Current streamflow- 80cfs
Water temp- mid 50s
That much needed rain has finally arrived! We've received 1.5" of rain in town and most likely more in the mountains. The stream gauge is currently reading 80cfs, up from 50cfs and is still rising. My guess is that the streamflows will tap out between 100-200cfs and drop out overnight, settling somewhere back around 80-100cfs tomorrow morning. These are prime streamflows so it should be a great weekend.
Our guide Pearson King and client who toughed out the rain today reported fantastic numbers and fish that were in a feeding frenzy with the higher flows. Trout were taking larger, bright colored nymphs and eggs which is a much appreciated break from the size 18-20s they were preferring during low water.
The river should be clear tomorrow morning and Sunday with better flows so if you've been waiting for higher water to fish the Tellico, take advantage of this weekend. It is hard to say how long a return to normal flows will last. There is a slight chance of rain Saturday morning and then a drop in temps and chances of rain next week, so hopefully the accumulative affect of this coming week will keep us at decent levels.
Stream Report 11.02.22
Current streamflow- 54cfs
Water temps- mid 50s
Hatches:
Tan caddis
Cream midges
Black midges
Small black stoneflies
October caddis
Hot Flies:
Griffith's gnat 16-18
Elk hair caddis 16-14
Yellow stimulator 16-12
Rainbow warrior 18-14
Pheasant tail 18-14
Perdigons 18-16
Zebra midge 18-16
Pink eggs 14-12
Pat's rubber legs 14-12
The series of fronts that moved through earlier this week brought a little rain to the area. We watched streamflows peak at around 100cfs and they've slowly dropped down to their current level of 54cfs. This gives us a little bit of relief from the low water but is still below the median for this time of year.
That's not to say that the fishing hasn't been excellent though. We've had a lot of success on guide trips with high number of good quality bows and browns. We have had a blast these last few weeks nymphing the pocket water with slightly smaller nymphs than usual, and then switching to small dries and small nymphs to target rising fish in the slower pools and runs. Whichever style you prefer, the fishing has been excellent on both dry fly and nymph tactics.
The tributaries are still fishing well. The biggest challenge in the tributaries right now is the amount of leaf litter that has accumulated in the slower stretches. We need a good rain to flush these out, but at most right now they're a minor inconvenience and fishing should still be excellent with a dry fly and short dropper.
Stream Report 10.26.22
Current streamflow- 70cfs (.7ft)
Water temps- low 50s
Hatches:
Tan midges
Tan caddis
October caddis
Small black stoneflies
Hot Flies:
Griffith's Gnats-14-16
Orange Stimulators-14-16
Chubby Chernobyls-10-14
Tag Nymphs-12-16
Perdigons-16-18
Frenchies-12-18
Rainbow Warriors-16-18
Soft Hackles- 12-18
Walt's Worms- 12-18
The Tellico area got a dose of much needed rain last night. Around 1/2" or more in some areas. The river is currently at 70 cfs. The mean for this date is 118cfs. The current streamflow is not high by any means but is an improvement over the 38cfs we've grown accustomed to over the past few weeks.
The trout have apparently not suffered from the low water and in fact it seems that they have taken advantage of the low flows to more easily target hatching midges and small tan caddis which have been hatching in high numbers on sunny afternoons. We as well as our clients and customers have had a lot of success sight fishing both stocked and wild trout with small dries and nymphs fished on short droppers.
There is just something thrilling about selecting the right dry, making the right cast, watching a trout rise to the surface and being rewarded with a spirited fight and fish to the net. Expect more of this style of fishing this weekend with additional nymphing opportunities with the added flows.
More rain is expected Saturday night and Sunday which may be the shot that we need to put us back at normal flows.
Give us a call, shoot us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions. Tight lines.
Stream Report 10.14.22
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.