Leap Year Provides Unique Angling Opportunities

  • Friday, February 21, 2020
Jessica Matoy, Tellico Hatchery technician, is also an avid angler. Ms. Matoy shown here with her catch of a Tellico Trophy during delayed harvest
Jessica Matoy, Tellico Hatchery technician, is also an avid angler. Ms. Matoy shown here with her catch of a Tellico Trophy during delayed harvest

Tennessee anglers who enjoy delayed harvest streams get an extra day of fishing this year. Delayed harvest regulations are in effect through Feb. 29 on sections of Doe River, Hiwassee River, Paint Creek, Piney River and Tellico River.  Beginning March 1, anglers can begin harvesting trout from these sections that have been catch and release since early fall.

 

March 1 also marks the beginning of Spring Trout stocking season on streams throughout the state.

Thousands of trout will be delivered to a Tennessee stream near you in the next several months. March 1 is also the start date of special regulations for Tellico River and Citico Creek. March 1 through August 15 portions of Tellico River and Citico Creek are closed to fishing on Thursday and Friday and a Tellico/Citico permit is required. 

 

Tellico and Citico will be stocked prior to the March 1 opening to provide anglers with the maximum number of trout fishing days during the permit season. This means anglers get a special treat on Leap Day, February 29. Trout anglers will be able to fish and harvest trout on Citico Creek and that portion of Tellico River from the confluence of North River downstream to Turkey Creek without the Tellico/Citico permit.

 

The delayed harvest regulation will still be in effect from North River upstream to the TN State line, so no harvest in this area on Saturday, Feb. 29. 

 

To see fishing regulations visit tnwildlife.org.  

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