Tennessee
Tellico River at Tellico Plains
Location Snapshot
Tellico River at Tellico Plains is a southeastern Tennessee mountain river descending from the Cherokee National Forest through a steep, wooded valley. Rainbow and brown trout are central targets, with rocky runs, pools, and pocket water creating a classic southern Appalachian trout fishery.
Current River Rating
Fair · 52
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dusk low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 60 CFS
- Gage Height
- 0.69 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 12:00 PM
Updated recently · USGS station 03518500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
44°F
Feels like
41°F
Wind
1 mph SE
Wind gust
0 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 10 AM
Overcast
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 2 PM
Overcast
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 6 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 72°F / Low 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 73°F / Low 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 76°F / Low 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 7 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Tellico at Tellico Plains is the trout water from Turkey Creek upstream to the North Carolina line.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Tellico River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Monroe, Tennessee
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Monroe
Management Category
Inland fly-fishing trout river
Regulation Scope
Tellico River at Tellico Plains.
Regulation Summary
Tellico River at Tellico Plains: TWRA inland trout-stream rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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