs interspersed with plunging cascades. Wading up to Chasm Prong will take anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on your fitness level and wading ability.
Once you reach Chasm Prong, you will find a typical headwater stream with a rather steep, but not overwhelming, gradient. The stream is wide enough for casting comfortably, however there is enough rhododendron to keep an angler on their toes. Brook trout seem to be the only fish you will encounter, however a few rainbows are present at the mouth of the stream. Most of the fish are average size for Smoky Mountain brook trout, with an 8” spec most likely proving to be the fish of the day.
Chasm Prong is one of the many hidden jewels in the Smoky Mountains Bring a friend with you if you visit this area, you will be fishing in a truly remote area and will most certainly not encounter any other anglers.
http://highcountryflyfisher.blogspot.com
Copyright 2008 Craig Lancaster
Note from James Marsh:
Craig and company caught over 100 trout on this short weekend camping trip. He was a little discouraged because he did not catch a large brook trout but that is something that happens to me most every time I fish for any species. I consider the one over 8 inches a very nice brook trout for this small stream. As far as I am concerned, the information on this headwater stream is invaluable for those interested in camping and hiking into the backcountry. I am very thankful to him for the information and images.
Copyright 2008 James Marsh