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Tellico NymphNymphbeginner

Southeast & Carolinas

Tellico Nymph

$3.95

Available Sizes#10 - #16
Color Variations
Yellow/PeacockOlive/Peacock

The Tellico Nymph was born in the Great Smoky Mountains, and it has been the secret weapon of Southern Appalachian trout anglers for generations. Nobody is entirely sure what it imitates -- some say stonefly nymphs, others say caddis larvae, and the trout apparently do not care about the taxonomy. The yellow body glows against the dark freestone bottom, the peacock herl back catches light, and the brown hackle gives it just enough movement to suggest life without overselling it. It is the kind of pattern that an old-timer hands you with a knowing nod and says 'try this,' and you never give it back.

Quick Facts

TypeNymph
Difficultybeginner
SeasonsSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Target SpeciesRainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Sizes#10 - #16
Best LocationsDavidson River, NC; Chattooga River, SC; Watauga River, TN

Where to Fish It

Davidson River

NC · Mountain Freestone

Chattooga River

SC · Mountain Freestone

Watauga River

TN · Mountain Freestone

Map unavailable. Locations for Tellico Nymph: Davidson River, NC; Chattooga River, SC; Watauga River, TN

Related Reading

region guide

Southeast: From Smokies Brookies to Lowcountry Reds

The American Southeast spans an extraordinary gradient — from native brook trout in the cold headwaters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to sight-casting for tailing redfish in the spartina grass of the Lowcountry. This is the guide to fishing both ends of that spectrum and everything in between.

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