Tellico. It’s kind of a mysterious word.
The Cherokee wrote it “Talikwa” and used it in the names of several of their towns in the Great Smoky Mountains. They say the actual meaning of the word was lost in their language. It’s possible that it’s origin isn’t Cherokee at all, but Muskogee. The Muskogee say it simply means “bean.” Whatever it meant to either of these peoples, it now means great fishing. The Tellico River and its tributaries in east Tennesee are some of the most remarkable fisheries in the southeastern U.S. Heavy on brown, rainbow and brook trout, these waters produce big fish and lots of them.
The question here is not, “Should I fish the Tellico?” The question is, “When should I fish the Tellico?” The answer is, “Right now!” Make your way to the beautiful community of Tellico Plains, Tenn., and go fishing. And while you’re there, check out a great new TU Business member, Green Cove Store and Lodge.
They’re located in the Cherokee National Forest. They’re famous for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Quite simply, trout rule their crystalline waters. At Green Cove you can fish, hike, explore or sit and bask in the beauty. This is a place where life-long memories are made. You’ll soon find why people have been coming here for 30-plus years. It’s tradition. And it’s off-the-grid. At Green Cove, they want you to rest and relax and experience magic of great fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains. Connect with people. Connect with nature. Make real memories.
And fish to your heart’s content.
The Tellico River is one of the largest freestone streams in the southeastern U.S. It’s an awesome trout stream for anyone, regardless of age or skill level. Over 12 miles of it are heavily stocked with catchable-size trout. The Bald River, North River, and their tributaries are managed as wild trout streams with brown, rainbow and brook trout. As a great fly fishing river, the Tellico is accessible by wading along River Road. Right behind the lodge you’ll find the crystal-clear waters of the stocked portion of the Tellico River. The Tellico Fish Hatchery, which is less than 1.5 miles from Green Cove, has a long-history dating back to 1930. It began as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project, the beginning of a legacy of conservation that continues today. Even if you don’t fish, come anyway. The Green Cove Store and Lodge is located less than 10 miles from Bald River Falls, a spectacular 90-ft waterfall. They’re only 1.3 miles from the Benton MacKaye Trail, a 300-mile trail named in honor of Benton MacKaye, the founder of the Appalachian Trail. Traveling on the Cherohala Skyway? They are just one-turn from the national scenic byway.
But come soon. Enjoy the fishing. Enjoy the hiking and sightseeing. But enjoy the hospitality of this great lodge. We’re proud to have Green Cove Store and Lodge as a TU Business member. The Lodge at Green Cove
Green Angler Store
Jason McConkey
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(423) 252-4014