Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Bureau of Land Management / Forest Road Cut-Inson Tellico River

    Less-pressured upstream runs and pocket water accessible via forest roads—good for spinners and light flies.
    Tellico River reportDirections35.0950°N, 84.2760°W

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    68°F
    Partly Cloudy, wind 15 mph NW
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active

    1. 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active, especially on overcast days.
    2. 02Stoneflies and Caddis are important fall staples, providing consistent action.
    3. 03Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are actively emerging, offering dry fly opportunities.
    4. 04Midges remain a consistent year-round food source.
    5. 05Aggressive trout and smallmouth bass will respond well to streamer patterns.

    What to tie on at Bureau of Land Management / Forest Road Cut-Ins

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Tellico Nymph

    #14#16#18

    A regional favorite and effective nymph for trout during the spring in the Tellico River, mimicking common subsurface insects.

    dry80%

    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in early spring, especially on overcast days, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.

    nymph80%

    Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18#20

    A universal mayfly nymph imitation, particularly effective during spring BWO periods when nymphs are active subsurface.

    Buy at Amazon
    wet fly80%

    Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)

    #12#14#16

    Caddis hatches are expected in spring, and this classic wet fly effectively imitates pupa and emergers on the swing.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Caddis are active from spring through fall on the Tellico River, and this is a classic dry fly to imitate the adult.

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    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective year-round and particularly good for aggressive trout and smallmouth bass in spring flows.

    nymph80%

    San Juan Worm

    #10#12#14

    An excellent attractor, particularly effective after spring rains or runoff when aquatic worms might be washed into the Tellico River's system.

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    nymph80%

    March Brown Nymph

    #10#12#14

    March Browns begin to move in early spring, and this nymph is a seasonal standard for mimicking active mayfly nymphs.

    dry80%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Caddisflies are actively hatching from late spring through fall on the Tellico River. This dry fly is a reliable imitation for adult caddis, drawing aggressive strikes from trout and opportunistic smallmouth.

    Buy at Amazon

    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.

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