Elk River
One of the few trout rivers in Middle Tennessee, with long, deep runs made for nymphing.
- 242 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 64Access points
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Elk River
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About the Elk
The Elk River is one of only a handful of trout rivers in Middle Tennessee. Below Tims Ford Dam near Winchester, cold water from the lake supports trout through the summer. The river fishes like most Southeast tailwaters, with long, deep runs that are made for nymphing.
Rainbow trout make up most of the catch, but the river also holds some large browns. As the Elk flows south toward North Alabama, the water warms and it turns into a good smallmouth stream.
TVA controls the flow from Tims Ford Dam. Check the release schedule before you go, because the river rises quickly when the dam generates.
Elk River above Fayetteville, TN
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Nearby gages
- Brier Fork at Moore'S Mill Road near Meridianville, AL19.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 03574975
- Duck River near Shelbyville, TN24.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 03598000
- Duck River at Shelbyville, TN24.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03597860
- Estill Fork at Estillfork, AL24.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 03574100
- Flint River at Brownsboro, AL26.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03575100
- Duck River at Halls Mill Bridge, TN29.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03598185
- Big Rock Creek at Double Bridges, TN29.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03599100
- Huntsville Sp Branch at Johnson Road, Huntsville, AL30.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03575950
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Tennessee river that holds it.
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Middle Tennessee-Elk watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Elk
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Check TVA releases
Look up the Tims Ford Dam release schedule from TVA before every trip. The river can rise fast when generation starts.
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Nymph the deep runs
Long, deep runs are the Elk's signature. Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears under an indicator are the go-to setup.
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Carry midges
Midges hatch here most of the year. Small midge patterns are often the answer when fish ignore larger nymphs.
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Spring is the best season
Spring brings the most active fish and the most comfortable wading.
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Look for browns in cover
Large browns hold near deep cover and banks. Fish slower and deeper to find them.
Every access point on the Elk, in your pocket.
- 64 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Elk River FAQ
When is the best time to fly fish the Elk River?
Spring is the best season. The tailwater holds trout all year, so winter can also fish well on low-water days.
What trout live in the Elk River?
Mostly rainbow trout, with some large brown trout.
What flies work on the Elk River?
Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and midges. Fish them deep through the long runs.
Where does the Elk River trout water start?
Below Tims Ford Dam near Winchester, where cold lake water keeps the river cool.
Does the Elk River have smallmouth?
Yes. Downstream toward North Alabama the water warms and smallmouth become more common.
Do I need to check dam releases on the Elk?
Yes. TVA controls flows from Tims Ford Dam, and the river rises quickly when it generates. Check the schedule before wading.
