Fishing Forecast (January - March): Once water temperatures dropped below 70F, TWRA began stocking thousands of quality Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout into the Hiwassee River. The stockings also included many trophy size trout from Erwin National Fish Hatchery and Tellico Hatchery. Most stockings were between Big Bend and the Powerhouse until December when fish were stocked from Reliance to Hwy. 411. Water temperatures are holding in the low 50’s, ideal for hungry trout. TVA is often generating during these months creating excellent drift boat or raft fishing opportunities. Wading can be tough during times of generation but bank fishing is productive especially from Towee Creek to the Powerhouse or around the Taylor’s Island area below Reliance. Small diameter lines from 2 to 4 pound test on light spinning gear or 5x to 6x leader on fly-rods work best. If the bite is extremely tough you may consider adding a fluorocarbon tippet. The delayed harvest regulation continues until the end of February so anglers must use artificial lures only from the Powerhouse to the railroad bridge at Reliance, bait fishing is prohibited in this area. Harvest of trout is allowed downstream of the railroad bridge and there is good public access provided by the USFS and Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park. If you are spin-fishing with artificial lures, try using 1/64 to 1/200ounce trout jigs made of hair, feathers or plastic fished under a float. If you notice the fish actively feeding, you can try small inline spinners or spoons as well. Blue wing olive nymphs and little stonefly nymphs are excellent fly choices this time of year. Midge patterns size 20/22 can be productive as well. Pay attention for sudden cold snaps as winter approaches. A quick drop in temperature on upstream reservoirs can cause a shad kill, sending thousands of stunned bait fish down the Hiwassee. Trout gorge on these shad and white streamer patterns like a clouser minnow can be very effective. Make sure to fish your fly, bait or lure close to the bottom and that you are able to get a natural drift right in the trout’s feeding lane for the best results.