Hiwassee Tailrace below Chatuge Lake

[pupnsuds]

With the heat still ripping, was looking to expand my tailwater options beyond the usual two I frequent.

I am familiar with the Hiwassee section near Reliance, but curios if anyone is familiar with the section below Chatuge dam? I see there is a kayak launch at the weir below the dam that would handle my two man raft fine.

Has anyone floated this stretch recently? Is the water trout temp year round like the hooch tailwater?

 

[northgeorgiasportsman]

99% of that tailrace is private property. Know your access points before you launch your craft.

 

[pupnsuds]

99% of that tailrace is private property. Know your access points before you launch your craft.

I used OnX. There’s a kayak launch and then a takeout slide off Tusquitte Rd from what I can see on Google Earth- listed as TVA and state of NC property, respectively. Also dug up some previous posts here from 2010s.

 

[lampern]

There are supposedly some wild rainbow trout in there

 

[Jeffrey o]

Some good fishing just make sure you know when they open the dam used to be posted on t va website

 

[pupnsuds]

Some good fishing just make sure you know when they open the dam used to be posted on t va website

Assuming it’s preferred to float when not generating? I like the Toccoa on falling water. Just unfamiliar with this tailrace.

 

[Jeffrey o]

Definitely if not generating. When it’s on it’s fast