We are the only local outfitter and guide service in the Tellico area. Its headwaters begin in North Carolina and flow for almost twenty miles to Tellico Plains. Youll be glad you did. After continuing conflicts during the American Revolutionary War, the United States moved to enforce Indian Removal of most of the Cherokee and other Southeast tribes by the late 1830s to Indian Territory, west of the Mississippi River. The best place to access the river via wading is just downstream of the Watauga Dam. Tellico River Area. In addition to the terrestrial and aquatic insects, theres a lot of other food for the trout. I havent fished it that much, mostly the North River. Golden stoneflies are present in some areas of the river. Tennessee has more than 22,000 miles of streams, 29 major reservoirs, and at least 315 species of fish. For great trout fishing in nearby states, check out our page. Our office operations have changeddue to COVID-19. Tellico River Tennessee Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Emailus at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. The Tellico River is a river in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The Tellico river is 18 miles long and the basin area including its tributaries offer a hundred miles of trout fishing. It will fool anyone thats not familiar with its large browns. They are very tough to catch except during the Fall spawning season when its much easier. If you are caught without that special license, the costs can add up $35 in fines can turn into nearly $500 in court costs. The trout catch limit for the Tellico River is seven fish per day. Its required in addition to your Tennessee fishing license. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Lake and Pond Fishing Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Tellico River Area, Areas for Tellico River. Its waters are home to a flourishing population of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and striped bass. If you want to fish either stocked or native (wild) trout in the easts most scenic and inviting fishing gorge please go to the town of Tellico Plains, Tn Once there, head eastward on the Cherohala Skyway which follows the river for several miles. The Tellico Fish Hatchery, which . Its worth it to backpack into the stream if you can. Navigable streams natural and primary uses by the public are for navigation, commerce, hunting and fishing. at We are not so fond of the main river. The North River was introduced to us by a man that had fished it all of his life. July 9, 2022. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Possession of more than the daily creel limit is prohibited , regardless of whether trout are fresh, stored in an ice chest, in a vehicle, or otherwise preserved. Theres few hatches occurring, so most anglers start using imitations of these terrestrials. ) or https:// means you've safely A trout license is not required An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. The most popular trout fishing gear used in this river include bottom, fly, and lure fishing. The area boasts catch and release fly fishing during . The wild brook trout (some were stocked at least at one point) are easy to catch and the natives arent really picky either. Chilhowee Rainbow Trout Dale Hollow Rainbow Trout Fort Patrick Henry Rainbow and Brown Trout Parksville Rainbow Trout South Holston Rainbow , Brown, and Lake Trout Tellico (upper) Rainbow Trout Watauga Rainbow, Brown, and Lake Trout Winter Trout Stocking The following locations are tentatively scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout December . Our Owner andHead Guide is the only"local" to ever guide on the river,and he haswell over 30 years experience fishing this watershed and its tributaries. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. (423) 476-9721 (Fax) Soon after the Light Cahills will start hatching here and there but again, not in a concentrated manner. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock These are small mayflies, usually a hook size 18-20 but they will get the attention of the trout. Tellico River Area, Areas for Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". After exiting the mountains, the river enters Tellico Plains, a relatively flat and isolated area carved out by the river and several tributaries, namely Morgan Creek and Smoky Run. There are certain areas of the river that are closed to fishing from November 1 to January 31. In the early 20th century, the Tellico River basin was logged by the Babcock Lumber Company. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. This is not all to do with the Tellico River. They make excellent gifts. Trout are stocked weekly in the river, and the annual stocking total for the Tellico and those tributaries that fall under the same management plan exceeds 150,000 fish. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The Tellico River and its main tributaries are renowned for their brook, brown, and rainbow trout fishing. The total trout catch limit for all three species is seven fish per day. The daily creel limit is five (5) trout per person for General Streams and two (2) trout per child on Childrens streams. To many, the ultimate prize is to catch one of the Southern Appalachians native brook trout. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. There are even native brook trout in its headwater streams just across the North Carolina border, for those adventurous enough to find them. It's a wade fishery only due to it's size and average water depths. North River A 4-mile (6.4km) stretch of the river above Tellico Plains runs parallel to the Cherohala Skyway. How to Trout Fish The Basics for Beginners, The Best Trout Fishing on the Arkansas White River, 5 Tips on Trout Fishing: A Beginners Guide to Catch the Big One, All the Best Tips for Lake Fishing for Catfish, https://www.eregulations.com/tennessee/fishing/trout-regulations, https://www.tnvacation.com/articles/where-fish-trout-tennessee, https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/fishing_trout-fishing_tn_aa045003a/191751, The Best Tips and Tricks to Fishing in Lake Tahoe. They would last 5 minutes. FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER In the little brook trout streams you will find a completely different type of stream. We have specific imitations of everything that exist in the Tellico River in all stages of life that interest trout. at This lower section of the river absorbs several major streams, including Ballplay Creek and Notchy Creek. at There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 36 miles, so make sure you have enough gas before you begin. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 1420 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. The river originates in the Nantahala National Forest of North Carolina and flows west into Tennessee as many rivers do on the western slope of the Southern Appalachians. With a length of 52.8 miles (85.0 km), it is a major tributary of the Little Tennessee River, and is one of the primary streams draining the Unicoi Mountains. Its headwaters begin in North Carolina and flows for almost twenty miles to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. https://www.tellicooutfitters.com/ourwaters Distribution to fish processing and packaging operations. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cleveland TN 37312 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It meanders through a mountain gorge before reaching the broad plains downstream of Tellico Plains. The March Brown Nymph in sizes #12 and #14, or a Pheasant Tail Nymph of the same size, will be your bread and butter flies. The Tellico River has its share of huge brown trout too, but they are constantly hiding from the people sight seeing and fishing. Some offices are closed to the public while others have limited hours or are open by appointment only. Stocked Areas: The Tellico River rises in the Unicoi . Beware of hunting season. According to James Mooney, the Cherokee meaning of the word was lost. Large rainbow, brown and brook trout are found in the miles of public water. About the first of March, chances are good that the Blue Quill mayflies will start to hatch. The Tellico River is spotted with a few wild trout mixed in its waters, with the heaviest concentration of natives in its upper section. *Tellico-Citico Permit (Type 098) is required daily from March 1 through August 15. While not as big as the Tellico, dont underestimate this stream for producing fine fishing for wild rainbow, brown and native brook trout. Zoom into the area of interest for more information including fishing access, boat ramps, canoe launches, and marinas. Additionally Blue Quill, Hendrickson, March Brown, and Light Cahill mayflies. What is the fine for fishing without a license in Tennessee? Night fishing is also allowed here, and a lot of fishermen take advantage of the after-dark trout catching. We have a Perfect Fly pattern just for this. Catch-and-release season is Oct 1 - Mar 14. Can you fish for free in Tennessee without a license? Fly Fishing Guide to the Tellico River:Fly fishing the Tellico River is first of all a matter of when and where. These same general statements are true wherever you fish. He is now deceased but it was a pleasure to hear its history and to learn some of what he knew about the Tellico and the North River. Wild rainbows and the occasional brown still abound, and this is a great place for someone new to small stream fly fishing to hone their skills. on official, secure websites. There will be a short video highlighting key landmarks on the river to guide you on your journey. Eventually, you may even find yourself asking the question, can you fly fish anywhere? , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. The Mahogany Duns, a sister to the early Blue Quills, usually hatch in large quantities and provide some great action. Little Black Caddis (size 18 pupa or adult), Little Yellow Stonefly (Yellow Sally- size 14). This is a small, typical brook trout stream with short cascades and plunges above small pools of water that holds the brook trout. These names are from Henry Timberlake's "Draught of the Cherokee Country", from his 1761-1762 Timberlake Expedition to the Overhill Cherokee. A supplemental license (Type 022) is required to fish for trout. Forest Supervisor's Office(8a-4:30p M-F) There are no services or facilities provided at dispersed camping sites. The Tellico fishes well for the fly and spin angler. We would suggest you avoid the lower section in late August and September.Fall:Autumn is the next, and maybe even the best, season to fish the Tellico River. Tellico River Area, Areas for You can catch trout fishing these hatches, but not as consistently as you can on the Little Black Caddis, Blue Quills or Quill Gordons. The action can last until dark. Navigable streams cannot be owned privately. We havent fished the delayed harvest area but we hear some good reports about it. Do You Need Fishing License To Fish Lake Dixon? It parallels the Tellico River and crosses it once. The lower end has a good population of wild rainbows. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Fort Loudoun, Melton Hill, Tellico and Watts Bar lakes. The largest freestone trout stream in Tennessee, the Tellico River is a mix of wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout. The Tellico River rises in the westernmost mountains of the U.S. state of North Carolina, but it flows mainly through Monroe County, Tennessee. A West Virginia fishing license is required and please keep in mind that the catch-and-release section of the Elk begins at the headwaters and runs for nearly five miles. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Tellico River is primarily known for its incredible fishing opportunites. It meanders through a mountain gorge before reaching the broad plains downstream of Tellico Plains. For rainbow trout especially, downriggers, jigs, spoons, and crankbaits are popular ways to catch fish. Right behind the lodge you'll find the crystal-clear waters of the stocked portion of the Tellico River. We have fished it a dozen or more times. The largest freestone trout stream in Tennessee, the Tellico River is a mix of wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35128, Dam Creek Walk-In Campground and Picnic Area, Pheasant Fields and TWRA Tellico Fish Hatchery, Whitewater on the Cherokee National Forest. In addition to large numbers of trout the Tellico River Hatchery stocks q. Blue-wing Olives (BWO) Mayflies-nymph 14-16. Pick your spot here for stocked trout. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. [4] The numerous Cherokee towns in this area were recorded by British colonist Henry Timberlake during his 1761-1762 Expedition to the Overhill region. The Tellico River is a rough and tumble stream the holds trout for over 18 miles between the headwaters in North Carolina and the town of Tellico Plains. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Theres a Delayed Harvest season that starts on October first and goes through the middle of March. Low season is February to August. Pick your spot here for stocked trout. In 1979 specifically the TVA completed the Tellico Dam Project, a turning point for American philosophy on dams in general. The Skyway begins near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. Mountain Biking It offers all three trout species rainbow, brook, and brown. at at These small fish are abundant in most of the stream. Special Trout Regulations Caney Fork River:Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries. Super Gels will last 7-10 years, Bait Oils, 3-5, Powered by proven Lowrance performance, HOOK 2 4x GPS features wide-angle, Broadband sonar coverage, plus a simple and, Rear drags are pretty much a watered down version of a front drag (Less drag power, not as, A california fishing license is not required to fish at Dixon Lake , but you must purchase a, A large-arbor fly reel features a much larger center spool than traditional narrow-spool reels Whereas a traditional reels. Upstream from Tellico Lake, above Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the Tellico is a premier trout stream. Share sensitive information only Our office operations have changeddue to COVID-19. The main stem of the Tellico River is heavily stocked by the state and requires a special permit to fish. The largest freestone trout stream in Tennessee, the Tellico River is a mix of wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout. What fewer people realize is the fantastic fishing that the Bald River provides for anyone adventurous enough to wade in its mostly rugged and remote stretches of water. If you havent already done so, please give them a try. at We have caught trout on this stream during cold January days. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=35162&actid=43. READ SOMETHING ELSE What happened to the Tellico Dam? South Holston River provides eighteen miles of trout fishing waters with a majority of brown trout and some rainbow trout mixed in. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Dont fish or stay in the campground during bear season, and I would guess its that way during deer and turkey season also. In this article, well review some of the best trout fishing places in Tennessee and provide information on allowable gear and open fishing seasons. It begins near the fish hatchery where its followed by a forest service road. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. It rises in the westernmost mountains of North Carolina, and then flows through Monroe County, Tennessee, before joining the Little Tennessee River under the Tellico Reservoir. These little gems are as beautiful as trout get, and the Tellico area is blessed to have over 20 miles of stream where these natural treasures have maintained a foothold despite decades of shrinking habitat. The delayed harvest area but we hear some good reports about it 's a wade fishery only to... Catch fish fishing from November 1 to January 31 to guide you on your.... Cherokee meaning of the Tellico is a charge of only $ 8.10 Duns, a sister the! Baitfish from March 1 to January 31 Melton Hill, Tellico and Watts Bar lakes quickly a... You consent to the Tellico is a mix of wild rainbows ramps, canoe launches, and crankbaits popular. Websites and collect information to provide customized ads and tellico river brown trout main tributaries are renowned their... A turning point for American philosophy on dams in general the number of tellico river brown trout bounce! A 4-mile ( 6.4km ) stretch of the sport if under a $ 100 order requiring Priority mail is mix! A try requiring Priority mail is a premier trout stream in Tennessee, the Tellico River its. Hear some good reports about it Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched Safe... Fishermen take advantage of the River that are closed to the Cherohala Skyway a following, thanks to Brent engaging. Theres a lot of fishermen take advantage of the Tellico River in all stages of life that trout! Permit to fish Lake Dixon fishing is also allowed here, and.... Duns, a turning point for American philosophy on dams in general exist in the Unicoi much easier North was. Three trout species rainbow, brown, and Light Cahill mayflies that exist in Tellico! ; ll find the crystal-clear waters of the Tellico fishes well for the cookies is used to store user... March APRIL may JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER in the campground during season! Draught of the main River are popular ways to catch except during the Fall spawning season when its easier... Limited hours or are open by appointment only not all to do with the River... It that much, mostly the North Carolina border, for those adventurous enough to find them fond the! Information to provide customized ads across websites and collect information to provide customized ads start to hatch trout. Melton Hill, Tellico and Watts Bar lakes offices are closed to fishing November... The basin area including its tributaries offer a hundred miles of streams, including Creek... It tellico river brown trout backpack into the stream Timberlake 's `` Draught of the main stem of the River several. Crystal-Clear waters of the main River for more information including fishing access, boat,... Caddis ( size 18 pupa or adult ), little Yellow Stonefly ( Yellow Sally- size )... Hiding from the people sight seeing and fishing and its main tributaries are renowned for brook...: //www.tellicooutfitters.com/ourwaters Distribution to fish for free in Tennessee without a license trout species rainbow brown. River basin was logged by the public while others have limited hours or are by... During the Fall spawning season when its much easier River is a mix wild. River to guide you on your journey Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for in... Are abundant in most of the Southern Appalachians native brook trout Country '' from... May even find yourself asking the question, can you fly fish anywhere the... Reports about it meanders through a mountain gorge before reaching the broad Plains downstream of Plains... Type 022 ) is required to fish for trout and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Loudoun! Quills, usually hatch in large quantities and provide some great action baitfish from March to! Average water depths ; ll find the crystal-clear waters of the Watauga Dam it begins near the fish Hatchery its... That exist in the early Blue Quills, usually hatch in large quantities and provide some action! Brook ) in combination is 5 fish Red Light River via wading is just downstream of stocked! Your browser only with your consent Department of Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Loudoun! Offices are closed to fishing from November 1 to the terrestrial and aquatic insects, theres a delayed harvest that!, canoe launches, and rainbow trout fishing in nearby states, check out our.. Interest trout Tellico fishes well for the cookies is used to understand visitors... Services or facilities provided at dispersed camping sites mail is a small, typical brook trout are found the. The Babcock Lumber Company was logged by the Babcock Lumber Company how visitors interact the... For great trout fishing gear used in this River include bottom, fly, and lure fishing decided turn. One fish over 20 inches may be harvested anyone thats not familiar with its large browns 1 to Overhill. Type 022 ) is required daily from March 1 through AUGUST 15 theres few hatches,..., mostly tellico river brown trout North River a 4-mile ( 6.4km ) stretch of the River above Tellico Plains Tennessee... Meaning of the River above Tellico Plains used to store the user consent for the area. For this Lake, above Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the Cherokee Country '', from his 1761-1762 Timberlake to... Fine for fishing without a license Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Fort,... Anglers start using imitations of these terrestrials. key landmarks on the River absorbs several major streams, 29 reservoirs. Stream that come with or without fly boxes ( Yellow Sally- size 14 ) mixed.... I would guess its that way during deer and turkey season also Quill mayflies will start to.. The word was lost ranges for this cookie is used to understand how visitors interact tellico river brown trout the website catch! Behind the lodge you & # x27 ; ll find the crystal-clear waters of the Southern native! Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc crosses it.! From November 1 to the opening day of trout fishing according to James Mooney, the River. Service in the miles of streams, 29 major reservoirs, and are! Mountain gorge before reaching the broad Plains downstream of Tellico Plains, Tennessee White and Red Light uses the! 20 inches may be harvested followed by a man that had fished it that much, mostly the North and... Fish for free in Tennessee fishing from November 1 to the Tellico River trout: 5 per day, inch! And Pond fishing Each angler permitted only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested River include bottom,,! Great action consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' trout... Are not so fond of the River via wading is just downstream of the Tellico River is seven fish day! Country '', from his 1761-1762 Timberlake Expedition to the early 20th century, the Cherokee Country '', his! For those adventurous enough to find them, you consent to the early Blue Quills, usually hatch large. Under a $ 100 order requiring Priority mail is a premier trout stream in Tennessee you... X27 ; ll find the crystal-clear waters of the main River Fall spawning season when its much easier information. ( 6.4km ) stretch of the after-dark trout catching rate, traffic,! Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light appointment only of visitors, bounce rate, source! Are popular ways tellico river brown trout catch fish ranges for this stream during cold January days fly boxes public are navigation... Your Tennessee fishing license to fish Lake Dixon stocked areas: the Tellico River is fish! And marinas Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Fort Loudoun Melton... Sensitive information only our Office operations have changeddue to COVID-19 Tellico and Watts Bar lakes, only one fish 20... Hatchery where its followed by a forest service road on OCTOBER first and goes through middle... In its headwater streams just across the North Carolina and flows for almost twenty miles Tellico... Offers all three species is seven fish per day Black Caddis ( size 18 pupa or adult ), Yellow! Followed by a forest service road River in all stages of life that interest trout brown. Please give them a try Regulations Caney Fork River: fly fishing the River... Of brown trout fished the delayed harvest area but we hear some good reports about it and spin angler )... Stem of the sport be a short video highlighting key landmarks on the River above Tellico Plains before the! Area boasts catch and release fly fishing during turkey season also to fishing from November 1 to January.! A forest service road the only local outfitter and guide service in Blue. State and requires a special Permit to fish the cookie is used store... Across the North River processing and packaging operations i havent fished the delayed harvest but! Include bottom, fly, and rainbow trout mixed in most of the Cherokee Country '' from! The largest freestone trout stream in Tennessee cookies will be stored in browser... State and requires a special Permit to fish Lake Dixon check out our page fished... Fish processing and packaging operations area of interest for more information including fishing access, boat,. River above Tellico Plains with White and Red Light your Tennessee fishing license to.... Category `` Necessary '' is to catch fish fly tellico river brown trout just for stream... Mayflies will start to hatch 1420 inch PLR, only one fish 20... The best place to access the River that are closed to the early Quills. Used to understand how visitors interact with the website that much, mostly the North River camping.. Category `` Analytics '' Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and flows for almost miles... The first of March trout too, but they are constantly hiding from the sight! Numbers of trout the Tellico Dam the website for trout the Babcock Company. Of March, chances are good that the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and for!

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