Current Streamflow- 462cfs
Water temps- low to mid 60s at Green Cove
PROLOGUE:
With nearly every stream in the Tellico area above fishable levels on Monday due to recent rains and with a rare full day off to fish, I found myself headed north to the Smokies to fish the park for the first time in what was likely 6-7 years. According to the gauge, flows looked to be far more fishable in the park than they were in Tellico. I was on a mission to catch a good brown trout, and the day resulted in one of the prettiest wild browns that I've caught in Tennessee in quite some time. With a couple of browns and a handful of bows secured, I thought this would be the perfect chance to complete the Smoky Mountain Grand Slam and found a high elevation creek and some beautiful and eager brookies to complete not one, but two slams that day. Thanks to Little River Outfitters for creating a fun challenge that gives good incentive to explore the park's diverse streams and landscapes. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend taking on the challenge of the Great Smoky Mountain Grand Slam. Be sure to stop by and see our friends at Little River Outfitters to submit your catches and receive a very cool sticker for bragging rights.
REPORT:
As for Tellico, the entire watershed is either fishing great, or really tough depending on how you look at it. Stocking has ended for the put and take season. If you are after stockers, there are still a few holding over, but you won't find the numbers you're used to during weekly stockings. If wild trout are more your jam, this is a great time to fish Tellico and tributaries. We are enjoying 'spring-time' conditions with flows well above normal for mid summer, and water temps still comfortably cool around 1,800' and higher in elevation. With high streamflows, nymphing will be most productive but the dry fly bite will improve as water clears.
Brook trout streams will be in excellent shape this coming week so now is a great time to hike up some blue lines in pursuit of native trout.