Current streamflow- 231cfs
Water temp- low to mid 40s
Hatches:
March Browns!!!!
Black Caddis
Blue winged olives
Hot flies:
Parachute Adams 16-12
Grey or black Elk hair caddis 16-14
Griffith's gnat 18-16
Blowtorch 16-12
Perdigons 18-14
Walt's worms 16-12
Jigged buggers 12-10
We are excited to report that some of the most anticipated hatches of the year are starting to make an appearance! Earlier this week, we witnessed good numbers of black caddis, March browns, and bwos on the water, and trout were keying in on the hatching insects. While still sporadic, these hatches should increase in consistency on warmer days as we approach early spring. Quill Gordons should be right around the corner. Nymphs and other subsurface patterns should still be the main focus, but have some of the above-mentioned dry flies on hand in case you see a hatch going on and trout sipping on the surface.
The Tellico is still fishing decently well, although fish are largely spread out and not as concentrated in pools as they once were since it's been a month or so since the last stocking. There are still some great fish to be found if you take the time to cover water until you find them.
Wild rainbows are feeding aggressively on warmer days, putting on their spring colors and gearing up for spawn, which should happen sometime in mid-March to early April. You should be able to find decent action on the tributary streams for wild fish on warmer days.
Catch and keep season begins March 1st on the Tellico River. From that day forward until August 15th you will need to purchase the Tellico/Citico Daily Permit in addition to your fishing license and trout stamp if you wish to fish within the designated stocking areas. During this time, the stocked sections of both rivers will be closed to fishing on Thursday and Friday. Tellico will be stocked every week from the North River confluence up to the NC state line. Citico Creek will be stocked every other week, starting in April. More information on stocking and regulations can be found in the TWRA Tennessee fishing regulations handbook.