Current Streamflow- 41.9 cfs
Water Temps- mid 50s
Hatches:
October Caddis
Bwo
Tan midges
Black midges
Hot Flies:
Chubby chernobyls
Stimulators
Foam ants & beetles
Griffiths gnats
Frenchies
Rainbow warriors
Walt's worms
Flashback pheasant tails
Zebra midges
Streamflows on the Tellico and tribs are at bare bones levels right now. The last time we saw streamflows this low was in October of 2019 when the river hit a miniscule 39cfs. Thankfully now, unlike then, air and water temps are phenomenal. Water temps are currently in the 50s and overnight lows are reaching down into the 40s and lower still in the higher elevations. This has spared us from potentially lethal water temps or at the least stressed out fish. The trout are spooky and pickier than they are at higher flows, but are more than willing to eat and give a good fight if you play your cards right.
Now more than ever, stealth and a no nonsense presentation is key. You may find pockets of fish that have seen less pressure than others and will happily eat an egg or squirmy or other junk fly, but many fish, especially in the more pressured sections of river have quickly learned to scrutinize every aspect of your fly and presentation and turn you down at the slightest discrepancy. For these fish, have a good selection of smaller dries and nymphs and light tippet. Keep a low profile and keep your false casts to minimum. Make every drift count.
The wild trout of the Tellico and tributaries are still taking dry flies with gusto. Fishing pocket water and fast runs with a small dry and dropper will produce plenty of fish.
There's a little rain forecasted for early next week. Hopefully there's more in the forecast soon to bring that water up and keep DH going strong. Until then, enjoy the cool temps and fall colors and hone your skinny water skills.
Stream Report 9.27.22
Current streamflow- 54cfs
Water Temps- 57-62° depending on location and elevation.
The first signs of Fall colors are making their appearance. This goes for the foliage as well as our southern natives. We are still at least a couple weeks away from the first brook trout spawn so it's still a great time to hit some small streams and admire some colored up brookies. We'll keep you posted when spawn begins and it's time to give them some space.
In other news, we are just days away from the start of Delayed Harvest, the best time of year to try your hand at a trophy sized brown or rainbow trout. As a reminder to anyone who isn't already familiar with the regulations this time of year:
-Catch and release only from Oct 1st thru Feb 28th, from North River confluence upstream to the North Carolina state line.
-Artificial only in this section. Scented plastic baits are also prohibited.
-There are no single hook restrictions contrary to popular belief.
- The Tellico/Citico Daily Permit is not required during DH
Streamflows on the Tellico are still low and clear. With air temp lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s, water temps are great and won't be an issue going into DH season. A good amount of rain is in the forecast Fri-Sun so expect rising water levels as the weekend progresses. This will most likely help the fishing unless the stream blows out, which with the current forecast doesn't look like that will be the case.
Once that water comes up, fish the usual DH season favorites that we all know and love. Squirmies, eggs, mops and Pat's. Frenchies, Walt's worms, soft hackle hare's ears and perdigons are also great options for those of us who don't like riding dirty.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditons. Tight lines.
Stream Report 9.16.22
Current streamflow- 77cfs
Water Temps- 60-68° depending on location
Hatches:
Small brown stoneflies
Tan caddis
Tan midges
Hot Flies:
Neversink Caddis
Yellow Stimulator
Foam Beetles
Griffith's Gnat
Thread Frenchies
Hot Bead Pheasant Tail
Rainbow Warrior
The Tellico and tributaries are running at normal late summer flows; lows and clear. The dry fly bite is still going strong even with summer hatches winding down. There is still a surprising number of stocked fish holding over from the last hatchery stocking at the end of July. During a quick evening trip up river yesterday evening, of the 20-30 trout caught, 6 were holdover stocked fish including a pretty nice brown. These late season holdover trout will act very much like their wild, stream born cousins now thay they've spent over a month living and feeding in the river.
All trout were caught in knee to thigh deep pocket water on small nymphs and dries.
This weekend and the following week are forecasted to be dry with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s so expect low water conditions as we round out the week.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 9.09.22
Current streamflow- 93cfs.
Water temps- 63-68° Depending on location.
Hatches:
Tan Caddis
Yellow Sulphurs
Golden Stoneflies
Small Brown Stoneflies
Hot Flies:
Yellow Stimulator #16-12
Neversink Caddis #16-12
CDC Elk Hair Caddis #16-14
Griffith's Gnat #18-16
Pat's Rubber Legs- #12-10
Rainbow Warrior- #18-16
Hot Bead PT- #16
Prince Nymph- #16-14
Air temps were a little warmer this week but periodic rain showers have kept the water levels at normal and the water temps cool at the higher elevations. While you won't find many stocked fish left on the Tellico, the dry fly action has been phenomenal for our wild bows as well as for the brookies in our higher tribs. A yellow stimulator or neversink caddis with a prince nymph or hot bead PT on a 1' to 1.5' dropper is really hard to beat and will provide action all day long.
We've said it before, but this is one our favorite times of year to fish, while the river is uncrowded and the wild trout are getting their last easy meals in for the summer. Come up and have most of the river to yourself while we wait for Delayed Harvest.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 9.02.22
Current streamflow- 75cfs.
Water temp- 63-74° depending on location and elevation.
Hatches:
Golden stoneflies
Small brown stoneflies
Sulphur mayflies
Tan caddis
Yellow sallies
Hot Flies:
Yellow stimulator
Neversink caddis
Rainbow warrior
Thread frenchies
Jigged Bugger
Streams are running low and clear in the Tellico area. This week's hotter air temps have put water temps on the rise again. Monitor water temps with a thermometer if you plan to catch and release. If water temps are higher than 68°, seek higher elevations and cooler water.
Later summer fishing and low streamflows require stealth to fish successfully. Here are some tips to increase your odds when fishing in skinny water.
1. Fish early or late when temps are cooler and the sun isn't directly overhead. Trout will feel more comfortable at these times. Also, aquatic insects are more likely to hatch in the mornings and evenings, giving trout a reason to feed.
2. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing (UT fans, I'm looking at you 👀). Olive, tan and other earth tones are best to help you blend in with your surroundings and not spook already jittery fish.
3. Use your surroundings to your advantage and keep a low profile. Keep obstructions between you and the fish as much as possible to help break up your outline, including large rocks, tree limbs, shadows, etc.
4. Make your casts count. Keep false casts to a minimum. Avoid 'lining' the fish, which means don't cast your line or leader directly over their heads. Cast to the side of the fish, doing your best to put your fly in their feeding lane.
5. Lighten up. Put away your heavy nymph rigs until higher water this fall. A dry with a small nymphs dropper or even just a dry fly will work just as well in skinny water and is less likely to spook fish when it hits the surface.
Fishing tricky conditions is how you hone your fishing skills. With the right approach, you can still have a successful day, even during low summer flows.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 8.25.22
Current streamflow- 88cfs
Water temps- 60-67°
Hatches:
Yellow Sallies
Golden stoneflies
Blue-winged olives
The hunt for brookies in high places continues as the end of summer burns on and we patiently wait for Fall weather and Delayed Harvest.
Now is a great time to fish the upper Tellico, the more well-known tributaries, or strike out onto that blue line on the map that you've always wondered about. Whatever you choose, you'll largely have it to yourself this time of year.
There are a few hatches still going on, but our major hatches are winding down for the summer season. But that doesn't mean that the trout aren't hungry or aren't still looking up for an easy meal. Bushy dry flies that imitate terrestrials or stoneflies have been the best patterns to use lately. Also try an ant or beetle pattern. Small nymphs such as thread frenchies and rainbow warriors are great options in the low, late summer streamflows.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 8.11.22
Current streamflow- 159cfs
Water temps- 60-70°+ depending on location
Hatches:
Yellow sallies
Golden stoneflies
Salmonflies
Tan caddis
We're starting the day off with scattered showers up in the mountains. More rain is expected this afternoon and evening, potentially exceeding 1/4" of rainfall. Air temps for the rest of the week and weekend are predicted to be highs in the 80s and lows in the mid 60s. This is great news as we are finally getting a break from the mid 90s that have persisted since June.
Water temps have been dropping with the cooler air temps but lower elevations are likely still in the potentially lethal zone above 68°F. Continue to focus on fishing the water from Green Cove upstream to the state line or the higher elevations of the tributaries (generally 2,000'+) to find safe water temps if you plan to catch and release. Play, land and release trout as quickly as possible.
Since stocking has ceased on the Tellico and Citico until Delayed Harvest this fall, you will mostly find wild trout in both of these streams with the occasional holdover trout as a bonus.
Give us a call, shoot us a message, or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 8.03.22
Current Streamflow- 276cfs
Water Temp- 63-70F depending on location
Hatches: Yellow Sallies, Tan Caddis, Golden Stoneflies
Hot Flies: Neversink Caddis, Purple Haze, Griffith’s Gnat, Rainbow Warrior, Copper John, Jigged Bugger
Streams in the Tellico area are currently running above the median flow this week thanks to frequent showers over the past several days. This late in the summer, we’re happy to get whatever rain we can get. Water temps are still pretty good for this time of year as well. You’ll find temps in the low 60s from Green Cove upstream to the NC state line and in the tributaries. Hatches of yellow sallies and golden stoneflies are still consistent enough to entice a trout to rise.
Weekly trout stocking has ended on the Tellico River and Citico Creek for the season. You’ll still need the Tellico/Citico Daily Permit and the river will continue to be closed Thursdays and Fridays in the permit area until August 15th per TWRA regulations.
Take advantage of the higher water this weekend. The trout will be less spooky and feeding comfortably in the increased flows.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.