Fishing Guides Across the Mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina
Guided Smallmouth Bass Trips on the Hiwassee River
Get ready to tangle with the hardest fighting fish in fresh water! Our dedicated Hiwassee River bass trips deliver an unforgettable angling adventure. Operating out of the scenic mountain country near Reliance, Tennessee, we specialize in targeting aggressive Hiwassee River smallmouth bass. Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Cherokee National Forest, this wide tailwater river provides the perfect habitat for river bronzebacks to thrive.
The Smallmouth Experience: What to Expect
River smallmouth bass are legendary for their aerial jumps, powerful runs and relentless determination. Because the Hiwassee has an abundance of heavy shoal complexes, boulder runs, and deep oxygenated pools, these fish grow exceptionally strong.
Our trips are structured as scenic 6 mile trips, allowing us to cover many sections of productive water in a single day. We target fish tucked tightly against shady banks, resting in riverbottom depressions, scouting current seams, or stationed in active shoals and along rocky shelves.
Versatile Tactics: Fly and Spin Fishing
Reel Angling Adventures caters to anglers of all preferences and skill levels, offering comprehensive setups for both fly and spin fishing:
Fly-Fishing: Cast large streamers, crawfish patterns, or surface poppers along the riverbanks. Watching a river smallmouth smash a topwater bug in clear water is the ultimate thrill for any fly angler.
Spin Fishing: Conventional tackle delivers tube-baits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits or topwater lures onto rocky shelves, alongside woody timber, across riverbottom depressions, and deep into active shoals.
Seasonal Timing: Spring and Summer
Our Hiwassee River smallmouth excursions commonly book during the spring and summer months, as water temperatures rise and the bass become active feeders:
- Spring: As the water warms, pre-spawn and post-spawn smallmouth bass move into the shallows and gravel shoals, feeding aggressively on baitfish and crawfish.
- Summer: The warm weather brings peak action. The bass lock into their summer feeding lanes, hiding in the fast-moving shoals and shady drop-offs where they stay active all day long.
The Summertime Striper Bonus!
The Hiwassee River's annual run of striped bass is no secret. Fish that average 20 pounds and exceed 40 pounds migrate upstream from the Tennessee River into the Hiwassee's cooling waters during the hottest months. July, August and September mark the season's top action , leading anglers to heart-pounding experiences with the river's largest game fish.
First-Class Float Fishing Excursions
The absolute best way to experience this fishery is to float fish from our professional, stable drift boats. Floating allows us to quietly drift right into premium casting position without spooking wary fish, while safely navigating the river's rushing rapids. We handle all the logistics so you can focus entirely on the fishing. Every excursion fully includes:
- Premium fly-fishing or spin-fishing rods and matched reels.
- All high-converting lures, flies, leaders, and tackle accessories.
- Professional instruction from a patient, knowledgeable local guide.
- Chilled bottled water (Full-day trips also include a deli-style lunch).
Trip Pricing Per One / Two Anglers
Full-day
Full-day
Full-day
$550 ( 8 Hours )
Half-day
Full-day
Full-day
$425 (5 Hours)