Polk County, TN · Inland River
Hiwassee River
A scenic southeast-Tennessee tailwater in the Cherokee National Forest — cold releases below Apalachia Dam grow stocked and holdover rainbow and brown trout in classic pocket water. A popular wade-and-float trout river paired with whitewater paddling.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Hiwassee River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Hiwassee River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (only 1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Notes
TN: 7 trout/day. Flows rise quickly with TVA generation — check the release schedule.
Local reports & rules for Hiwassee River: Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Hiwassee River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Hiwassee River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Hiwassee River?
Hiwassee River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Hiwassee River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Hiwassee River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Hiwassee River have?
Hiwassee River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. TN: 7 trout/day. Flows rise quickly with TVA generation — check the release schedule.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Hiwassee River?
state agency regulations apply at Hiwassee River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Hiwassee River tidal water?
No. Hiwassee River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.