It's been a few weeks since my Dad and I fished the Hiwassee however we have had success using Rooster-tails. Black with silver blade has been the bait of choice for me yet white has also worked. When all else fails get a thing of crickets and fish just above the trophy area. When you park at the first pull off after coming down the mountain, the trophy area begins right there. If you go above the small island out in front of the parking area, you can use live bait and this will basically guarantee you several fish. Just fish the crickets with a small split shot and you should catch several. The rooster-tail will work also and you can fish the run on the Rail road side going down river from the same parking area (below small island: NO LIVE BAIT). Make sure you know when they are going to be generating. This area is fishable with 0 to 1 generators but with two you will be swimming and can be very dangerous. You can stop in at Reliance Fly and Tackle and Jerry will give you the latest river flow schedule and may even provide you with a tip or two. If you fish the Trophy area or there about, it will take the water about 50 minuets to get to you once they start generating. I think someone asked earlier in another thread about the stripers. They do make a run and at times can be found as far as the Power house. The last I heard they were down at the stair steps which is about a mile below the parking area I am talking about. From the over look at the top of the mountain you can see these Stair Steps. Enjoy your trip and be safe. Those rocks sure can be slick and one other thing...........watch out for the snakes. We typically don't see many down in that area and most of the time they are only water snakes but believe me the copper-heads are there and with the dry conditions it is even worst. I would recommend wearing some Rocky Snake boots. I know it doesn't make for a very good fashion statement but it could help and even if you don't see Mr. no-shoulders, it will save your shins some bruises. Beautiful , beautiful place wish I was going with you!
