Hiwassee River Guides: Tellico River

The Tellico River its main tributaries are renowned for their trout fishing. With national reconition as a premier trout stream. The river starts in higher up in the mountains on the North Carolina side of the state line in the Nantahala National Forest. This is predominantly a small wild trout steam in comparison to the lower stretches on the Tennessee side. Trout habitat requirements include water temperatures below 68 degrees, heavy oxygenation and clean, clear water, and these conditions prevail in the Tellico River corridor.

Heavy stockings from March 15th through September 15th cover a 13-mile stretch on the upper Tellico River and big-fish potential occurs on the main river. Stocking from the Tellico trout hatchery is supported by special permits required to fish in designated waters. There are roughly 130,000 trout stocked in the Tellico River annually. These fish come from the Pheasant Fields Rearing Station. Fishing this section requires an angler to purchase a daily Tellico/citico permit in addition to a Tennessee State fishing license w/trout stamp(between the dates of March 15 thru September 15).

Both the Bald River and North River, tributaries of the Tellico, are managed as wild trout streams with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Anglers can enjoy an unspoiled wilderness and, usually have the stream to themselves. Bald River Falls provides a beautiful setting for photo’s and is easily viewed from the road. The Bald River Trail climbs steeply from a parking lot on the northern edge of the falls. This trail can be used for angler access by hiking in from either end of the gorge. The North River is smaller than the Bald, but still provides an angler with many opportunities for taking some nice wild fish. As you work higher in to the watershed an angler will encounter some very nice waterfalls, plunge pools and plenty of threaded pocket water.

Delayed Harvest (DH)

During the fall and winter seasons on the Tellico the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has created a Delayed Harvest (DH) program on the Tellico River. This special season start on October first and continues through March 14th. The DH waters on the Tellico start at the mouth of Turkey Creek and continues upstream to the mouth of the North River. Special Regulations are in effect on this stretch of river. Artificial flies or lures are permitted with a single hook. All fish must be released immediately.

The Tellico River and it's tributatries are a wonderful place to fish if you have never been here before you should give it a try for at least one day. Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year to fish this water. Just be sure to watch the water flow rates for these rivers. When the water is high it can be dangerous.

To Check water levels on the Tellico:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/state/TN/

If you would like any other information about our guided fly fishing trips in or around the Tellico area, please give us a call.