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Tennessee Overhill Fishing Report July 4th, 2006 |
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Sunday, 16 July 2006 |
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Hiwassee River - TVA is currently starting generation with one turbine at
10:00 a.m. and then two turbines from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. This is a
typical schedule for summer during drier than normal conditions. The pulsing during the night conserves water, and the two turbine flow during the day allows us to drift the river.
We will probably see more generation towards the end of the month as TVA begins to draw the lake level down somewhat. Water temperatures are 58 degrees during the generation period. The water is exceptionally cool for this time of year. We are often in the mid 60's by now. The cool summer water is a function of TVA holding a lot of water back during early spring to fill the lake. This made spring fishing difficult, even into early June, but we can reap the benefits of it now and on into fall with cool water and adequate flows. We are currently fishing from the powerhouse to Reliance, through the quality section in the gorge. Fishing is best to the stairsteps and sometimes slightly beyond. Dry fly action is very good on most afternoons. Insect hatches are a little ahead of schedule and the Isonychias have begun. Terrestrials are beginning to become important. We hope to have some caddis by months end. It looks as though the summertime fishing will be very good for the next 90 days. It is Isonychia dry fly time on the big river.
Tellico watershed - Unlike the tailwaters, the natural streams depend on
rainfall to keep the banks full. We have been dry around here and the
streams are low and clear. Water temps are cool in the North and Bald
rivers, as well as the upper Tellico. The lower Tellico has started to warm up some. Fishing is good on the small streams, with stealth being the most important factor. Fishing is best early and then again in the afternoon, with overcast days being very good. There is a variety of insects present. Stoneflies and caddis are important as well as small terrestrial patterns. Dry flies strategically placed will take a lot of fish in the low, clear water. The Tellico area is a good place to beat the summer heat and do a little wet wading in the cover of the forest canopy.
Holston River - TVA flow schedules have remained good for float trips on the Holston. The water temperatures are still a little too cold for wet wading all the way to Nances Ferry, but we'll take it and the fish are loving it. here's still a lot of bugs coming off with midges being the most prominent, however a selection of sulphurs and cahills have been present and mayfly patterns have remained our most productive dries. Nymph and streamer fishing has been great in between hatches. The fish are generally pretty active all day long so the ability to move from style to style and presentation to presentation can be important. The heartiness and strength every fish in this river seems to posses always amazes me. It doesn't matter if it's 12" or 24", they all fight like tanks.
Southeastern Anglers 866-55trout (423-338-7368) |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 17 July 2006 )
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