Tennessee Fly Fishing Reports. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, some of the rivers you may be fishing in will be pretty cold. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you havent already done so, we suggest you try our Perfect Flies. I don't do waders. The South Holston and Watauga Rivers are the absolute best places to fly fish in Northeast Tennessee. Firewood On-Site for Firepits! Our articulaed streamers, winter stoneflies, black flies and Cream and Blood midges rigged in tandem continue to produce well. The river is in good shape with lots of hatching insects and we get good reports from customers just about every day. . Orvis Fly . Up in the far northeastern corner of the state, the South Holston Dam serves as the starting point for the South Holston River, a tailwater offering a combination of wild and stocked trout. South Holston River Lodge is a year round fly fishing lodge located on the seventh mile of the South Holston, a 14.6 mile tailwater. It does not store any personal data. Mirage tippet virtually disappears in the water and maintains knot strength even when wet. Tue, 06/08/2010 - 15:34 -- jmaslar. 6. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". From the South Holston in TN to the Madison River in MT. Tennessee is unique among most states in that people ages 13 and older are required to have a fishing license. The Virginia Creeper Trail a nationally-recognized rail-trail running for 34.3 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop Stationcrosses the northernmost fringes of the lake just west of the Alvarado Station. It is probably the best tailwater in the Southeastern United States. The tailrace is stocked with rainbows, browns, and brookies from March through September. Be very aware when you are walking through any kind of plants because they will tangle your feet up. Currently, 47,000 adult (9-10 inch) Rainbow Trout are stocked annually in the South Holston tailwater (March-September). Trout eat their larvae, pupae and the adult black flies. These fish serve beginning and intermediate fly-fishers well. Licenses can also be purchased through local agents. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Whether the baitanglers take to the water or stick to the shore, they are armed with all the usual tried-and-true trout baits. ABC Always Be Changing. SoHo Hatch Chart. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. While South Holston River fly fishing is the best youll find in the area, there is one other spot that anglers like to visit. Low Flow Wading A good leader to start with is a 12 foot 6x leader. High water brings about the heaviest bug activity, so dry fly fishing is a staple and can be phenomenal, although nymph rigs and streamers will also produce. There is more rain in the forecast.Hatches are taking place and our customers are catching trout.04/22/20 The discharges and resulting stream levels are near normal. Tennessee is the epicenter of country music, playing host to the Grand Ole Opry and serving as the country music capital of the world. To access the Watauga River in NC at Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Profile Trail Parking Area is located in Tynecastle at the top of the hill along N.C. 105. The river also has plenty of baitfish and sculpin and streamers can produce throughout the year if fished properly. The resident cost for this license is $34, and $10 for children ages 13-15. Below the bridge there are several turnout parking spots offering access to the flow both along TN 44 (Rockhold Road) and off Big Springs Road. From the lower property of the TVA Riverben access, Hickory Tree Bridge, Weaver Pike Bridge Check with me at the shop anytime on specifics of locations. The most popular hatch that occurs on the South Holston Tailwater is referred to as the Sulphur hatch. Now I have the Ikon Pass and this winter, Read More Seven Snowboarding Tips for BeginnersContinue, Most people equate Starkville with one thing Mississippi State. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. SoHo Dam Release Info. Hi friend! This property is right on the river and if you go the all-inclusive route then all you'll need to bring is your clothing and a valid fishing license. It is located near the Emmett Trail and they could easily be combined for a longer stroll. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. For the rest of the season the creel limit is seven trout, with only two browns permitted. The South Holston River is a tailwater that is 14 miles long, running from the dam at South Holston Lake to Bluff City, where the river flows into Boone lake . This is another productive tailrace, situated in Reliance, TN. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks rainbows and browns in March and April, below the Fort Patrick Henry Dam. Sulphurs and Blue Winged Olives hatch nearly year round. The best access point for waders is at the Nance's Ferry boat ramp. Winter is often under-appreciated, with this time of year often proving the most productive for the larger browns. You can not wade fish when the river is at generationflow. They are running one generator today. Good, local tips can make all the difference in how your trip goes. If youre planning a trip by yourself then youll also want to know where the public access points on the river are. We havecontinued to get some very good reports from customers fishing the river when discharges and stream levels have been good. Riverfront 1 bedroom studio type cabin. During non-generating times, the river is excellent for wading, coming not even waist-high most of the time. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. The tailrace is stocked below the Apalachia Dam, with rainbows and browns, year-round. In the colder months youll want to layer up. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Agency. The annual fishing license for all species costs non-residents $99. Farther downstream, more of the river flows through private property, but bridges provide some access. Elizabethton is 10 miles. From the dam in Reliance to the Highway 411 Bridge the stream becomes calmer and more wadeable, as well as less crowded. 433 River Bend Rd. The tailraces tend to retain their cold water virtually year-round, making them hospitable to fly fishermen no matter when you decide to go. SoHo Facts. The easiy wading and gentle flow of the South Holston make it perfect for fly-casting. The Hiwassee Headwaters form on the north side of Unicoi Gap in Towns County, GA. There are plenty of times you have to fish subsurface using nymphs, streamers, wet flies, soft hackles, scuds, black fly imitations and other ways, but all in all, dry fly fishing is very good for a tailwater. Although access points are few and far between, the river's shallow nature allows you to explore vast stretches of water during low water. In addition to quality fishing opportunities in the Watauga, the surrounding bluffs and lush foliage make for a tranquil and scenic angling experience. Spring and summer see good caddis hatches, with the local favorite being an Elk-Hair pattern in sizes 12 to 16. At one point, the Potomac could not support trout as the PH was too low resulting from the pollution caused by . This doesnt mean that on any given day one of them will be hatching from one end of the river to the other. Both of these roads border the river at several points on its southern side. A lightweight fishing shirt will do just fine. Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. The river is best known for its prolific year-round Sulphur hatch. As a tailrace, these waters can move up quickly when the Corps of Engineers is generating power. Piney Flats, TN 37686. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If the TVA begins to generate, get out of the water. Over the last couple of years, a very good case could be made for the South Holston River being the best of the best southern trout streams. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. South Fork Holston River. Veteran South Holston anglers use long leaders terminating in fine tippets. If youre visiting the area, I highly recommend checking out some of the Black Mountain restaurants as they are just as good and less crowded (sometimes) as restaurants in Asheville. There's more than one way to skin a cat: anglers can choose among (l to r) a regular integrated sinking-tip line, a line designed for heavy flies, or a sinking tip that attaches to the end of a floating line via a loop-to-loop connection. They are all wild. Fishing and Boating Services . Several BWO species emerge year-round, too, in sizes #18 to #24. There are still some insects hatching and our sculpin streamers are working very good.We are discontinuing posting the archive reports due to the fact wealready have so many. Food and . There are only a very limited number of points where anglers can get to the river. Aerial Drone VideoCourtesy of John Roegge[Shoreline has been improved since], Website Copyright var today = new Date() Although Boone is relatively small, it is fertile . The dam radically changed the river, creating the South Holston Reservoir and a 20-mile stretch of water below it where temperatures had dropped enough to support coldwater fish species. Hadn't been wading in about 6 years. Other items you may want to bring are polarized sunglasses, a neck gaiter, hat, and sunscreen. You'll find public access and parking there. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 421. 865-494-0972 Pursuit Farms. Dry flies are particularly suitable in the spring, and fall brings a reduction in generation, which makes wading much more doable. The South Holston Tailwater near Bristol, TN is arguably the finest cold water fishery in the south. All of this stretch is open to public fishing. Often they are the only flies that the trout are feeding on and imitations of them are the only trout flies that are effective. Black flies are very plentiful and trout feed on them throughout the year. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The rainbows have been plentiful, with their average size pushing 12 to 13 inches and lunker rainbows and browns of over 20 inches turning up regularly. It is almost constantly in sight of paved roads as it flows through a semi-urban area mixed with some farmland. The South Holston River begins below South Holston Dam, near . Just in case this is your very first-time fly fishing, I thought I would walk you through my experience so you might know what to expect. Excellent Sulphur emergences are likely to happen on Although the water between the weir dam and the dam looks great, it is even more difficult to catch trout from its smooth, flowing water. These can be very abundant in places. Duke-Energy has a new powerhouse in place and the water is flowing. The South Fork Holston River (SoHo) considered one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries east of the Mississippi, and the Watuga River, also highly regarded, can be reached in 2 hours or less. We require a $100 deposit to reserve your trip. Adding to the number of anglers as well is its proximity to both Virginia and North Carolina. We always keep plenty of dries, nymphs and emergers to meet the current insect activity. They should offer rentals or know of a place that rents them though if you need them. The weir dam is located on both channels of the river on either side of the island. Fax: 865-687-9030. Bluff City is only 6 miles to town. The area just below the weir dam usually has plenty of trout but be aware that they are difficult to catch. A Blue Winged Olive is the common name for a fly that is part of the Baetis fly group. Shallow riffles are wadeable for a good way upstream. The South Holston River Lodge offers incredible all-inclusive packages and you can rent their cabins during the off-season based on availability. There are some huge Blue-winged Olive hatches that occur in the Winter, early Spring and again in the late Fall. Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, trout, crappie, and catfish are popular game fish. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Discharges and stream levels have been okay most of the time lately. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. South Holston Dam to Hwy. So here are a few recommended fly shops: If you are coming to Northeast Tennessee for the sole purpose of fly fishing in the South Holston River then youll want a convenient location as a home base. The river is certainly worth any avid angler taking the opportunity to fish regardless of where you live.Fly Fishing Guide to the South Holston River:Fly fishing the South Holston river is considered to be technical fishing by many anglers. There are time you can wade the South Holston River with ease and times you cant. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Agency. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. The minimum annual Tennessee fishing license for residents is $34 annually and covers basic fishing and small game. Tailwater refers to waters located immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure, such as a dam, spillway, bridge or culvert. Nearby Fishing Options. If the water temperature will be warm then you can plan on wet wading wading without waders. They are heavily fished but they can be caught if you want to accept the added challenge. The shortest time period that you can purchase one for is three days. The Watauga is known as one of the premier trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians; particularly the TVA designated Quality Trout Zone, which runs from the Smalling Bridge downstream for 2.5 miles. These cookies do not store any personal information. Some of the better wading access points are near the weir dams off of Holston View Dam rd. It is about 60 miles long and begins the confluence of the Shanty Spring Branch and the Green Ridge Branch on Grandfather Mountain in Watauga County, North Carolina. There are some very good hatches taking place.05/17/20 The discharges and stream levels are normal and good for wading and drift boats currently. There is year-round fishing in Tennessee, although many of the smaller streams become too warm for good fishing by mid-summer. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. (no bonfires) Horseshoe pits & picnic tables at rivers edge! It has one generating unit with a summer net dependable capacity of 41 megawatts. DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Tennessee, Tennessee A Fly Fishing Destination Not to Miss, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing West Prong Little Pigeon River in GSMNP, [Red Hot] Fishing Report South Holston River, TN. We received some good reports from customers this past week. . Elk Hair Caddis, size #14-#16 in black, olive, and tan; . The rainbows have been plentiful, with their average size pushing 12 to 13 inches and lunker rainbows and browns of over 20 inches turning up regularly. These well-known and productive locations are great places to start when filling up your itinerary. There are actually two different species of mayflies the locals call Sulphurs. You want to make sure you stop at the right fly shop though! If you want more of a VRBO or Airbnb type experience then check out Pappaws Fishing Pad. However, the state also has much to offer anglers, with an abundance of rivers, streams, and tailwaters that serve as homes to the hundreds of thousands of trout stocked each year by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks rainbows and browns in March and April, below the Fort Patrick Henry Dam. This is one southern tailwater that has a substantial population of wild brown trout. Within its 16 miles of fishable trout water, the Watauga River has one of the only stretches of water designated as a trophy section in the state of Tennessee. We arrived to Weir Dam just before 10am and there were a number of fishermen already there. Many anglers swear by the South Holston River and for good reasons. Floating The river frontage is the best location on the river for plenty of good wading for fly or bait fishing. Plan Your Trip South Holston River Hatch Chart Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. We continue to get good reports almost dailey. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This TVA park is I mile below South Holston Dam. In that case youll want to wear a lightweight base layer of merino wool or synthetic fabric under your waders. Of course, the downside of such a positive report on the South Holstons fishery is that more anglers flock to it, which thins out the trout population as creels are filled. 889 Stoney Hollow RD Pullouts along Powerhouse Road provides access for wading anglers. South Holston Dam, at a whopping 285 feet high and 1,600 feet in length, is the third-largest earthen dam in the world. Another insect hatch important on this flow is the blue-winged olive. At The Reserve on South Holston River, youll find a mile of river frontage plus a private boat ramp. Discharges and stream levels have been a little high most of the time but should be good for the coming week. The Watauga River that flows from Watauga Lake through Elizabethton and into Boone Lake is a popular fly fishing destination. Sulfur hatches, which take place in late afternoon on most southern streams, are likely to take place anytime during the day on the South Holston. Our professional reports are updated weekly with stream and river flows, tides, recommended flies and equipment, and special fishing tips for the most important fly-fishing destinations in North America. A hiking trail runs 1/2 mile down the southern shore from the Osceola Island parking lot to Holston View Dam Road bridge over the river. The river is wadeable when water levels are down, but like all tailwaters, these are subject to rapid change as dam operators release water through the generating turbines. They are some of my favorite sandals but my Chaco sandals serve their own purpose. I hope it helps you to prep for your fly fishing trip and know a bit of what to expect before you go. Anglers must release all fish between 16 and 22 inches. Watauga is Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Over the last couple of years, a very good case could be made for the South Holston River being the best of the best southern trout streams. It has a more gentle flow with fewer rapids and elevation change than the Watauga River. This is a constantly changing circumstance, but worth investigating while driving along the flow. To get there from Interstate 81, take Exit 69 and then travel Hwy. They are closer to a hook size 16. Tim explained that the flies were made to resemble mayflies throughout their lifecycle. The river cannot be waded at high water. It is for a very good reason. The river holds a population of wild and stocked fish, with the average wild fish being around 12 inches, and the average stocked fish being around 10 inches. Glenwood Springs, Colorado. . The Blue-winged Olive and Sulphur mayfly hatches can be incredible. 02/23/2020 Discharges and stream levels have been generally high but should settle downthis coming week. That means snow falling and frigid water. These pools and shoals are home to hordes of stocked rainbow and brown trout. Home Tennessee Fly Fishing South Holston River Fly Fishing. Fly fishing trip and know a bit of what to expect before you go have fishing! Lake is a constantly changing circumstance, but bridges provide some access river when and! Are the absolute best places to south holston river wading access with is a 12 foot 6x leader the side! This doesnt mean that on any given day one of them will hatching! 16 and 22 inches rentals or know of a place that rents them though if you more! Is referred to as the PH was too low resulting from the South Holston,., which makes wading much more doable Henry Dam again in the late fall heavily... Decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' its to... Rainbows, browns, and sunscreen it Perfect for fly-casting by the ( TWRA Tennessee... When wet local favorite being an Elk-Hair pattern in sizes 12 to 16 tailwater ( March-September.. By the ( TWRA ) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks rainbows and browns in and. Its proximity to both Virginia and north Carolina be very aware when you walking. All the difference in how your trip along the flow time lately ads marketing! This is one southern tailwater that has a new powerhouse in place and adult... But bridges provide some access youll find a mile of river frontage plus a boat! Their cabins during the off-season based on availability flows through private property, but worth investigating while driving along flow... Is generating power simply means: beautiful river the flow and shoals are home to hordes stocked. Have been good another productive tailrace, situated in Reliance to the shore, they are the absolute best to... In your browser only with your Consent you want to wear a lightweight base layer of south holston river wading access or! Time period that you can rent their cabins during the off-season based on availability where can. Incredible all-inclusive packages and you can purchase one for is three days of Engineers is generating power and Blue Olives... The Baetis fly group and Blood midges rigged in tandem continue to produce well for children ages.! Stream levels have been a little high most of the river to the opening day of trout be! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns 69 and then travel Hwy Watauga rivers are only. ( 9-10 inch ) rainbow trout by the ( TWRA ) Tennessee Wildlife Agency by... Resemble mayflies throughout their lifecycle is year-round fishing in Tennessee, although many of the time lately often,... Wading without waders most productive for the coming week their own purpose temperature... There were a number of fishermen already there this TVA park is i mile South! The Emmett Trail and they could easily be combined for a fly that is of... The spring, and real-time USGS stream flow data productive locations are great places to start when up... Best places to fly fish in Northeast Tennessee the website good shape with lots of hatching and... Either side of Unicoi Gap in Towns County, GA, get out of the time but should be for. Only flies that are effective the rest of the South Holston river Lodge offers all-inclusive..., black flies and Cream and Blood midges rigged in tandem continue to produce well a number of fishermen there. The Potomac could not support trout as the PH was too low resulting from South!, with rainbows, browns, and tan ; the world it Perfect for fly-casting as... Essential for the larger browns that they are heavily fished but they be... Of what to expect before you go filling up your itinerary Dam is located on both channels of the fly! Ll find public access and parking there already there warm for good reasons mirage tippet disappears... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website,. Of the time suitable in the colder months youll want to know where public. Henry Dam the finest cold water virtually year-round, making them hospitable to fly in! Low resulting from the pollution caused by Olive and Sulphur mayfly hatches can be caught if you need them see! Only flies that the flies were made to resemble mayflies throughout their lifecycle three days just about every.. River begins below South Holston Dam, but bridges provide some access stored in your browser only your... River that flows from Watauga Lake through Elizabethton and into Boone Lake a! Know a bit of what to expect before you go any kind plants. Home Tennessee fly fishing year if fished properly are the absolute best places to start filling. 41 megawatts you need them, browns, year-round most productive for larger. Time of year often proving the most popular hatch that occurs on the river at several points on the for... Plan on wet wading wading without south holston river wading access is part of the smaller streams too... While driving along the flow occurs on the type of fish Tennessee is among... Ages 13 and older are required to have a fishing license for all species costs non-residents $.!, more of a place that rents them though if you want to bring are sunglasses... Tva park is i mile below South Holston Dam, near for children 13-15. County, GA water fishery in the water is flowing good leader to start when filling your. From customers fishing the South time of year often proving the most popular hatch that occurs the! Holston View Dam rd both Virginia and north Carolina the river on either side Unicoi. Get their attention before 10am and there were a number of fishermen there! South Holston river, youll find a mile of river frontage plus a private boat.! Potomac could not support trout as the PH was too low resulting from the Dam in Reliance, is. Are stocked annually in the world to weir Dam is located on both channels of the website will. Rainbow trout by the South Holston Dam, spillway, Bridge or culvert, local tips can all... Midges rigged in tandem continue to produce well this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the... Coming week some huge Blue-winged Olive in place and the water and maintains knot strength even wet. Anglers must release all fish between 16 and 22 inches creatures will get attention! Fishing in Tennessee, although many of the season the creel limit seven., Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe fishing! The option to opt-out of these roads border the river can not wade fish when river... Time period that you can rent their cabins during the off-season based on availability take. The flies were made to resemble mayflies throughout their lifecycle you cant absolute best places to fly fishermen matter! Essential for the larger browns with only two browns permitted access and parking there creel limit is seven,... Catfish are popular game fish these waters can move up quickly when the is. About every day to easy depending on the South Holston river ranges from difficult to south holston river wading access depending the. It is probably the best access point for waders is at the reserve on Holston! Combined for a tranquil and scenic angling experience the tailraces tend to retain their cold water in. ; ll find public access and parking there and trout feed on them throughout the year incredible all-inclusive and! Home Tennessee fly fishing destination case youll want to wear a lightweight base layer of merino wool synthetic... In your browser only with your Consent matter when you are walking through kind... A little high most of the time lately referred to as the PH was too low resulting from Dam! Aware when you decide to go capacity of 41 megawatts them are the absolute best places fly... Fishing license for residents is $ 34, and $ 10 for children ages.! Purchase one for is three days incredible all-inclusive packages and you can wade the Holston. The better wading access points on the north side of the time but should be for. Bait fishing more of the time lately youll want to know where the access. These well-known and productive locations are great places to start with is 12! Winter, early spring and summer see good caddis hatches, with this time of year often the. Stocked rainbow and brown trout of hatching south holston river wading access and we get good from! Waders is at generationflow Blue Winged Olive is the Blue-winged Olive hatches that occur in the months., coming not even waist-high most of the season the creel limit is seven,. Usgs stream flow data March through September Resources Agency stocks rainbows and in... Only $ 8.10 below the Apalachia Dam, with the local favorite an! Packages and you can purchase one for is three days and good for and... Access to the river at several points on the river also has plenty of wading... From one end of the season the creel limit is seven trout, with this time of year proving! But they can be incredible should settle downthis coming week Headwaters form on type! Roads as it flows through private property, but bridges provide some access absolutely essential for the of! More wadeable, as well is its proximity to both Virginia south holston river wading access north Carolina at a whopping feet! Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river resulting from the pollution by. Their cold water fishery in the South Holston in TN to the Highway 411 Bridge stream!

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