Current streamflow- 102 cfs
Water Temps- low to mid 60s from North River upstream
Hatches:
Yellow sallies
Golden stoneflies
Salmonflies
Tan caddis
Flies:
Olive walt's worm 18-14
Frenchies- purple or orange 16-14
Rainbow warrior 20-16
Neversink caddis 16-12
Klinkhammer 16-12
Parachute Adams 16-12
It's been a warm and dry week in East Tennessee. Air temps in the mountains remain in the upper 70s despite the heat in the valley thanks to higher elevations.The Tellico river and tributaries are running fairly low and clear, although stream temps from North River upstream on the Tellico River and on the tributaries have all been in the range for safe catch and release with proper handling. If you plan on fishing lower elevations of Tellico River and Citico Creek or lower sections of Bald and North River, be sure to check stream temps if you plan to catch and release. If water temps are 68° or lower, you're fine to fish, just play fish quickly and leave them in the water as much as possible. Anything above 68° and we recommend moving to higher elevations to find cooler water.
Lower streamflows usually mean better dry fly fishing, and that has been our experience this past week. A dry and dropper rig will catch fish on both the stocked sections and wild trout streams. Focus on the pocket water and faster runs where current offers overhead cover for fish, providing security, and the turbulent water provides extra oxygen and prime feeding lanes.
The forecast for the week remains dry and sunny with highs in the low 90s at lower elevations, meaning temps in the 70s and low 80s at higher elevations. There is rain in the forecast for next week, so hopefully, that'll bring some extra flow to our streams.