Current streamflow (Tellico)- 70cfs
Water temps- mid to low 50s
Hatches:
Tan midges
Black midges
Tan caddis
October caddis
Hot flies:
Klinkhammer- 18-12
Orange stimulator- 16-12
Griffith's gnat- 18-14
Frenchie- 18-12
Walt's worm- 18-12
Perdigons- 20-16
Zebra midges- 20-16
The fall colors are absolutely stunning in the Tellico area this week and that's true whether we're talking leaves or brookies.
Brook trout are days away from spawning in higher elevations streams so if you observe fish paired up on redds, please let them do their thing to ensure that brook trout populations remain strong for years to come.
Tellico streams received a decent amount of rain earlier this week. While not enough to bring flows up substantially, it did bump flows up to just above normal levels for this time of year. Water is still low and clear, and small flies, light tippet, and a stealthy approach are all required to find success, but the trout are hungry.
We have seen great days of dry fly action thanks to the low flows. In our experience, fall midge hatches seem to be most prominent when water is low like our current conditions, and it's easier for trout to key in on them in low water as well. This means that small dry flies will often receive more attention than heavy nymphs dragging the bottom, at least while low water conditions exist.
The Tellico DH is continuing to produce some great browns and rainbows and sight fishing 18-20" trout is a real possibility right now.
Give us a call, stop by the shop or send us a message for the latest conditions.