As the temperatures drop this fall; trout fishing is heating up, especially on the Tellico River, according to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Delayed harvest season began Oct. 1 and continues until March 14 on the Tellico River. The section of the river from Turkey Creek to North River is “catch and release” only for trout.
In addition, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited.
TWRA’s Tellico Hatchery has some special stockings planned to insure angler success. Tellico Hatchery will stock 2,000 12” rainbow trout, 2,000 10”-12” brown trout, and 500 “Tellico Trophies” during the delayed harvest season. Tellico Hatchery partnered with the USFWS Erwin National Fish Hatchery to create the “Tellico Trophy” stocking program. Rainbow trout that are no longer needed for egg production at Erwin are hauled to Tellico and are fattened up for stocking throughout the year. These big rainbows are 18”+ and average three-pounds each. Remember, rainbow trout over 24” qualify for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program or TARP. The TARP application form is on page 46 of the fishing guide.
All stockings are posted on the TWRA Region 3 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tennessee-Wildlife-Resources-Agency-Region-III/372827581826