Tellico Nymph
Imitates: Golden stonefly nymph, mayfly nymph, and general Southern freestone forage
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #10-16
- Best Season
- Spring through summer
- Best Conditions
- Appalachian freestones, Smokies streams, pocket water, broken runs
- Water Temp
- 48-66°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 4X-5X
How to Rig It
Fish as a single nymph or ahead of a smaller dropper on mountain streams.
How to Present It
High-stick it through broken current, letting it tumble naturally close to the bottom.
Why It Works
Its yellow and peacock color scheme reads like a range of common mountain-stream insects, especially where exact imitation matters less than buggy suggestion.
History
Originating near Tennessee's Tellico River, the Tellico Nymph became a Southern mountain staple long before many modern beadhead nymphs existed.
Pro Tip
It is especially good in the Smokies and Blue Ridge region where trout have seen generations of Tellicos drift by.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Tellico imitate?+
Most anglers fish it as a suggestive stonefly or larger mountain-stream nymph rather than a one-to-one imitation.
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