Current streamflow- 126cfs
Water temps- mid 60s at midday at Green Cove, upper 60s to low 70s in lower elevations
Hatches:
Tan caddis
White mayflies
Yellow Sallies
Golden stones
Salmonflies
Ants, Beetles, etc.
Hot flies:
Blowtorch- 18-14
Hot bead PT- 18-14
Perdigons 18-16
Micro leeches- 14-10
Rainbow warrior- 20-16
Purple haze 18-12
Elk hair caddis 18-12
Stimulator 16-12
After an unusually dry June, we're now over half-way through an unusually wet July. Since we're fast approaching the hottest and driest time of year, we will gladly take all of the rain we can get. We've received some amount of rain nearly every afternoon as scattered showers move across the valley and bring rain to the mountains. With daytime air temps in the 80s and overnight in the 60s, these showers have offered much needed relief from the heat and the extra streamflows help prevent temps from getting into the danger zone for trout (68°+). Regardless, water temps in the lower sections of Tellico River are reaching the point where catching and releasing trout increases the risk of stress and mortality.
-Any section downstream of Bald River is a no-go as water temps here routinely reach the low 70s every year.
-North River confluence to Green Cove and up will have acceptable temps only in the morning hours, rising to risky levels by midday.
- Water temps remain in the safe zone from Green Cove to State Line, although we would still recommend limiting your fishing time to early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat and reduce any risk of stressing trout you choose to release.
We continue to find some decent stocked fish in the very upper section of river, though the focus will shift to wild trout as the stocking season comes to a close and stocked numbers dwindle. Reminder that the permit season runs until August 15th and the Tellico River from Turkey Creek to State Line is still closed to fishing Thursdays and Fridays during this time.
Tributaries of the Tellico and Citico are in great shape thanks to recent rains and dry fly action remains solid. Please keep an eye on temps in the lower sections of tribs and avoid if temps are higher than 68°