Current streamflow- 513cfs
Water temps- mid 40s-low 50s
Hatches:
Quill gordons
Tan caddis
Black caddis
March browns
Blue winged olives
Hot flies:
Blowtorch 16-12
Walt's worm 16-12
Pat's rubber legs 12-8
Pink eggs 18-14
Leeches olive or black 12-10
Pale olive or gray mayfly dries- 16-14
Tan or black elk hair caddis 18-14
Purple haze 16-12
Spring brings one of the toughest decisions you'll face all year, 'Where do I fish?' Thankfully, this time of year, there are no wrong answers. The water and weather are rapidly warming, streamflows are fantastic, and insect hatches will soon be at their peak. This means that wherever you choose, from headwater brook trout streams to the lower 'big water' section of the main river and whatever you choose to throw, from dry flies to streamers, you stand a good chance at finding some fantastic fishing over the next few months.
Some of the biggest spring hatches are just starting to kick off, and we are seeing big numbers of Quill gordons and tan caddis on wild trout streams such as North and Bald River. A handful of mayfly and caddis dry flies and a small beadhead dropper will keep you on fish all day long.
The Tellico River and Citico Creek are both back to their weekly stocking schedule, and flows are great thanks to recent rains, so both streams are primed to fish very well with a variety of nymphs and streamers from now until the remainder of spring and early summer.
Things are just heating up, but now is a great time to fish your favorite stream or explore some new water and shake off that cabin fever.