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Etoway, TN -
While the Ocoee River is known for its world class whitewater
rafting, the Ocoee is just one of four rivers that cross through the
region in southeast Tennessee known as the Tennessee Overhill. One of
the Overhill’s best kept secrets is that it is also a fly fisherman’s
paradise with three other rivers to choose from, each with their own
personality.
The Hiwassee River, with its pristine waters, is home to some of
Tennessee’s finest rainbow and brown trout, making it one of the best
trout fishing rivers in the eastern United States. An added bonus is
the Trophy Trout section on the river north and east of the Historic
District of Reliance. This section enables anglers to fish for trophy
trout, with the largest brook trout taken from the Hiwassee weighing
over 30 pounds. Fly fishing guide services are available for this
designated Tennessee State Scenic River.
One of the largest natural trout streams in the Southeast and
birthplace of the famous Tellico Nymph, the Tellico River Basin is
big water by most standards and offers year round back country fly
fishing for wild and stocked trout in secluded mountain streams. The
Basin, which includes the Cherokee National Forest and the Citico
Creek Wilderness Area, has 138 miles of trout streams, including 19
miles of brooktrout streams and is considered one of the largest
natural trout streams in the southeast. Although the river is stocked
weekly during spring and summer and has a liberal creel limit, large
trout are occasionally taken. Brown trout of more than 20 pounds have
been caught there, and each year anglers catch trophies of ten pounds
or more.
The Conasauga River is the most pristine major trout stream located
in the Overhill and fishing this river effectively requires a great
deal of stealth and stalking. This is the domain of the angler who
doesn't mind walking a few miles to the two stretches of water
downstream of the wilderness area that are on Forest Service land
and, thus, open to public fishing. Rainbows up to 20 inches turn up
occasionally, and browns up to 9 pounds have been recorded over the
years. The fact that much of the water is difficult to reach means
the creeks get only light fishing pressure and the water quality is
excellent. Especially during low-water periods in the summer and fall
the flow appears transparent. It is possible to walk up on pools and
find as many as a dozen fish visible, but one unguarded step along
the creek bank will send them scurrying for cover.
Fishing licenses go on sale March 1 each year, the beginning of prime
fishing, and are valid through the last day of February. You can
purchase most licenses, except the Lifetime Sportsman License, from
county court clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, boat
docks, all Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regional offices, by
calling 1-888-814-8972 to get your Tennessee fishing and hunting
licenses instantly, and online at
www.wildlifelicense.com/tn/. Remember: you must have a valid
Tennessee license and appropriate permits to fish in the Cherokee
National Forest, and you are responsible for knowing the fishing
regulations and seasons.
For more information, contact the Tennessee Overhill Heritage
Association at (423) 263-7232 or online at
www.tennesseeoverhill.com
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