The Hiwassee River in the Cherokee National Forest of southeastern Tennessee offers one of the most welcoming and productive tailwater fly fishing experiences in the entire Southern Appalachian region. Flowing approximately 25 miles below Apalachia Dam near Reliance and Delano, Tennessee, the Hiwassee is celebrated not just for its trout fishing but for its stunning natural setting — a wide, boulder-studded river corridor winding through the heart of the Cherokee National Forest with towering hemlock-lined banks and pristine mountain scenery.
The Hiwassee is distinctly approachable — a quality that sets it apart from many Appalachian tailwaters. Wide, shallow runs and extensive gravel bars make wading accessible to anglers of all experience levels, from beginners learning to read water to seasoned veterans searching for technical dry fly opportunities. The river's moderate gradient and generally predictable flow regime (with lower generation from Apalachia Dam on many days) allow comfortable exploration of miles of productive water on foot.
The fishery's management structure is a key element of its appeal. The Hiwassee is designated as a delayed harvest stream for much of its length, meaning that from October 1 through May 31 in the special regulations section, only artificial lures and catch-and-release fishing are permitted. This creates a remarkable wintertime and spring fishery where large trout accumulate in excellent condition. From June through September, the delayed harvest section opens to general regulations, allowing some harvest but still producing good action on stocked and holdover fish.
Rainbow trout dominate the catch, supplemented by brown trout in the deeper, slower pools and undercut banks near tributary inflows. Large holdover rainbows exceeding 18 inches are common in the delayed harvest sections, particularly in the stretches from the US-411 bridge to the John Muir Trail area. These fish develop a wild-fish wariness and selectivity that makes them sporting targets on technical nymph rigs and dry fly presentations.
Hatch activity is respectable across seasons. Blue-winged olives come off reliably on overcast days from October through April, producing classic dry fly risers in the slower pools. Caddis emergences drive excellent evening fishing from April through June, with size-14 to size-16 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, and soft-hackle wet flies taking fish aggressively. Summer terrestrial fishing with hoppers and beetles is particularly productive on the Hiwassee's flat, pastoral runs where overhanging vegetation drops prey to waiting fish.
The Hiwassee offers outstanding float fishing by raft or kayak for those wanting to cover water and access more remote mid-river sections. The John Muir Trail parallels much of the fishery, providing hiker-access water that sees lighter pressure. This combination of accessibility, beauty, seasonal management, and consistent trout populations makes the Hiwassee River an excellent destination for families, beginning fly anglers, and experienced fishers seeking a relaxed but productive Southern Appalachian trout river.
