Winter Fishing Tips

Winter fishing can be some of the most productive fishing that you will do all year. It can be challenging though due to the low, clear water conditions that usually prevail during that time of year. The delayed harvest waters have really gotten more anglers interested in fishing during the colder months and we are often asked about the different tactics that we use while fishing in these often challenging conditions. Below are some tips that may help you become a better cold weather fly fisherman.

New Addition

Jeffery Sharpe is the newest addition to the Tellico Angler Guide Staff. Jeff grew up in Chattanooga spending most of his free time on the Hiwassee and Tellico Rivers. In 2005 Jeff moved to Knoxville and that is now where he calls home. Jeff is a gifted fly tyer and spends most of his time on the Holston and Clinch Rivers chasing Rainbows and Smallmouth Bass. 

Jeff is our Holston and Clinch River expert. He is also a commercial fly tyer and enjoys introducing his clients to his personal patterns that have been proven to produce on his favorite waters. You will enjoy your time on the water with Jeff and his laid back style of guiding.

Just Added: Holston and Clinch Rivers

We are pleased to add the Holston and Clinch Rivers to our list of offerings. Here is a brief history of these Knoxville area tailwaters:

Holston River

The Holston River is one of the larger watersheds in the Southeast. The section we focus on is below Cherokee Dam. Completed in 1941, this impoundment creates Cherokee Lake and the tailwater below the dam known as the Holston River. In the mid 1990's, TWRA began managing the upper nineteen mile stretch of this river as a "Put and Take" trout fishery. With TVA stepping in and adding ventilated turbines and a direct oxygen injection system to help improve dissolved oxygen levels in the water below the dam, this fishery has improved on a yearly basis and will hopefully only continue to provide us with healthier and larger fish. 

Clinch River

The construction of Norris Dam was completed in 1933. Three years later, TWRA began stocking the Clinch with trout. The Clinch is the oldest stocked tailwater in the state and boasts good numbers of rainbow and brown trout. This river is well known for its spring sulphur hatches and late fall brown trout spawns. TWRA manages the upper twelve miles of this river and annually stocks over 100,000 fingerlings. The Clinch is also home to the current state record brown weighing in at a respectable 28 lbs. and 12 ounces.