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Tellico River

Nationally recognized as a premier trout stream, the Tellico River in Monroe County, Tennessee, is a freestone stream located within the heart of The Cherokee National Forest. Its headwaters begin in North Carolina and flow for almost twenty miles to Tellico Plains.

The main stream of Tellico River is heavily stocked by the state and requires a special permit to fish. It's a very large freestone mountain stream with a network of fine native trout laden tributaries. The Tellico River is spotted with a few wild trout mixed in its waters, with the heaviest concentration of natives in its upper section. For the fly fisherman the rivers best assets are its smaller, wild trout streams that contain native brook, rainbow and brown trout.

Stocked Areas:

Tellico River-from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.

Citico Creek- from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the confluence of North and South Forks of Citico Creek.

Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. to fish in stocked areas.

Closed on Thursday and Friday during the period March 1 through Aug. 15 (except when national or state holidays fall on Thursday and Friday). From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and the Tellico Citico Permit is not required.

Fishing permitted 1/2 hour before official sunrise to 1/2 hour after official sunset. The possession of fishing equipment and/or tackle is prohibited on stream banks except during legal fishing hours.

Each angler is permitted only one rod or pole.

Free Fishing Day 

Tellico River from Sourwood Campground upstream to the dam on Tellico River from 1/2 hour before official sunrise to 12pm closed to fishing for individuals 17 and older on Free Fishing Day.

Delayed Harvest Regulations (Tellico River):

From the Mouth of North River upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.

Catch-and-release season begins Oct. 1 through last day of Feb.

The harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited.

North River

The North River, tributary to the Tellico River, is an excellent brown trout stream. Do not be fooled by the size of the North River it is small but contains very large brownies. The upper section is a source of wild rainbows as well as native brook trout. The headwaters for the North River are located to the south side of The Cherohala and you can access the upper sections of the North river from the trails off this wonderful scenic byway.

Bald Creek

Another significant tributary to the Tellico River is Bald Creek may be one of the best wild brown trout streams in Southern Tennessee. Its beautiful falls, which are located at the mouth of the creek, flows into the Tellico River in full view from the road. Above the falls, the river flows through a gorge located in the Bald River Gorge Wilderness. There's a trail that follows the stream through the gorge. Steep at the outset, the trail is very well maintained with overlook bridges to view spectacular falls. The trail becomes more accommodating as you head up the river to its many small falls and abundant pools.

Sycamore Creek

Sycamore Creek is a tributary stream to the Tellico River in the Cherokee National Forest. It is easy to access from Forest Service trail 163; southern strain brook trout become abundant about 2 miles upstream of the confluence. There are no significant waterfalls until you get to the very upper end of the stream where the brook trout are. Even these falls are only about 10 to 15 feet high. There are about 4 miles of fishable water in Sycamore Creek; it has a trail with and an easy grade to access the stream for most of its length.

BEST ACCESS AND PARKING AREAS

If you want to fish either stocked or native (wild) trout in the east’s most scenic and inviting fishing gorge please go to the town of Tellico Plains, Tn. Once there, head eastward on the Cherohala Skyway which follows the river for several miles. Pick your spot here for stocked trout. Otherwise, follow the Skyway to River Road and turn right there. River Road will take you past each confluence of the tributaries mentioned above and much much more including great trails that access this wonderful system of native trout streams.

HINTS AND TIPS FOR FISHING THIS AREA

The Tellico River provides year round fishing with a Delayed Harvest Season in the fall.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FISHING AREA

There's a daily Tellico/Citico permit required to fish the Tellico River. It's required in addition to your Tennessee fishing license.