Blue Medal Trout Waters

Many believe that the fertile Hiawassee River tailrace will soon surpass its present standing as the best tailwater in Tennessee. Some predict that it will become the best tailwater in the southeast and will someday rival any in the nation. The trout aren't quite big enough to challenge just yet. However, with the recent flow management improvements, the return of aquatic insect life after the mid-1980s drought, the river's designation as a state Scenic River, and the trophy trout regulations, the Hiawassee might someday fulfill this prophecy. It doesn't hurt that the river gets some protection from the fact that most of its waters are within the boundaries of the Cherokee National Forest. Many also think the river is underfished.

In the trophy trout section, anglers catch football-shaped rainbows and browns to 20 inches, with a 16 incher becoming a regular occurrence. Most of the time, the catches average about 12 inches. It would help if more of the river had special regulations. The lower Hiawassee below US 411 can be difficult to reach because most of the land is private, but access to the upper region is afforded by several roads. Above the powerhouse access is tough.