Welcome to the South Holston Angler:

South Holston & Watauga River Fly Fishing Guide Service

Early morning fog while fly fishing the South Holston River.
Early morning fog while fly fishing the South Holston River.

Your Resource for Fly Fishing the South Holston and Watauga River.

Fly Fishing Guide Trips

We specialize in guided fly fishing trips on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in Eastern Tennessee. Our experienced local guides have spent years learning these tailwaters, and we’re committed to providing a fun, and educational experience.

South Holston River Guide TripsSouth Holston River Guide Trips
June on the South Holston River in Tennessee.
June on the South Holston River in Tennessee.

South Holston Angler Guides

Want to meet the faces behind South Holston Angler? Our fly fishing guides are more than just anglers—they're local experts who love to fish and adapt to the seasons.

A happy client with a big brown trout in East Tennessee.A happy client with a big brown trout in East Tennessee.

South Holston and Watauga River Fishing Report

Stay up-to-date with the latest conditions on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers! The South Holston Angler provides expert insights, hot fly recommendations, and current fishing conditions to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Summer dry fly fishing on the South Holston River.Summer dry fly fishing on the South Holston River.

Let the Us Help Find You the Perfect South Holston River Lodging and Cabins

We can help you find the perfect Airbnb or VRBO right on the river! South Holston Angler is ready to host your next fly fishing adventure in Tennessee. Whether you're planning a single-day trip or need five guides for a week-long excursion, our experienced team will make it happen. Plus, we can recommend some of the best riverfront accommodations, with options to comfortably host groups of 1 to 10 guests.

South Holston River LodgingSouth Holston River Lodging

"What an amazing trip! We fished both the South Holston and Watauga rivers. Everything was first class! South Holston Angler was easy to book and communicate with. Our guide knew both rivers inside and out, provided great instruction, and most importantly was fun! Can’t wait to get back out again. Thanks again!"

-Joe Pewdo

"Had 2 awesome days of guiding with captain Joe on the oars. He was very knowledgeable about the dynamics of the river and I learned so much over the 2 days floating. We even got redemption on the giant that broke us off on day 1."

-William Brunjes

★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★

"John was with us for 2 days on a fly fishing trip. If you want a guide who treats you like family or close friend this is your guy. The fishing was great and clearly he has the entirety of the two rivers we hit memorized. Whether it’s your first time or you are a fly fishing greybeard he’ll sure you up for a good time"

- Matt Gard

Interested in Fly Fishing?

Aerial shot of a drift boat on the South Holston River.

Check out our How-To Guides for Fly Fishing the South Holston & Watauga Rivers

If you're planning to fly fish the South Holston or Watauga on your own, be sure to check out our comprehensive DIY guides! These pages cover everything you need to know, including what to bring, expert tips to catch more trout, top fly selections, the best public wade access points, and a complete list of public boat ramps with driving directions.

Brown trout Sipping dry flies on the South Holston River.
Brown trout Sipping dry flies on the South Holston River.
Cased Caddis on the Watauga River
Cased Caddis on the Watauga River
Brown trout jumping on the South Holston River
Brown trout jumping on the South Holston River

Learn more about the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in Tennessee

Our Tennessee Tailwaters page explains why these two rivers are the premier fly fishing destinations in the Southeast. Thousands of wild trout, phenomenal hatches, and the opportunity to catch a fish of a lifetime make this area a dream vacation for fly fishermen. We’ve also created detailed guides to fishing these rivers under our Fly Fish South Holston River and Fly Fish Watauga River pages. Give them a look, You're guaranteed to learn something new.

Huge brown trout are caught on guide trips with the South Holston Angler.

Want to talk Fishing?

Spring time on the Watauga River is an awesome time.

South Holston Angler Affiliates

Two Rivers Shuttle:

Blue Ridge Guide Association

Need a Shuttle on Watauga or South Holston - Call Jeff

Need Fly Tying Material's, Flies, and Local Fishing Tips - Meet John Lerass at his Bluff City fly shop!

Donate to Help Preserve Our Fisheries

Tailwaters Fly Company Tailwaters Fly Company