Current streamflow- 386cfs
Water temps- low to mid 50s
Hatches:
March Brown
Quill Gordon
Black Caddis
Hot flies:
Purple haze (purple parachute)- 16-12
Parachute Adams- 16-12
Elk hair caddis- black- 16-14
Frenchies- 16-12
Perdigons- 18-12
Walt's worms- 16-12
Egg patterns- 18-14
Prince nymph- 16-14
They say variety is the spice of life, and the variety of places to go and fish species to catch doesn't get much better than in the springtime in East Tennessee. With warming temps on both the streams and lakes, the opportunities are increasing by the day. The big spring insect hatches are ramping up on trout streams in the area. Brook trout are waking up from their winter slumber and eagerly taking dry flies on sunny days. Wild rainbow trout are beginning their spring spawn, but until they are on the redds, they'll eat nearly any well presented nymph or dry with a passion. The Tellico River is being stocked weekly now for anyone looking for larger-than-wild rainbows and occasional brown trout.
Alternatively, the area lakes are coming alive as temps warm. Largemouth, crappie, white bass, carp, and others are making their way towards spawning grounds in warmer coves and creek mouths.
As for the Tellico and its tributaries, we have some rain coming in on Friday, which may bring streamflows up a bit on Saturday, but streams should remain clear and fish well through the weekend and into next week.
Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.