Apalachia Dam Tailrace / Lower Hiwasseeon Hiwassee River
What's working on Hiwassee River
- 01Trout are becoming more active as water temperatures continue to drop.
- 02Nymphing with small mayfly and midge patterns is expected to be consistently productive.
- 03Look for Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, especially on overcast afternoons, for dry fly action.
- 04Larger October Caddis hatches may provide additional dry fly opportunities in the coming weeks.
- 05Streamers imitating baitfish and leeches can entice aggressive strikes from larger trout.
What to tie on at Apalachia Dam Tailrace / Lower Hiwassee
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are active year-round and are a primary food source in many rivers during spring. This small nymph is highly effective for enticing finicky trout.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Flashback Hare's Ear
A versatile mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round and particularly good in spring as a general searching pattern or to imitate active subsurface mayflies.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Caddisflies are becoming increasingly active in late spring. This dry fly is a classic imitation for adult caddis, drawing strikes from trout feeding on the surface.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this a perfect dry fly imitation for adult caddis and triggering aggressive surface strikes.
Prince Nymph
A versatile attractor nymph that imitates a variety of aquatic insects, effective year-round in different water conditions during spring.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
Mimics various small mayfly nymphs (including BWOs) that are active in the gravel beds during spring. An essential nymph for year-round success.
Buy at AmazonTellico Nymph
A regionally popular nymph pattern, effective during spring for targeting trout feeding on subsurface insects.
Woolly Bugger (Black)
A highly versatile streamer, imitating leeches and baitfish, which are active in the river year-round. Effective for enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout.
Tennessee season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.