What Citico Creek Offers

Citico Creek is a freestone stream that flows out of the Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee, dropping through rhododendron thickets and hemlock groves before joining the Tellico River near Tellico Plains. The water runs cold year-round—fed by springs and high-elevation runoff—and holds native brook trout in its upper reaches and stocked rainbows in the lower sections. The creek is small enough that you can cover productive water on foot in a morning, but deep enough in pools to hold fish that will test your patience and your knots.

Access is straightforward because the creek runs alongside Forest Service Road 217, which parallels the water for several miles. You can park at multiple pullouts and walk to the stream without bushwhacking. The creek is open year-round, but the best fishing runs from April through October, when water levels are stable and air temperatures make wading comfortable. Winter brings higher flows and colder conditions that slow the bite, though fewer anglers means less pressure on the fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Citico Creek holds both native brook trout and stocked rainbows, with brookies in the upper creek and rainbows in lower sections closer to the Tellico River.
  • The creek runs alongside Forest Service Road 217, giving you multiple parking pullouts and easy access without a long hike.
  • Small dry flies and nymphs work best on this narrow stream; bring sizes 14 to 18 and expect to cast to individual fish rather than blind-casting pools.
  • Spring through fall offers the most reliable fishing; water levels drop and stabilize, and the creek is less crowded than nearby Tellico River sections.
  • A Tennessee fishing license is required; check current regulations for any special restrictions on the creek itself, as rules can differ from the main Tellico.

Where to Fish and How to Access

The main access point is off Forest Service Road 217, which branches south from Tennessee Highway 165 near Tellico Plains. The road is paved for the first few miles and becomes gravel as it climbs; passenger cars can handle it in dry conditions, but high-clearance vehicles are safer after rain. Pullouts appear every half-mile or so along the lower and middle sections of the creek.

The lower creek, closest to the Tellico River confluence, holds stocked rainbows and is the most heavily fished section. If you want fewer anglers and a chance at brookies, drive farther up FS 217 toward the upper creek. The upper sections are smaller and require more careful wading, but the water is colder and the fish are wilder. The creek is wadeable throughout most of the year, though spring runoff can push water levels high enough to make crossing difficult.

Flies and Tackle That Work

Citico Creek is a small-stream fishery, and your tackle should match. A 7- to 8-foot rod in 3- or 4-weight is ideal; longer rods catch trees, and heavier weights are overkill. Use a standard weight-forward floating line and a 7- to 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. The water is clear, and the fish are spooky, so lighter tippet and longer leaders pay off.

Dry flies in sizes 14 to 18 work during mayfly and caddis hatches, which peak in late spring and early summer. Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and small stimulators are reliable patterns. Outside the hatch window, switch to nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small Prince nymphs in sizes 16 to 18 will take fish. Brookies especially respond to small terrestrials like ants and beetles in mid-summer. Fish the nymphs on a dead-drift or with a slight twitch; the creek's current is gentle enough that drag-free drifts are possible even for beginners.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring (April and May) brings runoff from the high country, and water levels can be high and off-color for the first two weeks of April. By late April, the creek clears and warms enough for consistent fishing. Mayfly hatches begin in late April and continue through May; fish are active and willing to take dries during the hatch window, usually mid-morning to early afternoon.

Summer (June through August) is the most predictable season. Water levels drop to their lowest point, and the creek becomes very clear. Fish retreat to deeper pools and undercut banks during the heat of the day; fish early morning and late evening for the best results. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August and can push water levels up temporarily, but the creek clears quickly because it is small.

Fall (September and October) brings cooler water and renewed activity. Fish feed more aggressively as they prepare for winter, and the creek is less crowded than summer. Water levels are stable, and the air temperature makes wading comfortable all day. By November, water temperatures drop and the bite slows; fishing is still possible but requires patience.

Native Brook Trout vs. Stocked Rainbows

The upper creek holds a population of native brook trout that have survived in the coldest, most isolated pools. These fish are smaller than stocked rainbows—often 6 to 8 inches—but they are beautiful and wild. They are also more cautious; approach slowly, cast from downstream, and expect refusals if your shadow falls on the water. Brookies respond well to small nymphs and terrestrials and will take dry flies during hatches.

Stocked rainbows live in the lower creek and are larger, averaging 9 to 12 inches. They are less selective than brookies and will take a wider range of flies, but they are also more likely to have been caught before and may be leader-shy. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks the lower creek periodically; check their website for stocking schedules if you want to fish fresh water.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish Citico Creek. Licenses are available online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, at sporting goods stores, and at some outfitters in Tellico Plains. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting for a short trip.

The creek follows standard Tennessee trout regulations: a daily limit of four trout, with no minimum size. However, check the TWRA website or call ahead to confirm there are no special restrictions specific to Citico Creek, as rules can change. The creek is open year-round, but some sections may have catch-and-release-only periods during spawning season. Barbless hooks are not required but are encouraged to reduce injury to fish you plan to release.

Nearby Water and Lodging

Citico Creek is part of the larger Tellico River system, and if you want to fish multiple waters in one trip, the main Tellico River is only a few miles away. The Tellico is larger and holds bigger fish, but it is also more crowded. Smaller creeks like Bald River and Laurel Creek branch off the Tellico and offer similar small-stream fishing to Citico.

Tellico Plains is the nearest town, about 20 minutes from the upper Citico Creek access points. The town has a few motels, a diner, and a small fly shop. If you want more amenities, Chattanooga is an hour away and has full hotel and restaurant options. Camping is available at several Forest Service campgrounds in the area, including sites near the Tellico River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citico Creek good for beginners?

Yes, if you are comfortable wading and casting to individual fish. The creek is small and forgiving—mistakes do not spook the entire pool—and the fish are not as selective as they are on larger, more-pressured streams. Start in the lower creek where rainbows are stocked and more willing to eat.

What is the best time of year to fish Citico Creek?

Late April through October is most reliable. Spring runoff clears by late April, and summer water levels are stable. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer anglers. Winter is possible but slower and colder.

Can I fish Citico Creek without a guide?

Yes. The creek is accessible from the road, and the water is straightforward to read. If you have fished small streams before, you can fish it on your own. If you are new to fly fishing, a guide from a local outfitter can teach you the specific patterns and techniques that work on this creek.

Do I need to hike to reach the creek?

No. Forest Service Road 217 runs alongside the creek, and pullouts are frequent. You can park and walk to the water in minutes. Some sections require a short walk through the woods, but nothing longer than a quarter-mile.

What should I do if the water is high and off-color?

Wait a day or two if possible; the creek clears quickly because it is small. If you must fish, use larger, darker flies in sizes 12 to 14, and fish deeper pools where fish retreat during high water. Nymphs work better than dries when visibility is poor.