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On The Fly Freshwater
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On The Fly Freshwater
January 2025
Article and photos by Jimmy Jacobs
There are a couple of factors that can make a stream or river a go-to location for trout action on the fly. If the water is home to good numbers of respectable-sized fish, that is a reason to visit. Another attraction can be a river that offers a variety of options for the fishing. The Bald River fits in this second category.
Located in southeast Tennessee, the Bald is a tributary of the Tellico River. That position near the Tellico also accounts for the Bald not getting as much attention as it deserves as a fishing destination. Having the storied waters of the Tellico and the special permit Tellico – Citico permit area nearby tends to overshadow this river.
The Bald River rises near Grassy Gap in southern Monroe County, Tennessee, tight against the border with North Carolina and deep in the Cherokee National Forest. That location is at about 4,200 feet of elevation, close to the crest of Beaverdam Bald. From there, it flows in a northwesterly direction with Waucheesi Mountain to the west and Chinquapin Ridge on the east, eventually reaching its junction with the Tellico.
For most folks, the Bald River registers only because of the Bald River Falls on the stream where it runs into the Tellico. That 120-foot cascade is visible from the bridge on Forest Service Road 210 where it crosses the river just downstream. That bridge, which was constructed in 1933, was recently renovated after the big flood of 2023.
Only anglers in the know realize that after admiring the waterfall, there’s also some great fishing options to be had upstream. Those start immediately above the cascade, but do require a steep quarter-mile trek on Forest Trail 88 that starts at the falls’ parking area.
Once above the falls the trail continues for roughly 3.7 miles through the Bald River Gorge Wilderness Area. In this stretch the river is big water by Southern Appalachian standards, offering plenty of room for casting. It also is often framed against rock walls providing outstanding scenery.
For the most part the stream also has a surprisingly level course. That is broken, however, by several more waterfalls that require a bit of climbing to skirt. Once past each of them, you again find flat water. The part of the river almost exclusively features wild rainbow trout, with fish in the 8- to 10-inch range commonly showing up. Due to the nature of the terrain, the gorge gets far less fishing pressure than the nearby Tellico or Citico Creek.
At the head of the gorge, FT 88 reaches Smith Field Road (FS 126) and the Forest Service’s Holly Flats Campground. At this point the river is only of medium size, as it flows for 1.5 miles parallel to the road through a level valley. Obviously, with the easier access, fishing pressure is greater through here.
Six- to 8-inch rainbows are most prevalent in this part of the Bald, but brown and brook trout also show up. The stream is still open enough to make casting fairly easy, as well.
Once the river and road reach the mouth of Henderson Branch, entering from the east, the flow on the Bald becomes smaller. This also is the point at which the road leaves the river. To continue fishing upstream, you have to walk on FT 180. The same mix of trout species will be encountered in this part of the Bald. Fishing conditions also become tighter.
At 2 miles upstream from the road, Brookshire Creek enters the river from the south. Above this junction you are truly in the headwaters of the Bald. This also is the domain of the Southern Appalachian strain of brook trout. These native fish will be the only species encountered. After about a mile, the water in the Bald becomes so small to be of little interest to anglers.
To reach the Bald River from the town of Tellico Plains, take the Cherohala Skyway (NC 165) east to its junction with Turkey Creek Road. Turn right (south) and continue to the junction with River Road. Turn left and drive 2.2 miles to the parking area at Bald River Falls.
Getting to the upper Bald at Holly Flats Campground involves a bit more driving. Follow the directions for Bald River Falls, but continue past that point for 7.6 miles. Turn right on Green Cove Road. At one mile this road changes names to become Bald River Road (FS 126). At 4.6 miles, Holly Flats Campground is on the left.
