Current streamflow- 105cfs, 1.33ft
Water temps- mid to high 60s
Hatches:
Golden stoneflies
Yellow sallies
Salmonflies
Tan caddis
Hot flies:
Chubby chernobyl
Elk hair caddis
Neversink caddis
Rainbow warrior
Quill perdigon
Walt's worm
Jigged leeches
I had the good fortune of helping @connerz_517 land this absolute behemoth of a brown trout earlier this week! Conner presented the fly and fought this fish like a pro after we spotted it holding at the head of a fast run. Congrats Conner! The Tellico River continues to clear and drop this week after the past month of rain, presenting more opportunities to sight fish for trophies. As water temps warm and water levels drop, look for these fish in faster runs and pocket water, which provide oxygen and security for trout in warmer months. Trout will often sit in knee-deep water during the warmer months, so no spot is off the table.
Dry and dropper rigs work very well in pocket water, with a foam bodied dry fly such as a chubby chernobyl being a good choice to imitate both the golden stoneflies and salmonflies that are hatching now as well as provide a good 'float' to drop a heavy nymph behind and really scour deep into the pockets and runs. Nymphing is always a good choice, but you may want to drop the weight of your nymphs down a bit as water levels continue to drop.
Dry flies are still the way to go on the wild trout tributaries and brook trout streams. Yellow is the best color option throughout the summer as trout are seeing a variety of insect hatches with bright yellow adults, namely yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, and Cahill mayflies.
As water temps warm, be mindful of fishing when temps are at their highest, especially in lower elevations. It is best to spend your time fishing in the mornings and evenings and avoid midday when temps are highest to prevent stressing trout by catching them in warm temps if you plan to catch and release.
It's going to be a hot week, so keep an eye on those water temps. It looks like we've got a chance of some rain and slightly cooler temps next week.