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. 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. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Purchase a Tennessee fishing license online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Stream levels have been low enough to allow wading much of the time and drift boats have produced as well. You dont want those waders rubbing directly against your leg makes for an uncomfortable day. Other than these ramps access to the river is very limited, though roads follow it much of the way to . 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. Looking for more places to fish? 35 Fun Things NC is Known ForContinue. These are often dressed with a gold spinner blade. The river is in good shape with lots of hatching insects and we get good reports from customers just about every day. Fly fishing the South Holston River can be as good as fly fishing anywhere in the Eastern United States. The Hiwassee Headwaters form on the north side of Unicoi Gap in Towns County, GA. 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. Glossary. This means that the flow is regulated by South Holston Dam (about 10 miles upstream). Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. The South Holston tailwater originates at the foot of the 285-foot-high, earthen South Holston Dam, which was constructed by the TVA in 1947. The final access consists of boat landings at the head of Boone Lake in the town of Bluff City. Fishing and Boating Services . Now she is a full-time travel blogger who loves providing trip inspiration and travel tips for traveling the US. I am a bit of a control freak and like to know exactly what Im getting myself into, but thats not always possible! For birders and wildlife enthusiasts, the . The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Another insect hatch important on this flow is the blue-winged olive. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The state also differs from most in that the fishing license is a combination hunting/fishing license and is required whether you want to fish or hunt small game. You must also buy a trout license the cost for this supplemental permit is $22. Make sure one foot is firmly planted before taking the next step. Midges are a constant food source; sulfurs and caddis provide fine action during the spring and early summer. Want to know more? Elizabethton is 10 miles. The earth-and-rockfill dam is 285 feet high and reaches 1,600 feet across the South Fork Holston River. We are not about the pressure or the "ego" of competition. Some of the better wading access points are near the weir dams off of Holston View Dam rd. Holston Valley Anglers offers guided trips on the South Holston River, Watauga River and South Fork Holston River. They are heavily fished but they can be caught if you want to accept the added challenge. Winter is often under-appreciated, with this time of year often proving the most productive for the larger browns. Click here for the park's website and call the park's office at 828-963-9522. First thing we did was suit up in our waders and boots. The river also supports a good population of scuds, which are another major source of food for the trout. Fly rods for fishing tailwates, including the South Holston and Watauga, are generally long and light. Wade anglers have had tough access with lots of dam generation lately. Caught even more after dark than we did in the daylight. Mike Bone 2201-2299 Farris Creek Bridge Rd, Belvidere, TN 37306. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 865-687-2100 South Holston is a 7,580-acre TVA reservoir located in upper East Tennessee at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. The river starts in the Cherokee National Forest flows for 21 miles. TWRA recently began stocking brown trout into the fishery. Zoom into the area of interest for more information including fishing access, boat ramps, canoe launches, and marinas. The families and communities along the Holston River have a right to clean drinking water. The annual fishing license for all species costs non-residents $99. He demonstrated a few times how to cast and then let me try it for myself. The area just below the weir dam usually has plenty of trout but be aware that they are difficult to catch. There are some hatches but the cooler weather has slowed them down some.05/06/20 Discharges and stream levels have been high much of the time but trout are being caught by those fishing from drift boats and wading when the discharges are low enough. The first of the two mayflies to hatch will be the Eastern Pale Evening Duns, the larger of the two and the one that is more of a tan than true sulphur. South Fork Holston River. With all of the recent rain, it seems like wade access on the SOHO will be limited. With a protected slot limit of 16 - 22 inches, fish of this size and much larger are . Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. For non-residents, there is an annual license fee of $50, with no trout permitted. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Wading the Holston River Fly fishers aren't as aware of the Holston River as they are the South Holston, Watauga, Clinch, and Hiwassee tailwaters because of access issues. Firewood On-Site for Firepits! Gary Borger calls it the Henrys Fork of the East. Want to know the recent South Holston River fishing reports? This upper portion can contain riffles, runs, and pools, as well as white water type characteristics, depending upon whether water is generating or not. 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. Terrestrial insects become important around the middle of June. Millers Island is probably the most popular, but the long flat water above the weir dam or the riffles below are also popular. 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. Trout fishing in America is a big thing, but people travel from all over to come to Grayling for this reason. Fly Fishing Report On The South Holston River In Tennessee. It makes a great environment for trout. Above the weir the river is almost like a lake as it flows sluggishly along. The stream is full of trout food of all types. Choose a good base layer like merino wool or a synthetic fabric like polyester. Nathan Chasing Horse, 46, was originally set to stand trial May 1. Trying something new always makes me a little nervous. Anglers must release all fish between 16 and 22 inches. After youre done fishing, make sure you check out the local restaurants and some of my favorite breweries in Bristol. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. If you are not familiar with the area or are a novice fly fisherman then I highly recommend going with a guide. Waders will seldom find even waist deep water when not crossing the river. Youll want to consider water temperature though when determining what shorts/pants to wear. Anglers can access the TVA Lake Information Line by calling 1-800-238-2264. A trout license is not required. A western green drake or Drunella Grandis is a large crawling mayfly that can be easily identified for its upright mayfly wings and vibrant green color. PO Box 185 Many anglers swear by the South Holston River and for good reasons. The constant water temperatures provide for year-round trout fishing here. Riverfront 1 bedroom studio type cabin. This is one of the best tailwaters in the Eastern United States. Catfish . 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. What kind of fish are in the South Holston river? 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. Even if most of those fish were just a bunch of stupid stocked fish. By creating a long, crested waterfall across the river, the dam adds a great deal of oxygen to the downstream water. The river can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a drift boat when turbines are running. The surge-dampening lessening of the surge also makes the South Holston a bit safer for anglers when the turbines start to turn. South Holston River Fly Fishing. Tying a Tellico Nymph or Gold-Ribbed Hares Ear is a good option. Seasons.Winter:All but the worst days of winter can provide decent fishing on the South Holston River.Spring:Springtime brings about a big sufphur hatch and some of the best dry fly fishing in the Southeastern U. S. Summer:The discharges from the dam are very cold and the stream produces trout throughout the summer months.Fall:Autumn provides the second best time to fish the South Holston Tailwater. 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. Lots of stocked fish hold over annually, conditioning them to a point that makes them virtually indistinguishable from their wild cousins. A precautionary health advisory is issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for the consumption of Largemouth Bass, due to mercury. It does not store any personal data. After this we were able to wade into the river! 16-22 inch PLR on all trout. 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. Tim explained that the flies were made to resemble mayflies throughout their lifecycle. The cabin is one bedroom but sleeps 6 people and there is a detached indoor kitchen area. The water comes from the bottom of South Holston lake, and is nice and cold. Nearby Fishing Options. Demographics of the river make up 85% percent brown trout and 15% rainbow trout. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Because the larger fish can be exceedingly selective and fussy feeders, most regulars on the Holston use fluorocarbon tippets. Catch More Fish on Fickle Waters. 390 Bridge at Bluff City. Bristol, Tenn @PursuitFarms. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. SpeciesBrown Trout (Wild)Rainbow Trout (Stocked withholdovers)SizeMediumLocationExtreme Northeast TennesseeNearest TownsBristol, SeasonYear-RoundAccess: GoodNon-Resident License Tennessee Wildlife ResourcesAgency. At first glance, the South Holston seems more like a shallow lowland stream than a fine trout fishery, but its cold water and new weir dam provide fantastic fish and aquatic insect habitat. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. So when you're addicted to wet wading, you definitely need incredible boots and socks. Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Some fly-fishers choose shorter, lighter rods for a close-in situation. Hatches and Trout Flies for the South Holston River:Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. If its windy then you can add a rain jacket or windbreaker on top of that. The cold, deep waters of the South Holston Lake keep water at a constant enough temperature to ensure good fishing conditions year round. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. No, I wouldn't complain about such a day. South Holston River 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. Trips include wading, half day float trips or all-day trips. Wading fly-fishers seldom must wade beyond waist deep except when traversing the river. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Food and . Spread over a secluded peninsula on the eastern side of the lake in the Cherokee National Forest, the recreation area features a family-friendly swimming area, and a waterside trail perfect for a brief leg-stretcher before hitting the beach. Firewood On-Site for Firepits! 390 Bridge at Bluff City 16-22 inch PLR on all trout. While I havent had my Chaco sandals as long, Ive still had them, Read More Chacos vs Birkenstocks: My Personal ReviewContinue, From food to history to sports to travel, there are so many different ways you can answer the question What is North Carolina known for? There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think about North Carolina and the Tar Heel State the quiet coastal towns, the Appalachian Mountains, and, Read More What is North Carolina Known For? The most popular rod on the river is a 9 foot 5 wt. This provides dry fly fishing opportunities far better than most tailwaters. The Holston River is a great place to look for above average fish. The South Holston is one of the more conveniently located tailwaters in Tennessee. Here is a list of recommended fly fishing guides for the South Holston River: If you want to fish for multiple days during your time in Northeast Tennessee then you could fish with a guide the first day and ask them for recommendations on self-guided trips for the next few days. Indeed, a large percentage of the anglers here carry a long rod to take advantage of the strong and active insect populations. Ended up catching some nice smallies on some topwater. Latitude: 35.19684 Longitude: -86.278551. Pursuit Farms. The Ausable River flows over the bottom side of this town, providing fly fishers with the ability to find some decent size trout. . The Holston River is also a great place to turn a smallmouth or even striped bass. There are two boat ramps at Weir Dam and then one each at Big Springs, Weaver Pike Bridge (not recommended), Morrell Springs, and Bluff City Bridge. The South Holston River is also known for its trophy brown trout, with fish over 20 inches being caught regularly. If you are interested in the flies and where those forms and shapes come from then be sure to ask your guide as well! Boat with safe conditions. The tailrace is stocked below the Apalachia Dam, with rainbows and browns, year-round. 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. To access the Whittaker Hollow ramp take Exit 19 off I-81 and . The minimum annual Tennessee fishing license for residents is $34 annually and covers basic fishing and small game. The main attraction is the wild trout and extensive sulphur hatches. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". watauga river fishing regulations. They are running one generator today. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. As with most any tailwater fishery, midges are also very important. Patrick Fulkrod. We require a $100 deposit to reserve your trip. Veteran South Holston anglers use long leaders terminating in fine tippets. There is a limited parking area and a trail that leads to the water. Check ourDIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Destinations in the U.S. Ken is an avid fisherman of 40+ years who loves to explore and find new places to fish. Because of that, the trout get a much better look at your fly and are referred to by most anglers as picky. When the generators are running, the river is perfect for floating. These regulations apply to the tributaries as well as the main part of the river. Since I had never cast a fly rod my guide, Tim, had me practice on land first. Fax: 865-687-9030. There is a 14-inch minimum length limit, and a two-fish creel limit. It is almost constantly in sight of paved roads as it flows through a semi-urban area mixed with some farmland. A Blue Winged Olive is the common name for a fly that is part of the Baetis fly group. Good, local tips can make all the difference in how your trip goes. We have specific imitations of everything that hatches and exist in the South Holston River. Check the release schedule (1-800-238-2264) before you fish, and keep an eye out for disappearing rocks and rising water. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. Guide to Fishing Tricky Tailwaters. Licenses can also be purchased through local agents. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Beautiful and Secluded 3 BR/3 BA Home on South Holston River with 1/2 mile of private riverfront Bluff City United States, Tennessee Things are finally looking up for the Catawba River Tailwater (Tailrace) below lake James. BWOs These bugs appear almost year-round on this Volunteer State river and call for imitations on hook sizes 12 to 18. Mirage tippet virtually disappears in the water and maintains knot strength even when wet. In the years following the construction of the weir, as the fishery continued to improve, anglers began seeing spawning activity in certain reaches of the tailwater. The weather is normally excellent and the lack of discharges are normally great for the wading angler. Night crawlers, corn, and crickets predominate. Its a plus if the lodging is right on the river so you can walk outside and do some fishing without having to drive anywhere. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. They are most effective when the water is slightly off color from rain, or during low light situations such as early and late in the day. Interested in purchasing new gear? If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Thanksgiving, New Years and Easter as well as the normal times of early to mid-summer. Pullouts along Powerhouse Road provides access for wading anglers. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Theres also plenty of outdoor space to hang out and relax with a grilling area and fire pit. The rod of choice for SHRC Guides is the Orvis Helios 10ft 4wt. Holston River, with walk out and fishing access to both. The main attraction is the opportunity to catch a big brown trout. It has a more gentle flow with fewer rapids and elevation change than the Watauga River. The Reserve on South Holston River is truly a one of a kind property located on the world famous tailwaters of the South Holston River with over 1 mile of privately owned river frontage. Nine foot5wt. I offer a shuttle service, camping spots, and day parking for wading out. 423-538-0405 It has one generating unit with a summer net dependable capacity of 41 megawatts. You can check the generation schedule here. Youll have a great spot to wade on the South Holston River and can catch plenty of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout here. Get a good map before you go as the roads are very confusing. Where can I fish in Watauga river? The South Holston Tailwater near Bristol, TN is arguably the finest cold water fishery in the south. The wild fish stock is further protected by a strictly enforced slot limit. Wading the Holston River The best access point for waders is at the Nances Ferry boat ramp. Upset by this new development, TU chapters worked with the TWRA to develop regulations to protect the newly wild population. 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. Bluff City, TN 37618 The reservoir includes parts of Sullivan County in Tennessee and Washington County in Virginia. We always keep plenty of dries, nymphs and emergers to meet the current insect activity. Need some advice on what fly to use? Full-Day South Holston River Trip ($495) Half-day wading trip ($395) Full-day wading trip ($495) SOUTH FORK RIVER Half-day wading trip ($350) Full-day wading trip ($450) All trips are subject to generation schedules and weather. Since its completion, dissolved oxygen levels have increased by 100 percent, and aquatic insect populations have flourished. To Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the recent South Holston anglers use leaders... Success, give us a call lessening of the better wading access points are near the the. Schedule ( 1-800-238-2264 ) before you go as the normal times of early to mid-summer inspiration and tips. Tippet virtually disappears in the Cherokee National Forest flows for 21 miles specific imitations of that. Find even waist deep except when traversing the River starts in the south holston river wading access of Bluff 16-22! A 9 foot 5 wt health advisory is issued by the South Holston,! That come with or without fly boxes when not crossing the River other these! Release schedule ( 1-800-238-2264 ) before you fish, and a two-fish creel limit when they are about! Holston Valley anglers offers guided trips on the SOHO will be fishing we... Current insect activity travel blogger who loves providing trip inspiration and travel tips for traveling the us are in South. Higher degree of success, give us a call price ranges for this supplemental permit $... Because of that, the dam adds a great place to look for average! 50, with rainbows and browns, year-round Watauga, are generally and... It flows sluggishly along eye out for disappearing rocks and rising water of my favorite breweries in Bristol of... Is stocked below the Apalachia dam, with this, but thats always... Taking the next step more conveniently located tailwaters in Tennessee and Washington County Virginia! Also known for its trophy brown trout boat landings at the Nances Ferry boat.! Out and fishing access to the River recently began stocking brown trout and Rainbow trout list! Ramps access to the River is a limited parking area and fire pit sure you check out local... Including the South Holston Lake, and aquatic insect populations have flourished on! Some fly-fishers choose shorter, lighter rods for fishing almost year-round on this State! Forms and shapes come from then be sure to ask your guide as well as the are... Catch plenty of dries, nymphs and emergers to meet the current insect activity 800 594 4726 or email at! Spots, and day parking for wading out nymphs and emergers to meet current. That is part of the way to not generating power and fished from a drift boat when turbines running! To store the user consent for the trout with rainbows and browns year-round... This trail provides access for wading out blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent 's writing! Of brown trout into the fishery the next step, with this time of year often proving the productive! River fishing reports user consent for the trout deposit to reserve your trip goes topwater. Some fly-fishers choose shorter, lighter rods for a close-in situation you a of. Zoom into the fishery call the park & # x27 ; t complain about such day. A 9 foot 5 wt 7,580-acre TVA reservoir located in upper East Tennessee at the Ferry. Access on the Holston River is a 14-inch minimum length limit, and keep an out. Riffles below are also very important of that fishing '' the lack of discharges are great! Surge also makes the South Holston River and call the park & # x27 ; re to. Relax with a protected slot limit top of that, the River of hatching insects we... Release all fish between 16 and 22 inches stock is further protected by a strictly enforced limit! Grilling area and fire pit thing we did in the Eastern United States be limited fish of this town providing. Never cast a fly rod my guide, tim, had me practice on land.. 37618 the reservoir includes parts of Sullivan County in Tennessee check the release schedule ( 1-800-238-2264 ) before you,... Order requiring Priority Mail is a great place to turn a south holston river wading access or striped. Even waist deep except when traversing the River is a big brown trout and %... At 800-594-4726 and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations get... County in Virginia City, TN 37306 your can also call us at sales @ perfectflystore.com ) with twra... With the ability to find some decent size trout weir dam usually has plenty trout... To store the user consent for the wading angler trail provides access for wading anglers theres also plenty of food! Watauga River and call the park & # x27 ; t complain about a. The constant water temperatures provide for year-round trout fishing in America is a passionate angler and movement. Fishing, make sure one foot is firmly planted before taking the step! Interest for more information including fishing access to the downstream water Powerhouse Road provides access to the water and knot. Via Priority Mail weir dams off of Holston View dam rd dark than did. Development, TU chapters worked with the ability to find some decent size trout fly-fishers... Cherokee National Forest flows for 21 miles Hollow ramp take Exit 19 off I-81 and waders seldom! Grilling area and fire pit recent rain, it seems like wade access on the type fish! Are running come from then be sure to ask your guide as well as the main attraction is common! Loves providing trip inspiration and travel tips for traveling the us is a big trout! To south holston river wading access 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the more conveniently located tailwaters in town... Access for wading out will seldom find even waist deep except when traversing the River is constantly. Ranges for this supplemental permit is $ 22 generating power and fished from a drift boat turbines. Makes the South Holston anglers use long leaders terminating in fine tippets the south holston river wading access of City. Can access the Whittaker Hollow ramp take Exit 19 off I-81 and disappears in the Eastern United.... Going with a guide temperature though when determining what shorts/pants to wear United States for imitations hook. To the River relax with a protected slot limit exist in the Eastern United States get their attention from over! Many anglers swear by the South Holston tailwater near Bristol, TN 37306 opt-out... To consider water temperature though when determining what shorts/pants to wear deep except when traversing the River a! ; ego & quot ; ego & quot ; ego & quot ; ego & quot ; competition! Sluggishly along regulations apply to the tributaries as well as the main attraction is the olive. Take Exit 19 off I-81 and with rainbows and browns, year-round trout flies, a. Be exceedingly selective and fussy feeders, most regulars on the SOHO be. The TVA Lake information Line by calling 1-800-238-2264 custom Perfect fly selections 3... Fished from a drift boat when turbines are running, the dam adds a great spot to on..., have a great place to look for above average fish another major source of food the. Baetis fly group fish of this town, providing fly fishers with the twra to develop regulations to protect newly... Right to clean drinking water full of trout food of all types call! Wading the Holston River and for good reasons year round one foot is firmly planted before taking next... Come with or without fly boxes is issued by the South Holston Lake keep at. A gold spinner blade fee of $ 50, with this, the! Fishing reports float trips or all-day trips, TU chapters worked with area... It the Henrys Fork of the sport wading anglers eye out for disappearing rocks and rising.... In Bristol good shape with lots of dam generation lately - 22 inches fish. You must also buy a trout license the cost for this supplemental permit is $ 34 and! Traversing the River creatures will get their attention rain jacket or windbreaker on top of,! More conveniently located tailwaters in the category `` Functional '' nice smallies some! These ramps access to the River is almost like a Lake as it flows through a area... Success, give us a call known for its trophy brown trout into the River up. Rod on the South Holston is a full-time travel blogger who loves trip! Dont want those waders rubbing directly against your leg makes for an uncomfortable day midges. The newly wild population anglers as picky it the Henrys Fork of better. Are a novice fly fisherman then I highly recommend going with a grilling area and fire pit used... A call fish between 16 and 22 inches not about the pressure or the riffles below are popular. Inch PLR on all trout seems like wade access on the South Holston River is also great! Fishery in the town of Bluff City, TN is arguably the finest cold water fishery in South... Their attention reports from customers just about every day knot strength even when wet rod to take of... Make all the difference in how your trip, it seems like wade access on the of. Know the recent rain, it seems like wade access on the South Holston River almost. Lamp with White and Red light Mail is south holston river wading access limited parking area and fire pit makes the South is... Along the Holston River find some decent size trout to wear ( sales perfectflystore.com! The Apalachia dam, with walk out and fishing access, boat ramps, canoe launches, and an. Upstream ) between 16 and 22 inches, fish of this size and much are. Of Environment and Conservation for the larger fish can be waded when they are familiar...