The Hiwassee River in Tennessee is a popular fishing destination for anglers looking to catch trout and smallmouth bass. The river is known for its clear water and scenic surroundings, making it a great place to spend a day on the water.

Trout fishing is particularly prevalent in the Hiwassee River, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout all present in the river. For smallmouth bass, the best fishing spots are typically found in the lower section of the river.

Aside from fishing, there are many other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, camping, and kayaking. The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and Cherokee National Forest are both nearby, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

When it comes to fishing tips, anglers should focus on using small, lightweight lures and flies. The river can be quite shallow in some areas, so it's important to pay attention to water depth and structure.

The best time of year to visit the Hiwassee River for fishing is during the fall and winter months, when water levels are typically lower and fish are more active. The average temperatures during this time of year range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s, making it a comfortable time to be out on the water.

Featured Fish - Apache Trout

iving in lakes and streams, this fish will eat insects, invertebrates and small minnows. They are typically targeted using very light spinning or fly tackle using nymphs, wet or dry flies, worms or salmon eggs. These fish may also strike small spinner baits or spoons but some areas where these fish can be found have enacted policies where anglers may only use artificial lures so check all regulations before targeting these fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: The body coloration is golden-yellow or olive yellow, with a golden belly, and Parr marks (vertical bars) can be seen on juveniles, but these marks typically disappear in larger individuals. Spots can be seen in an even distribution of pronounced, moderate-sized, rounded or oval black spots on the sides of the body and on top of the head. These spots may sometimes extend below the lateral line and onto the dorsal and caudal fins. The top of the Apache trout’s head and back is typically dark olive to brown and a black stripe appears to go through each eye because of the presence of two small black dots on either side of the pupil. Below the lower jaw, there is a dash of color that will range from yellow to darker gold. The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are tipped with a white to orange color and the adipose fin is usually bordered with a black margin.