THREE GOOD PICKS FOR JULY

Hiwassee River - TVA is running two turbines from 11:00 a.m. until at least 7:00 p.m. every day. This is a typical summer flow and the water conditions are great with clear flows and temps in the mid 50's. We are drift fishing from the powerhouse to Reliance through the quality section in the gorge daily. Fishing is better than this time last year. Dry fly action is good. We have Isonychias, some BWO's, and a few sulfurs and caddis. Afternoons are almost exclusively dry flies and the stair steps are fishing well. Cloudy days are best. We have caught a few real nice browns on top lately.

Holston River - Low lake levels provide for floatable water most  everyday. Water temps on the lower river are in the low to mid 50's and the fish are loving it. The dry fly fishing is a little sparse. When the bugs are happening were seeing sporadic sulfurs, black & brown caddis, and craneflies. The fish will eat dries when the time is right, however, the best results are coming from nymphs and light streamers. The key now is  to be versatile with your nymph rig. Keep your depth adjusted to allow your nymphs to tick along the bottom. Catch rates, fish size and quality are very good.

Clinch River - TVA has settled into a summertime flow regimen that allows float trips on the lower river. Most trips start early in the morning. The weekends see our best flows for drift boat fishing. Water temps are cold. Morning to midday are best fished with the usual Clinch River setups - light tippets, yarn indicators, and small midge pupas. The afternoons are wide open. Light midging is still productive. However, the sulfur hatch is still going and the fish will respond to a well drifted dun for some dry fly action. The pickier fish will move on emergers and nymphs in the surface film. Mayfly nymphs fished deep also work well. Catch rates are good with very healthy fish. Southeastern Anglers, 866 - 55TROUT.