Hiwassee River Fly Fishing Report
Reliance, Polk County, Tennessee · Last Updated: July 16, 2026
The Hiwassee tailwater below Apalachia Dam is Tennessee's premier wild trout fishery, producing large rainbows and browns in a scenic mountain setting. Its catch-and-release section and consistently cold water make it exceptional for Southeast fly fishing.
Today's Trout Fishability
Conditions at a Glance
Water temperature on the Hiwassee River above Reliance measured 68°F as of yesterday evening with no flow or discharge data provided to assess levels relative to normal.
- Water temperatures may stress trout — fish early morning when water is coolest, or consider another river
- Warm water stresses trout
How Do You Fish a 4.4/10 Day?
See the fly patterns built for today's conditions, where the fish are holding, and how to work the 5:30 AM - 9:00 AM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM window.
Today's Weather
See hourly conditions, wind speeds, barometric pressure, and 5-day outlook
USGS Water Monitoring
Real-time data from 1 monitoring stations
See station-by-station details, historical ranges, and trend analysis
What's Hatching This Month
Southeast & Southern Appalachia — typical for July
4.4/10 Today — See the Full Hiwassee River Breakdown
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Hiwassee River Fly Fishing — FAQ
Is the Hiwassee River fishing well right now?
DriftWise scores the Hiwassee River every morning on a 0–10 fishability scale that weighs real-time USGS flow and water temperature, National Weather Service forecasts, and lunar data. Check the live fishability score and condition summary above for today's rating before you head out.
What is the current water flow on the Hiwassee River?
The Hiwassee River's flow is tracked by USGS streamflow gauges near Reliance, Polk County, Tennessee and refreshed daily in the condition summary above. Flow is reported in cubic feet per second (cfs) and compared against the seasonal average so you can see whether the river is running high, low, or normal.
What is a good water temperature for trout on the Hiwassee River?
Trout feed most actively when water temperatures sit roughly between 48°F and 62°F. DriftWise reads live Hiwassee River water temperature from USGS sensors near Reliance, Polk County, Tennessee — see the summary above for the current value.
When is the best time of day to fish the Hiwassee River?
The most productive windows shift with the season: cold months fish best around midday (10 AM–2 PM) once the water warms, while summer rewards early mornings and evenings. Each Hiwassee River report factors in the current season.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish the Hiwassee River?
Yes. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required to fish the Hiwassee River. Check current Tennessee regulations for seasons, limits, and any special catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only sections before you go.
Is the DriftWise Hiwassee River fishing report free?
Yes. The daily Hiwassee River condition summary — flow, water temperature, weather, and fishability score — is free. A free account (3 reports per month) unlocks the full AI analysis with fly-pattern recommendations and a detailed hatch forecast.
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