The Tellico River in Tennessee is a fantastic fishing destination for anglers looking to catch trout and bass. The river is particularly well-known for its brown and rainbow trout, making it one of the most popular fly fishing spots in the state.

Other species of fish that can be found in the Tellico River include smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as bluegill and sunfish.

Aside from fishing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, camping, and exploring the nearby Cherokee National Forest.

When it comes to fishing tips, anglers should focus on using small, natural-looking flies and lures to catch trout. It's also important to be patient and stealthy when approaching potential fishing spots, as the Tellico River can be quite clear and the fish can be easily spooked.

The best time of year to visit Tellico River for fishing is in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild and the fish are most active. The average temperature in the spring (March to May) is around 60°F, while the fall (September to November) averages around 70°F. It's important to note that the Tellico River is closed to fishing during the winter months (December to February) to allow for trout spawning.

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.