Awesome March! Your April TN Fishing Forecast is Here

Don't miss April's phenomenal fly fishing in East Tennessee! Our new report features the Best early Spring Flies for the South Holston & Watauga. Check it out!

3/26/20253 min read

An Exceptional March Comes to a Close on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers

Wow, what a week! March went out with a bang! Our guides are always saying March is a secret weapon for fly fishing – less crowds, happy fish, and perfect temps. This week? 70 degrees every day! A little morning chill and some afternoon wind didn't slow us down one bit. The fishing was epic.

Spring fly fishing on the South Holston River
Spring fly fishing on the South Holston River

We ended the week with low flows on both rivers, and the fish were loving it!

The TVA have kept the water off for the entire week. Both rivers are completely wadable and anglers have been taking advantage of that. The upper Watauga and South Holston are fishing fantastic right now. High quantities of fish have been coming to the net, and we've haven't had any lull's in the action.

spring brown trout on the South Holston River
spring brown trout on the South Holston River
Watauga river spring fly fishing
Watauga river spring fly fishing
the best flies for spring time fishing the South Holston and Watauga Rivers
the best flies for spring time fishing the South Holston and Watauga Rivers

We've had a lot of Success Nymphing this month - Here are the Best Flies for early spring fishing on the South Holston and Watauga river.

South Holston's Best Early Spring Flies Include:

  • # 20 Rod's Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Nymph

  • #18-20 Scuds- Olive, Grey, & Light Orange

  • #20-22 Olive Zebra Midges

Watauga River's Best Early Spring Flies Include:

  • #20 Rod's Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Nymph

  • #18 Frenchie Pheasant Tail - Yellow, Orange

  • Chubby Chernobyl

  • #20 Zebra Midges - Olive, Purple, & Brown

  • Glo Bug - Pink, Orange, & Yellow

fly fishing guide trip on the South Holston
fly fishing guide trip on the South Holston
wild brown trout on the South Holston River
wild brown trout on the South Holston River
brown trout fly fishing Watauga river TN
brown trout fly fishing Watauga river TN

What can you expect to see going into April

Get ready for Caddis! The annual Black Caddis hatch is just weeks away on the Watauga, with early signs already showing. Plus, expect the annual Sulfur migration to begin on the lower South Holston and Watauga as temperatures climb.

Low flows are in the forecast this week – perfect for wading and floats on both rivers! Despite recent heat, next week brings ideal fishing weather with lows in the mid-30s and highs in the mid-50s. Spring is here, and it's time to fish! Book your guided trip now: 423-946-6665.

trophy brown trout on the South Holston River in Tennessee

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Fly Fishing the Watauga River in March 2025

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October Brown Trout Fly Fishing on the South Holston River

Learn More about the South Holston & Watauga River!!

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The upper South Holston River in the summer.

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