In my experience, Tellico was always a beautiful, but sometimes frustrating stream. Even during ideal conditions, there weren't always the best of hatches. Every now and then, you'd find some early morning bugs, an occaisional drake fluttering by, but never any WOW hatches like Beaverdam or Laurel Fork.
I found the river fished best without an indicator, plenty of shot on the line, and picking apart pocket water with #12 Hare's Ears , the cliche Tellico Nymph.
The deep roadside pools often were loaded with larger stockers. A tiny stripped smaller bugger sunk deep would lure up the fish.
When you do catch em, there are some truly Large 20+ inchers there, but it can be a lot of work.
My favorite stretch is the TeaStained Holly Flats section of the Bald River---brushy and hard to wade, but you'll find some nice browns in that water.
