Bald River - Tellico

The Tellico River drainage is better known for it's put and take trout fishery on the main river itself, but there are opportunities to tack some wild trout fishing and a hike together. The North River contains wild trout and a few hold overs that swim in from the Tellico River stocking. Although most opportunities will be in the 7 inch or smaller range there have been Browns of over 20 inches taken.

Another wild trout opportunity is the water above Bald River Falls. The falls itself is one of the more scenic stops in the Tellico watershed and is therefore often crowded. The trail to the top of the falls begins in the parking lot and is a rather strenuous climb for the first 400 feet or so. Then you are above the falls and normally almost totally alone.

We hiked two miles above the falls before stopping for lunch and a dip to cool off. Then despite the experiene of non-productive trips in the past an ant pattern fished dry and a blood red San Juan worm both proved good choices.