Current streamflow- 212cfs
Water temps- mid 30s-low 40s
Hatches:
Midges
Blue winged olives
Winter black stoneflies
Hot flies:
Croston's FMJ, olive w/silver bead 16-14
Rosa's PT 16-14
Natural Walt's Worm w/silver bead 18-14
Zebra Midge olive or black 18
Jigged leeches olive or black 12-10
Griffith's gnat 18-16
While Snowpocalypse 2026 may not have met expectations, it still brought some much needed rain to the Tellico area and thankfully without the forecasted ice. There is a decent amount of snow along the Cherohala Skyway in higher elevations and a dusting along the river in shaded spots. Water temps yesterday were frigid, topping out at 35° mid-day. Expectations were low, but we caught a surprising number of fish, with a slight change in tactics to adjust to post front conditions and ice cold water temps. Trout were concentrated in deeper pools and slower runs, especially in tailouts with a little depth, where current was at a minimum.
Despite this, many fish we found were eagerly willing to feed. A double nymph rig with a midge or small perdigon on the tag and a larger nymph for weight produced the most fish. Takes were 50/50 on both nymphs. The key is to have plenty of weight to get your flies in front of the fish, since they usually won't move far when water temps are very cold and their metabolism is very slow. Jigged leeches or bugger patters would likely move a few fish if worked slowly since a big meal can entice fish to eat despite cold conditions. Don't be afraid to switch up flies often as winter trout aren't always in a feeding mood and will need the right fly and presentation to get results. We did see fish rising in sunny pools mid-day, so you may have some dry fly action if you are in the right place at the right time.
Extremely cold temps and a chance of up to 4" of snow is in the forecast this weekend, so keep an eye on conditions and keep in mind that River Road can quickly become iced over in areas, so use caution if you choose to venture out.