New trout regulations take effect on March 1. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted in September of 2018 to change regulations after hearing scientific data presented by TWRA biologists. Regulations will allow TWRA staff to better manage hatchery raised trout in the Tellico River and surrounding areas.
TWRA biologists will be on hand at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor’s Center in Tellico Plains on Saturday, Feb.
23, from 12-2 p.m. to answer questions regarding the new trout fishing regulations.
Trout regulations in the Tellico River area are as follows:
Tellico River from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line.
Citico Creek from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the confluence of North and South Forks of Citico Creek.
Regulations
· Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15.
· Closed on Thursday and Friday during the period March 1 through Aug. 15 (except when national or state holidays fall on Thursday and Friday).
· From Aug. 16 through end of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required.
· Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit.
· Fishing permitted from ½ hour before official sunrise to ½ hour after official sunset.
· The possession of fishing equipment and/or tackle is prohibited on stream banks except during legal fishing hours.
· Each angler permitted only one rod or pole.
Delayed Harvest Area
Tellico River: Mouth of North River upstream to the Tennessee/North Carolina state line.
· Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 - End of February.
· The harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season.
· During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited.
Green Cove Pond Regulations
Fishing limited to handicapped* individuals, children under age 13 and adults 65 years of age and older, and those using the following license types: (Type 197) Sport Fishing for the Blind, (Type 189) Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing, (Type 198) DAV Hunting and Fishing, (Type 199) Mentally Challenged, and (Type 169) Intellectual Disability Hunting and Fishing.
From Oct. 1 - Aug. 15
· Tellico-Citico Daily Permit (Type 098) is required
· Closed to fishing on Thursdays and Fridays (except open on all state and national holidays and scheduled special organized handicapped or children's fishing events).
From Aug. 16 - Sept. 30
· NO Day closures on Thursdays and Fridays
· NO Tellico-Citico Daily Permit (Type 098) Required
· NO Stocking will take place during this time period
· Hours open - 1/2 hour before official sunrise to 1/2 hour after official sunset.
· Daily Creel Limit of 7 trout, with no length limit.
· Bait restriction - no minnows.
· Each angler permitted only one rod or pole.
· Use of boats is prohibited.
The day closure and hook restriction for Big Lost Creek, Goforth Creek, Greasy Creek and Spring Creek in Polk County have been removed.