Fishing Guides Across the Mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina
Guided Striped Bass Trips on the Hiwassee River
Experience the Thrill of Fishing with Reel Angling Adventures
Get ready to tangle with the largest game fish swimming in Tennessee’s Hiwassee River. Seasonal runs of migrating striped bass enter the Hiwassee River in the vicinity of Reliance in late May and early June. Their 50-plus-mile journey upstream from the Tennessee River includes fish that average about 20 pounds and push upward of 50 pounds – trophies all around! Action continues through October.
Book Your Fall Trip Today!
Don't miss the fall fishing for Tennessee's striped bass. Book your trip today on Tennessee's Hiwassee River with Reel Angling Adventures.
Seasonal Tactics for All Anglers
From Stairsteps Shoal to the take-out at US Highway 411, Reel Angling Adventures’ fly-fishing tactics on 9-weight outfits include casting top fly patterns chosen to mimic the river’s baitfish, while conventional, medium-heavy tackle delivers plugs, jigs, jerkbaits and cut bait. Your guide sets you up with the best fishing option as you float-fish across the Hiwassee’s deep pools, rolling runs, shady banks, current seams, active shoals and along rocky shelves.
Tough Tackle ... Full Float Excursions
Navigating the Hiwassee’s big water requires specialized boat positioning, allowing us to quietly drift right into the perfect casting lanes without spooking these wary river monsters. Because handling fish that push upward of 50 pounds requires specialized equipment, we scale up our gear entirely for these trips. Every striper float excursion fully includes:
- Heavy-duty, 9-weight fly outfits and robust conventional medium-heavy rods.
- Premium leaders, custom baitfish flies and heavy river plugs/jigs.
- Expert boat positioning and professional instruction from veteran local guides.
- Full-day river trips also include a deli-style lunch.
Fish for Stripers and Trout
Plan your striper float-fishing trip to target striped bass only or add it on at the end of a day of Hiwassee River trout fishing. Either way, a striper on the fighting end of your line – conventional or fly tackle – delivers unforgettable line-stripping, rod-bending action! Daily trips from late spring through early fall can cover 5 miles or 11 miles on the river. Beginning in late May, half- and full-day options can be arranged. July, August and September mark the season's best action.
Bonus Smallmouth Bass
Wonder what the light tackle is doing in our striper boats? The Hiwassee is southeast Tennessee’s best smallmouth bass fishery! Take a break from the work in striper fishing, pick up a rod and connect with the hardest-fighting game fish in fresh water! You can also book trips that target only the smallmouth bass of the Hiwassee River.
Trip Pricing Per One / Two Anglers
Full-day
Full-day
Full-day
$550 ( 8 Hours )
Half-day
Full-day
Full-day
$425 (5 Hours)