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Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

http://www.tellicooutfitters.com/

Tellico Outfitters, 109 Scott Street, Tellico Plains, TN (2026)

10/07/2026

STREAM REPORT 10.7

Current streamflow- 53cfs
Water temps- uppers 50s-low 60s

Hatches:
Midges
Tan caddis
October caddis

Hot flies:
Parachute adams- 16-14
Griffith's gnat- 18-16
Elk hair caddis- 18-14
Chubby Chernobyl- 14-12

Tungsten eggs- 20-14
Rainbow warriors- 18-16
Walt's worm- 18-14
Quill perdigon- 18-16

Leeches- 12-10
Olive buggers- 8-6

We are one week into Delayed Harvest and off to a solid start. The Tellico River has been stocked with plenty of bows and browns in the 10-14" range with a good number of rainbows in the 18-20" range. With streamflows currently below normal, there are many trophy fish waiting to be stocked once flows increase. Expect to see more and more trophy browns and bows in the next few weeks as we get later into fall and conditions improve.

With current low flow, it's a good idea to downsize on flies and tippet. We recommend 6x tippet and most nymphs and dries in sizes 18-14. Water temps are excellent, allowing trout to utilize both fast and slow sections of river. You may see fish sitting in tail outs and edges of pools and runs, so keep your eyes open and fish all water types. Often times some of the largest fish will sit where you least expect them.

Wild trout are still taking dry flies, but with low flows and late season hatches usually being smaller in size (blue-winged olives and midges), it is a good idea to downsize your dry flies. Parachutes and Griffith's gnats size 18-16 will match the hatch.

Brook trout are a couple weeks out from spawning in most streams so you still have time to find some colored up brookies before spawn starts after which we recommend waiting until late winter or spring to target brook trout to avoid stepping on redds or fry.

Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.

09/29/2026

STREAM REPORT 9.29

Current Streamflow- 62cfs
Water Temps- upper 50s-low 60s

Hatches:
October caddis
Tan caddis
Blue winged olives
Midges

Hot Flies:
Leeches 12-8
Blowtorch 16-12
Walt's worm 16-12
Pat's rubber legs 14-10
Tungsten eggs 18-12

Chubby Chernobyl 14-10
Goddard caddis 16-12
Griffith's gnat 18-16

It is that time once again. After a hot summer, October brings the first signs of Fall and the long awaited Delayed Harvest season. Starting this Thursday, October 1st, the Tellico River will be catch and release only, artificial lures and flies only from North River to the TN/NC state line until the end of February. For the next 5 months, we get to enjoy cool weather, clear water, fall colors, and some of the biggest browns and rainbows that you will find on the river all year. Sight fishing a brown or rainbow over 20" is a real possibility during Delayed Harvest. Along with these stocked trophy fish, we often see some fantastic wild browns and bows being caught this time of year as well as beautiful colored up brookies in the tributaries. It's just all around a great time of year to be in the Tellico area.

We currently have normal streamflow for late-September and are expecting rain this weekend which will help fishing conditions tremendously. We'll be in find shape for water temp ans streamflow going into the Fall.

Here are some highlights from last year's Delayed Harvest and fall guiding season. Give us a call if you'd like to get out with us on the water. We are fully booked for October but still have availability for the second half of November and the rest of the winter. Let's get a trip in the books!

Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.

07/30/2026

STREAM REPORT 7.29
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 for the first time in what is 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.

Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.

07/22/2026

STREAM REPORT 7.22

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°

07/09/2026

STREAM REPORT 7.09

Current streamflow- 77cfs
Water temps- low to mid 60s at Green Cove

Hatches:
White mayflies
Tan caddis
Yellow Sallies
Golden Stones
Salmonflies

Hot flies:
Cdc caddis-16-12
Parachute mayflies- asstd colors 16-12
Chubby Chernobyl- 14-10
Yellow stimulator- 16-12
Asstd perdigons- 18-14
Walt's worms olive/natural- 18-12

We've had quite the heat wave in East Tennessee this past week. With water levels already below normal and air temps in Tellico Plains hitting mid-90s, the heat puts trout at a higher risk of mortality in lower elevation sections of the Tellico, specifically from Bald River Falls downstream. This is a normal seasonal occurrence, as much of the lower river does not naturally hold cool enough water to sustain trout year-round and relies solely on stocking to support a temporary trout fishery. As a rule of thumb, the Tellico River from North River confluence upstream to the state line will have cool enough temps to support trout through the summer. However, the lowest portion of this section, from North River confluence upstream to Green Cove can experience water temp spikes up to 68° on hot days, putting trout at risk if you plan to catch and release, if not handled properly.

Best practice guidelines put 68°F as the maximum temp where trout can safely be caught and returned without increasing the chance of mortality. When temps hit this upper limit, fight fish quickly, leave them in the water as much as possible, and handle them as little as possible. Better yet, keep moving upstream until you find colder water temps. 65° and cooler is preferable. A thermometer comes in handy.

Now is a great time to go to the highest elevation streams where temps remain cold all year. These would include upper North River, upper Bald River and Sycamore creek. Now is also one of the best times to fish low elevation streams and lakes in the mornings and evenings to catch that bass popper bite. There's nothing better than wading a river and watching bass blow up on poppers to beat the summer heat.

We've got a chance of rain over the next few days and slight drops in temps that will hopefully bring some relief.

06/18/2026

STREAM REPORT 6.18
Current streamflow- 80cfs
Water temps- low to mid 60s

Hatches:
Yellow Sallies
Golden Stoneflies
Salmonflies
Blue winged olives
Tan caddis

Hot flies:
Foam Stone yellow, olive- 14-12
Stimulator yellow, purple- 16-12
Purple Haze- 16-12
Klinhammer- 18-12
Chubby Chernoby tan, purple- 14-10
Blowtorch- 16-14
Walt's worm- 18-14
Perdigons- 18-16

From brookies to smallmouth, we've had some fantastic days on the water despite dry conditions, thanks to cooler than normal air temps. Water temps remain in the low to mid 60s on the tributaries and most of the main river upstream of Bald River Falls.

Dry fly action remains very consistent with some of the best hatches that we have seen in years. Match the hatch when targeting wild fish, with stoneflies and mayflies being the best choices as well as terrestrial patterns such as foam beetles and ants. To get a rise out of stocked fish on the Tellico or Citico, give big foam bugs like chubby chernobyls and hoppers a try. Drop a nymph off of your dry fly to pick up more fish.

Many people think of spring and fall as the best time to seek out native brook trout, but late spring and summer can bring some of the best brookie fishing all year. High elevation streams stay cool all summer despite warmer temps at lower elevations.

Smallmouth are hitting their prime on lower elevation creeks and rivers in the area as water temps warm. For smallmouth, the hotter the better, as hot days will entice smallmouth to feed early in the morning or late in the evening. We're entering peak topwater season.

The Tellico River and tribs are currently sitting at below normal streamflows. We have a decent chance of rain this evening with more on the way early next week. Hopefully we can get those streamflows up before the heat of summer begins.

Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.

06/09/2026

Here it is! The lineup for Tellico Troutfest 2026!

Friday- 5:30p Hidden Rivers, 7p Fly Fishing Film Tour
Saturday- 10a-5pm Music, Vendors, Presentations and Fly Casting Contest

We have a lot of great vendors this year both new and returning. Too many vendors to list here! Don't miss a free showing of Hidden Rivers at 5:30 at the Blue Opossum Friday the 12th, followed by the 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour! Admission for the film tour is $20, tickets are available at Tellico Outfitters or at the door Friday night. Food will be available during the show courtesy of Reliance Fly & Tackle.

Come early Saturday morning for a FREE Beginner's Fly Fishing class hosted by Hiwassee Trout Unlimited, 9am at the Celestite (next to Tellico Goods & Gear) followed by a casting clinic behind Trout Mountain Coffee House.

Listen to live music from a great line up of musicians as you browse vendors, artists, woodworkers and more. We'll have a variety of food vendors on Saturday as well as events for kids, including a new trout aquarium provided by TWRA!

Presenters will be in The Celestite this year, see slide 2 for details. You won't want to miss Walter Babb's flies and stories!

Come test your skills with our Fly Casting Contest and a chance to win some great prizes! Stop by Tellico Outfitters for more details.

This is shaping up to be our best Troutfest yet! Hope to see you there!

05/27/2026

STREAM REPORT 5.27

Current Streamflow- 245cfs
Water temps- mid 50s to low 60s

Hatches:
Sulphurs
Yellow Sallies
Salmonflies
Eastern green drakes
Tan caddis
Terrestrials (beetles, ants, etc.)

Hot Flies:
Parachute sulphur 16
Reversing caddis 16-14
Yellow stimulator 12-16
Klinkhammer 16-12

Pat's rubber legs 12-10
Blowtorches 16-12
Batman nymph 16-14
Walt's worms 18-12
Leeches & buggers 10-6

With local streams moving at a trickle and air temps creeping into the 90s, late Spring fishing conditions on the Tellico were looking bleak until last week's storms and showers brought the comeback story we'd been waiting for. The Tellico area, like much of the drought-stricken Southeast has received several inches of rain over the past week, saturating bone dry soil, recharging mountains springs and seeps, and bringing a brighter shade of green back to the mountainsides. After months of below average flows, the Tellico River is now back to normal streamflow. With the rain came cooler temps, with most days being in the mid 70s to low 80s and overnight temps in the 60s at low elevations, 50s in the mountains. Cool water temps and good streamflow now have trout feeding aggressively.

We are seeing some of the best sulphur hatches we have seen in years on the Tellico and tributaries leading to some fantastic dry fly fishing. You can find sulphurs hatching all day long with the peak hatch happening late in the evening. A variety of dry flies will produce all day long on tributaries and the sections of Tellico where wild trout are present. You may find a few stocked fish willing to take dries during the day on the Tellico, but nymphs and streamers will produce the best numbers until the evening sulphur hatch persuades stocked trout to look up.

Now is also a great time to target a variety of warmwater species from bass to panfish to gar in both rivers and streams.

Give us a call, send us a message or stop by the shop for the latest conditions.

05/14/2026

BIG NEWS for Troutfest! Tellico Outfitters is proud to partner with and to bring the 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour to Tellico Troutest 2026!

Come watch over 2 hours of some of the greatest new releases from fly fishing filmmakers from around the world. Incredible stories, incredible locations, incredible fish! Enter to win one of many epic prizes in our giveaway from Costa, Yeti, Scientific Anglers and many other top outdoor brands. We'll have the big screen set up on stage at Blue Opposum Antiques with BBQ plates available for purchase before the show.

Get your tickets online at the link in our bio or in person at Tellico Outfitters. See you there!

05/11/2026

Did anyone leave a fly rod on the Tellico River this weekend? Someone dropped one off at the shop this morning. Send us a message if it might be yours.

Tellico Outfitters

10/07/2026

09/29/2026

07/30/2026

07/22/2026

07/09/2026

06/18/2026

06/09/2026

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05/11/2026

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm