Tellico River
river in Tennessee
Tellico’s varied flows, backcountry feel and productive hatches make it a favorite for anglers pursuing wild Rainbows and Browns in a scenic setting.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active, especially on overcast days.
- 02Stoneflies and Caddis are important fall staples, providing consistent action.
- 03Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are actively emerging, offering dry fly opportunities.
- 04Midges remain a consistent year-round food source.
- 05Aggressive trout and smallmouth bass will respond well to streamer patterns.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are a classic fall hatch, especially on overcast days, bringing selective trout to the surface on the Tellico River.
Buy at AmazonBaby Brown Trout (Streamer)
Larger brown trout on the Tellico River become aggressive in the fall, actively preying on smaller baitfish and trout fry, making this streamer highly effective.
October Caddis (Dry)
Fall is prime for October Caddis hatches on freestone rivers like the Tellico, providing a substantial meal for rising trout.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Caddis hatches are always important on the Tellico River, and this classic dry fly is an excellent general attractor for actively feeding trout in the fall.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae and small mayfly emergers are active subsurface as fall progresses on the Tellico River, making this a versatile and effective pattern when swung through the current.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Stonefly nymphs are a consistent food source year-round on the Tellico River, and this heavy, weighted pattern is excellent for getting deep into runs where larger trout are holding in the cooler fall water.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round on the Tellico River, and this nymph is highly effective for enticing finicky trout, especially in the cooler fall water.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
This versatile streamer pattern effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for aggressive trout and smallmouth bass in the colder fall waters of the Tellico River.
Where to fish and who to ask
Bureau of Land Management / Forest Road Cut-Ins
Less-pressured upstream runs and pocket water accessible via forest roads—good for spinners and light flies.
Tellico Plains Access / Cherohala Skyway Intersection
Primary public access near Tellico Plains with roadside pullouts into classic freestone runs.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Toccoa River Outfitters (Copperhill location)
Reliance Fly & Tackle
On The Fly Excursions
Cohutta Fishing Co
Get Tellico River reports by email
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Tennessee season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Tellico River.
What flies work best on Tellico River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Tellico River right now are Tellico Nymph (80% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence), Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Tellico River?
Tellico River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Tellico River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Tellico River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.