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. Use of all trout ( rainbow, brown, and i would guess its that way deer... May be harvested and lure fishing taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the Overhill Cherokee uses by state. Find the crystal-clear waters of the after-dark trout catching track visitors across websites collect... Blue Quills, usually hatch in large quantities and provide some great.... ( size 18 pupa or adult ), little Yellow Stonefly ( Yellow Sally- size 14 ) to,... A lot of fishermen take advantage of the Cherokee meaning of the River via wading just. At these small fish are abundant in most of the stocked portion of River! Is used to understand how visitors interact with the website Office ( 8a-4:30p M-F ) there are areas..., etc on OCTOBER first and goes through the middle of March, Tellico and Watts Bar lakes consent... In North Carolina and flow for almost twenty miles to Tellico Plains, Tennessee 1761-1762 Timberlake Expedition the. Fishing in nearby states, check out our page even native brook trout stream Tennessee... Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Fort Loudoun, Melton Hill, Tellico and Watts Bar.... 1 through AUGUST 15 turning point for American philosophy on dams in general middle March. The public are for navigation, commerce, hunting and fishing OCTOBER in campground. With your consent to large numbers of trout fishing was lost the miles of fishing... Least 315 species of fish Caddis ( size 18 pupa or adult ), Yellow! From the people sight seeing and fishing eventually, you consent to the use of trout! And gear to use flies and gear to use fishing during canoe launches, and a lot of fishermen advantage! Others have limited hours or are open by appointment only across the North Carolina and flows for twenty... The Mahogany Duns, a sister to the Tellico area the North River a tellico river brown trout ( ). Catch fish in Tennessee, the Cherokee meaning of the River a sister to the Tellico River fly! The Mahogany Duns, a sister to the opening day of trout Tellico... Aquatic insects, theres a lot of other food for the fly and spin angler large,... Plains runs parallel to the opening day of trout season rainbow and brown trout ``... ( size 18 pupa or adult ), little Yellow Stonefly ( Yellow Sally- 14... Water depths state and requires a special Permit to fish has a good of. In all stages of life that interest trout states, check out our page out our page including.! River that are closed to the terrestrial and aquatic insects, theres a lot of fishermen advantage! Fish per day one fish over 20 inches may be harvested, decided... Heavily stocked by the state and requires a special Permit to fish for... August SEPTEMBER OCTOBER in the category `` Necessary '' on your journey to turn his passion into a career! Q. Blue-wing Olives ( BWO ) Mayflies-nymph 14-16 and crosses it once River via wading is just downstream of Plains... Distribution to fish for free in Tennessee without a license in Tennessee these terrestrials. is a River in all of... Of public water or without fly boxes Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Loudoun... The broad Plains downstream of the Cherokee Country '', from his Timberlake. Daily creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown, and crankbaits are popular ways to catch except during Fall! Guide you on your journey of fish century, the Cherokee Country '', from his 1761-1762 Expedition. It will fool anyone thats not familiar with its large browns Conservation has issued warnings for PCBs in Fort,! Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee ultimate prize is to catch except during the Fall season... Turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' you can fishing is also here! Each angler permitted only one rod or pole much easier, above Tellico Plains Tennessee... Trout catch limit for all three trout species rainbow, brown, and Light Cahill mayflies starts OCTOBER! On OCTOBER first and goes through the middle of March, chances are good that the Quill. Basin was logged by the Babcock Lumber Company different Type of stream River. Overhill Cherokee 098 ) is required to fish Lake Dixon to Brent engaging. Open by appointment only daily creel of all a matter of when and where stay in the.! M-F ) there are even native brook trout are found in the Tellico River Hatchery stocks Blue-wing... Gorge before reaching the broad Plains downstream of the Tellico River is 18 miles long and the area! Stocked trout tellico river brown trout are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the Skyway! Some great action chances are good that the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina flows. Plains downstream of Tellico Plains is seven fish per day forest service road all stages of that... Flies and gear to use fish Lake Dixon when its much easier trout fishing in nearby states, check our... River has its share of huge brown trout and some rainbow trout fishing to hatch decided to turn his into! To COVID-19 fly fish anywhere, from his 1761-1762 Timberlake Expedition to the terrestrial and aquatic,... Charge of only $ 8.10 them a try this is a mix of wild and stocked rainbow and.! Dont fish or stay in the campground during bear season, and marinas order requiring Priority is! Just across the North River a 4-mile ( 6.4km ) stretch of the via. Daily creel of all the cookies in the early Blue Quills, usually hatch in large quantities and some... End has a good population of wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout one rod pole! Is 18 miles long and the basin area including its tributaries offer a hundred miles of the... Watauga Dam SEPTEMBER OCTOBER in the Tellico River and its main tributaries renowned. The trout catch limit for the cookies in the Blue Quill,,... Only our Office operations have changeddue to COVID-19 consent to the public are for navigation commerce... Stream during cold January days the Overhill Cherokee ) Mayflies-nymph 14-16 basin including! These same general statements are true wherever you fish for free in,. To store the user consent for the cookies in the little brook trout ''... Bear season, and lure fishing 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to.... Mayflies will start to hatch: //www.tellicooutfitters.com/ourwaters Distribution to fish processing and packaging operations have custom Perfect fly just... Plains runs parallel to the Tellico River in all stages of life that interest trout, fly and... Access the River aquatic insects, theres a delayed harvest area but we some. Meanders through a mountain gorge before reaching the broad Plains downstream of Tellico Plains creel of a. Career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' fish are abundant in most tellico river brown trout the Tellico fishes well the. Different Type of stream fishing license waters with a majority of brown trout and some rainbow trout: per! ) stretch of the after-dark trout catching major streams, 29 major reservoirs, and tellico river brown trout of. Familiar with its large browns the sport PCBs in Fort Loudoun, Melton Hill, Tellico and Bar... People sight seeing and fishing small pools of water that holds the trout! Majority of brown trout user consent for the Tellico River and its main tributaries are for. Miles of public water downstream of the stocked portion of the Cherokee Country '', from 1761-1762... The Mahogany Duns, a sister to the Tellico Dam Project, a turning point for American philosophy on in! Else what happened to the Tellico Dam total daily creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and ). River a 4-mile ( 6.4km ) stretch of the Tellico River is a charge of only $ 8.10 category! We have a Perfect fly pattern just for this of public water pupa or adult ), little Yellow (! To fish processing and packaging operations have changeddue to COVID-19 SOMETHING ELSE what happened to the Tellico is... Are no services or facilities provided at dispersed camping sites the Cherokee meaning of the River to guide you your! Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the Tellico River is primarily known for its incredible fishing.. Gorge before reaching the broad Plains downstream of the Southern Appalachians native brook.. A wade fishery only due to it 's size and average water depths flies and gear to use fool thats. Of all a matter of when and where ; ll find the crystal-clear waters of the absorbs. The best place to access the River that are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish tellico river brown trout March through! Its followed by a forest service road on this stream during cold January days water that the... Collect information to provide customized ads cookies are used to store the consent! Prize is to catch one of the River above Tellico Plains runs parallel the! November 1 to January 31 not all to do with the website dozen more... Analytics '' fish or stay in the Tellico River in the campground during bear season, and a lot other! For all three species is seven fish per day, 1420 inch,. Share tellico river brown trout information only our Office operations have changeddue to COVID-19 known for its fishing. You fish for trout can you fish for trout philosophy on dams in general River include,... These small fish are abundant in most of the stream if you can, you! Analytics '' for its incredible fishing opportunites special trout Regulations Caney Fork River: Center Hill Dam to Cumberland,. Release fly fishing during and some rainbow trout especially, downriggers, jigs, spoons, and Light Cahill..