The Hiwassee River is connected to the Tennessee River on Chickamauga Lake. Some anglers fish the Hiwassee Island where these rivers converge, however, there are a lot of fishing options as you go further upstream of the river. If we follow the Hiwassee River all the way to the Appalachian Dam, there are miles of excellent fishing. You’re probably going to have to drive an hour to an hour and a half to get to this river depending on where you’re staying in Chattanooga. Anglers target rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass and striped bass in the Hiwassee River.
Appalachian Dam Tailwater Fishery
The Hiwassee River is a tailwater fishery that starts at the Appalachia Dam in Tennessee. This river is 55 miles long and it eventually flows into the Tennessee River. Parts of this river are stunning and the state agrees so they named it a State Scenic River. The tailwaters come from Appalachia Lake and they are released at the Appalachia Power House.
Delayed Harvest Trout Season
To help grow larger trout, the state put it a delayed harvest season for part of the Hiwassee River. Fro the Appalachian Powerhouse downstream to L&N Railroad Bridge, there is a catch and release season from October 1st through the last day of February.
Trout Fishing
The upper river, closer towards the dam and Reliance, Tennessee, offers some very good trout fishing. There is an abundance of white water with some deep runs and fast riffles throughout this part of the river. It is a very scenic area to fish and there are good numbers of rainbow trout and brown trout here. Most trout will be in the 10 to 12 inch range, however there are some bigger trout in this river system too.
Striped Bass Fishing
In the summer, striped bass move out of the Tennessee River and into the Hiwassee River in large numbers as they seek out cooler water temperatures. In the lower part of the river, the striped bass fishing can be really good in the summer and early fall. Anglers have good success with live baits, but you can catch some stripers on artificial lures too.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are found throughout the river, but anglers fish this river in greater numbers closer towards the dam and near Reliance, Tennessee. This river isn’t known for having huge smallmouth bass, but there are good numbers to them with some quality fish available too. Mix in some awesome scenery and the possibility of catching some nice trout and this river can be a lot of fun for anglers that like to target smallmouth bass in rivers and streams.
