South Holston Angler
Meet the Fishiest Guides on Tennessee’s Best Tailwaters
A Fly Fisherman's Dream Turned To a Reality
Like many small businesses, South Holston Angler was born in a basement. It started with a burning passion for fly fishing and a relentless drive to learn and adapt to the ever-changing ecosystems of our two local tailwaters. This dedication to growth and the pursuit of excellence laid the foundation for what has become the
South Holston Angler
Head Guide John Stunkard
John began his fly fishing journey at the age of 12. By 2025, he will have 20 years of experience fishing the Watauga and South Holston Rivers. Growing up in one of the best fly fishing destinations in the country is something he feels incredibly blessed to have experienced.
Over the past decade, John has honed his skills as a fishing guide, working with renowned operations such as South Holston River Fly Shop, South Holston River Company, Watauga River Lodge, and South Holston River Lodge. He was proud to be part of the South Holston River Lodge team when it was nominated for Orvis Lodge of the Year in 2024."
Why Fish with the South Holston Angler?
At South Holston Angler, our focus is on connecting you with the best guides to create an unforgettable experience on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. We believe your time on the water should be about more than just catching fish—it’s about improving your angling skills so you can find success wherever your next adventure takes you.
We only work with the most qualified and experienced guides in the area, ensuring you’re in the best hands. With deep connections to the local guide community, we’re confident in pairing you with the perfect guide to match your goals and skill level.
Meet a Few of the Passionate Guides Behind South Holston Angler
At South Holston Angler, our team of expert fly fishing guides is meticulously hand-selected by founder John Stunkard to ensure the highest level of expertise and professionalism. Each guide on our team is not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about the art of fly fishing, embodying the essence of what makes South Holston Angler the premier fly fishing guide service in Bristol, TN.
The guides at South Holston Angler bring unmatched expertise to the water, backed by countless hours spent learning the rivers. Each guide possesses local knowledge that is second to none, and their passion for success ensures they stay ahead of the curve in understanding these unique tailwaters.
Not only are they highly skilled anglers, but they are also innovators—crafting their own flies and continuously refining their techniques. Their dedication and talent set them apart, making them the perfect match for your next fly fishing adventure
John Stunkard
Joe Kostura
Aden Blackburn
Colton Wise
Preston Vance
Book Your Guided Fly Fishing Experience
Ready to experience top-notch fly fishing with Bristol’s leading experts? Click Below to Discover Float Trip Details: What's Included, What to Bring, and Rates
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences that keep anglers coming back for a lifetime. At South Holston Angler, we focus on education during every trip, ensuring our clients leave the water with improved skills and greater confidence in their abilities.
Our goal is to pair each client with the perfect guide who matches their preferences and needs, creating a tailored experience that makes every day on the water truly exceptional.
Our vision is to build a guide service whose reputation resonates across the nation. At South Holston Angler, we prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring every client receives a personalized, exceptional experience. By keeping our business intentionally small, we can stay true to our passion for fly fishing and preserve the authenticity of what we love to do.
OUR VISION
We Think Tennessee is One of the Best Fishing Destinations in the Country
Learn More About East Tennessee Trout Fishing
