Fly Fishing The Elk At Tims Ford Dam

The Elk River is more "farm" than "mountain stream."

However, its clear, cold water and open space make the Elk one of Middle Tennessee's best fly fishing rivers.

Getting to the Elk River From Nashville:

• Take I-24 to the Shelbyville exit 81A / US-231. Take TN-82 to Lynchburg Hwy. 55 to Lynchburg. Turn left at Hwy. 50. Tims Ford Dam is 10 miles away.
• Alternately, take I-24 to Winchester exit 127. US 64W takes you into downtown Winchester. Follow signs to Hwy. 50. and the Tims Ford Dam.

Tailwater access is convenient.

Look for the TVA access sign off Hwy. 50. There is a paved parking lot next to the overpass.

Luckily, there is now a Port-A-Potty at the parking lot!

A concrete path leads down to the Elk's rocky banks. Kids will enjoy looking for unusual rocks and even spotting trout in the clear, shallow water.

You can cast from the bank or on the rocky fingers around the bridge.

There is also easy access for canoes and kayaks here.

--->Canoeing outfitters serve the Elk River, but they are located downstream of the Tims Ford Dam in Kelso:

• Elk River Canoe Rental
• Kelso Canteen and Canoe Rental
• Elk River Adventures and Outfitters

The Elk River is relatively shallow and easy to wade. You can wade downstream for at least half a mile. There are some deep pools, good underhangs, cuts and ripples.

The Tims Ford Dam has not been generating much this summer, making for reliable and safe fishing. DO NOT ATTEMPT WADING OR BOATING DURING OR UP TO 4 HOURS AFTER GENERATION.

--->TIMS FORD DAM GENERATION SCHEDULE:

• call the TVA Information Line at 800-238-2264 .
• when asked for the 2-digit dam code, enter 50.

What type of fly is good at the Elk River?

Tim's Flies and Lies in Lynchburg is the closest full service fly shop and guide service. Stop in or call for current fishing reports.

On our trip, trout were biting on a size 12 bead head olive woolybugger with some flash.
In the evening, we caught several brown trout on a size 18 scud (dropped off a dry fly.)

Pack a Picnic:
The Elk River winds through farmland, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The closest market is the old-timey Broadview Grocery, 5 miles away. May I suggest bringing your own food?

Hotels Near The Elk River:
Part of our recent Elk River weekend involved scouting campsites and hotels for future trips.

• The Tims Ford Dam is 10 miles from the city of Winchester, which has two nice hotels (Best Western and Jameson Inn).


• Even though Tims Ford State Park is on the lake, its cabins and campsites are located 10 miles from the dam itself.


• You can also find lodging in historic Lynchburg, fifteen miles downstream.

--->Here are all our articles on fly fishing rivers near Brentwood and Middle Tennessee, along with information about local fly shops, two Nashville fly fishing clubs, and our pick for the best Tennessee trout water guidebook.

--->Expert advice for fishing the Elk River from Sewanee