South Holston & Watauga Fishing Report: September 2025
Is September really the best month for fly fishing in East Tennessee? We dive into the hype surrounding the South Holston and Watauga, and the answer might surprise you.
9/1/20253 min read
September might just be the best month to fly fish the South Holston and Watauga Rivers.
So what makes September in East Tennessee so special? It kicks off the beginning of the pre-spawn bite. As the spawn approaches, brown trout feed more aggressively to strengthen themselves for the big event.
Some scientific research suggests that as the days get shorter and the sun stays lower on the horizon, trout instinctively know the big dance is only a few full moons away.
The sun's lower angle this time of year creates some of the best sight fishing opportunities of the year. The reduced glare on the water allows anglers to see more clearly and at greater distances, making it easier to spot fish.
This visual advantage gives us the upper hand over even the most skittish and selective trout. You can often see them actively feeding on tiny nymphs and midges below the surface.
The Best Flies for the South Holston River in September include:
Midges! #20 Olive or Grey (Black Nickel or Copper beads)
BWO splitcase #22
Sulfur Comparadun #18
Top flies for the Watauga River in September include:
Midges! #20 Dark Brown, Olive, Purple (Copper or Silver beads)
BWO splitcase #20
#14 Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail
#16 Elk Hair Caddis
#18 Frenchie PT
Although the Watauga and South Holston rivers are separated by only a few miles, their entomology has some key differences.
While varying your midge patterns will often bring the most success, you should also keep an eye out for other hatches. We're seeing October caddis, Sulfurs, and BWOs this month as well, all of which create unique fall fly fishing opportunities.
We've said it before, but 2025 has truly been one of the best years we've seen in recent memory. Consistent rain has helped maintain daily TVA releases for a couple of hours each day. This burst of cold water isn't just good for the fish; it keeps the aquatic bugs active and abundant. And as any angler knows, active bugs lead to actively feeding fish.
Shawn and Tony had an epic day sight fishing on a recent trip! Take a look at these brown trout!
What to Expect in Late September and October
As we move into late September and October, low-water mornings and high-water afternoons are the norm on the South Holston River. For those who want to avoid generation entirely, the Watauga River has been low, allowing for all-day wading.
Around this time of year, the TVA begins to lower the South Holston and Watauga lakes for their winter pool. The amount of water they release will depend on how quickly they need to drop the lake levels. Make sure to check the posted release schedule from the TVA to see how much water they are releasing.
Check Out Other Fishing Reports!
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