Hiwassee River
A big, wide tailwater in Polk County with ledges, long runs and many miles of trout water to float or wade.
- 180 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 73Access points
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About the Hiwassee
The Hiwassee River is a large tailwater in Southeast Tennessee. Trout water starts at TVA's Apalachia Powerhouse near the North Carolina line and runs downstream past Reliance toward Highway 411. Much of it is a State Scenic River, and the John Muir Trail follows the bank for miles.
The Hiwassee is wide and rocky, with ledges, shoals and deep slots. It holds stocked rainbows and browns, and some fish carry over and grow large. Smallmouth bass become more common in the lower river.
Flows come from Apalachia releases. When one or no units are running, there is good wading on the shoals. With more water, the river is better fished from a raft or drift boat. The ledges can be tricky to wade, so take it slow.
The river is busy with tubers and paddlers in summer. Early mornings and the cooler months are quieter. A trophy section has its own rules, so check the current TWRA regulations.
Hiwassee River at Riverside Dr, near Hiawassee, GA
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Nearby gages
- Valley River at Tomotla, NC16.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03550000
- Nottely River near Blairsville, GA28.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03550500
- Mill Creek near Crandall, GA31.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 02384540
- Mountaintown Creek at Ga 282, near Ellijay, GA33.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 02381090
- Nantahala River near Hewitt, NC37.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03505550
- Nantahala River near Rainbow Springs, NC37.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 03504000
- Conasauga River at Ga 286, near Eton, GA39.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 02384500
- Sewee Creek near Decatur, TN40.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03543500
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.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Middle Tennessee-Hiwassee watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
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Tips for fishing the Hiwassee
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Check the Apalachia release schedule
Look up the TVA schedule before every trip. Low water opens up the shoals for wading. Higher flows mean it is time to float.
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Wade with care
The bottom is ledge rock with deep slots. Use a wading staff and cleats, and do not cross unless you can see the bottom.
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Fish the ledges
Trout hold along the seams below ledges. Drift nymphs through the slots and swing soft hackles at the tailouts.
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Go early in summer
Tubers and paddlers fill the river on warm afternoons. Fish at first light or in the cooler months for more room.
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Use the John Muir Trail
The trail follows the river and leads to water that sees fewer people than the access points.
Every access point on the Hiwassee, in your pocket.
- 73 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
Rivers near the Hiwassee
Hiwassee River FAQ
Where is the trout water on the Hiwassee River?
From TVA's Apalachia Powerhouse downstream past Reliance toward Highway 411 in Polk County, Tennessee.
Can you wade the Hiwassee River?
Yes, at low flows. Check the TVA release schedule first. The ledge rock bottom can be slick and uneven, so a wading staff helps.
When is the best time to fly fish the Hiwassee?
Fall through spring is usually best and least crowded. Spring brings good caddis and mayfly hatches. Summer days are busy with tubers.
What fish live in the Hiwassee River?
Stocked rainbow and brown trout, some larger carryover fish, and smallmouth bass in the lower river.
Is the Hiwassee good for floating?
Yes. Its size makes it a good river for rafts and drift boats, especially when the dam is generating.
Does the Hiwassee have special regulations?
Yes. A trophy section has its own size and tackle rules. Check the current TWRA regulations before you fish.
