Current Streamflow- 144cfs
Water Temps- upper 50s to low 60s
Hatches:
Yellow sallies
Cahill mayflies
Golden stoneflies
Salmonflies
Tan caddis
Mahogany mayflies
Bwos
Midges
We are fully in the midst of that sweet spot between spring hatches and summer heat. As such, the hatches are great, air temps aren't too hot, and water temps are ideal for wet wading and happy trout.
Water levels are on the low-side but remain cool and well within the safe temperature range for catching and releasing trout. Temps were measured at 60F in the late afternoon below Turkey Creek, so expect good water temps all through the Tellico River system and its tributaries.
We have seen phenomenal hatches this year. All of the big players are out: yellow sallies and cahill mayflies dominate the scene with frequent glimpses of golden stones and salmonflies and sporadic occurrences of a variety of other mayflies, stoneflies and caddis. Terrestrials are also out in big numbers and you will find action on foam beetles, ants, and small crickets/hoppers. There really is not a wrong choice for dry flies right now.
As for nymphs, both for the Tellico and tributaries, smaller, more natural nymphs seem to be the preference while streamflows are low. Tried and true patterns like pheasant tails, hare's ears and prince nymphs will all produce fish. Try tungsten headed nymphs such as thread frenchies, walt's worms and small Pat's rubber legs in the deeper pocket water on the main river to drum up the stocked fish.
The weather forecast for the weekend looks great. Not much forecast of rain this weekend or in the coming week but pop-up showers are common in the mountains, especially in the afternoons, so be prepared.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.