If you’re looking for a great dry fly fishing destination, take a trip to Hiwassee River. This river, located in Reliance, is one of the best places to catch large rainbow and brown trout. Because the water temperatures here stay fairly consistent, the river can be fished year-round. In the summer, when the waters heat up, the best trout fishing can be found in the upper seven miles of the river. You can catch other fish here too, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and catfish. Hiwassee River has three separate sections that provide different fishing experiences. The upper section, which runs from Apalachia powerhouse to Reliance, offers a great sulfur hatch in May. The middle section, which runs from Reliance to Highway 411, has great fishing in April, May, and June. And the lower section, which runs from the Highway 411 Bridge to the Patty Bridge is known for its caddis hatches and to have great fishing from March through early May.

driving directions

Hiwassee River boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Hiwassee River.