Trip brief · Elk River
How to go fish the Elk River
The months we list for the Elk River are March, April, May, September, October, November. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive#18-20
Parachute BWO
Caddis#14-16
Soft Hackle Caddis
Access
Tims Ford Dam Tailrace
35.193, -86.282parking
TN-130 Corridor Access
35.190, -86.240parking
Winchester City Park Area
35.188, -86.105parking
Norene Road Bridge Access
35.175, -86.040parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Tennessee fishing license with trout stamp required. The Elk River tailwater below Tims Ford Dam is subject to TWRA trout regulations. Portions of the fishery may have special regulations including size limits and artificial lure restrictions. Verify current rules at tn.gov/twra before fishing. TVA generation schedules from Tims Ford Dam significantly affect wading safety — always check generation before entering the water.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Elk River page →