Welcome to Southeastern Anglers

Contact Us Toll Free @ 866-55-TROUT (87688)
or via email: danelaw@southeasternanglers.com

The United States Forsest Service manages the commercial use of the scenic Hiwassee River, located

inside of the Cherokee National Forest. Southeastern Anglers is professionally permitted by the

United States Forest Service to operate inside of the Cherokee National Forsest on the Hiwassee River.

The scenic Hiwassee River in Reliance, Tennessee is considered a tailrace fishery. The constant water temperatures provide for year-round trout fishing here. The Hiwassee Headwaters form on the north side of Unicoi Gap in Towns County, GA. It drains 750,000 acres. It flows 11 miles through a tunnel to Apalachia powerhouse. Our most popular float trip is from the powerhouse to Reliance, which is six miles and provides for a full day of good fishing. The next section is from Reliance to Hwy. 411, which is also 6 miles; from the powerhouse to the Hiwassee's confluence with the Ocoee River is 20 miles.

The Hiwassee River is a wonderful fly fishing destination and is within two to three hours from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham. The river originates in northeast Georgia in the upper Chattahoochee National Forest. It then flows north into North Carolina and the Nantahala National Forest before it turns west into Tennessee. The Hiwassee Tailwater fishery begins in the Cherokee National Forest as it flows from TVA’s Apalachia Powerhouse. The tailwater section is about 21 miles long. The scenery on the Hiwassee tailwater is unparalleled, as it was the first river in Tennessee to be recognized as a State Scenic River. The upper river features an abundance of whitewater, deep runs, fast riffles, and big shoals that provide excellent fish habitat. The tailwater contains mostly rainbow trout and brown trout, with the average size running between 10” and 12” inches. The upper river also boasts a 3 mile long designated Quality Zone with special regulations where catching a true trophy is not out of the question.

The Hiwassee River is most noted for it’s wonderful dry fly fishing, as top water action can be found most anytime of the year. The hatches change with the calendar, as we’ll see many species of insects throughout the year. Our year begins for us in the spring with the early mayflies followed closely behind by the large hatch of grannom caddis. Late spring ushers in true blue winged olives and the beginnings of the sulphur hatch. The little yellow mayflies wrap up just as the large isonychias are beginning to get active in the summer heat. The Isonychias are one of our premier hatches as everyone loves fishing large dry flies and the hatch lasts through the summer and into late fall. Big October Caddis keep us busy through the late fall as we wrap up the year with little baetis and white streamer patterns. The winter season can see many faces, sunny 60-degree days or gray, blustery days where the high temperature never reaches 40. The fishing holds well as the winter bite can range from baetis, little stoneflies, or even large white streamers for shad kill fish.

The Hiwassee fishes best from March through November with the peak months being May to mid August and October through November. The Hiwassee is a great river for the new fly angler as well as a seasoned fly fisherman, as catch rates are usually high. The Hiwassee River is also a great destination for corporate outings involving 4 – 10 anglers (call for details on large multi boat trips).

The Hiwassee area offers a variety of other activities for the non-angling members of your party. Activities including whitewater rafting, wing shooting, hiking, and camping are located in the immediate area. The towns of Etowah TN and Copper Hill TN located 20 and 40 minutes from the fishery, host a variety of antique and specialty stores as well as scenic landmarks. The Cherohala Skyway draws cycling enthusiast from around the country to drive across the scenic mountaintops.

Here are some facts you might find interesting about the Hiwassee River:

• Water release at the powerhouse takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Reliance.

• For all practical purposes, trout management started on the Hiwassee in 1980 as the Little Tennessee was dammed.

• Water quality in the Hiwassee River is exceptionally high, protected by State Wild and Scenic River Association.

• There is limited natural reproduction in feeder streams along the river.

• The trophy section was established in January 1986 – 3 miles from Plum Branch at Big Bend to the Railroad Bridge in Reliance.

Where To Go
The Hiwassee River can be divided into three distinct sections. Each section has its own unique characteristics and each section fishes best at different times of the year.

The upper section which is the powerhouse to Reliance; this part includes the trophy section. The upper section is the most accessible and receives the greatest fishing pressure, except for the Gorge below Big Bend parking lot which has no road accessibility and is maintained as a trophy section. The trophy section is artificial only, 2 fish limit and 14” minimum length. The upper section boasts all major aquatic eastern insect hatches. Midge, caddis, stonefly and many mayfly species are present. This section is famous for its sulfur hatch in May and its Isonynchia in the summertime. Wading access is available roadside and the three mile John Muir Trail parallels the trophy section from Childers Creek to Big Bend parking lot. This section is more difficult for wading and is usually waded with zero to one turbine generation. Boating access is available at powerhouse, Towee Creek and Reliance. There is a $2 per vehicle per day usage fee in this area.

The middle section, which is Reliance to Highway 411. The middle section (from Reliance to Hwy 411) also usually fishes best early in the season; April, May and June. This is the easiest section for wading, but can also be floated with one turbine generation. This section is also predominantly known for its caddis hatches. Access for wading can be found at roadside picnic areas and Taylors Island. Boating access can be found at either end (at Reliance and Hwy 411).

The lower section, which is Highway 411 Bridge to Patty Bridge, usually fishes best from April to early May and is known for its huge caddis hatches.

When To Go
Trout fishing on the Hiwassee River can be good year round. Insects generally hatch, and the dry fly fishing can be good anytime waters are above 50 ° F. At others times, streamers and nymphs can be very productive. Most insect hatches occur April through November, but it is not uncommon to see baetis coming off on warm overcast January days. The winter midge fishing can be phenomenal. The water generation schedule is the most important factor to consider when planning a fishing trip. Generation schedules can be obtained from the TVA's website (http://lakeinfo.tva.gov/) or by calling their toll free number which is 1-800-238-2264. Select option #22 for Apalachia Dam. Southeastern Anglers fly fishing outfitter is located on the banks of the Hiwassee River at Reliance, Tennessee; feel free to give us a call for an up to the minute fishing report (toll free 1-866-558-7688).

Fly Fishing Techniques
Many techniques are employed for fly fishing the Hiwassee River. The river is accessible for wading, rafts, pontoon craft, etc. Some anglers use float tubes which are dangerous in the Hiwassee's swift currents and we do not recommend their use. Our preferred watercraft are Clackacraft drift boats. These drift boats allow you to access all the major areas in complete comfort and safety.

The all around fly rod of choice would be a 9 ft., 5 or 6 wt. rod with a floating line. Sometimes when streamer fishing we like to use sink tip lines. Six and seven wt. rods sometime come in handy during very windy conditions or when we are using large baitfish patterns. During calmer days when fishing small nymphs and dry flies a 9 or 10 ft., 4 wt. rod is a lot of fun. We have recently started using more 10 ft. rods from the drift boats. They allow for longer casts and better mends when length of back cast is not a concern.