Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing the South Holston and Watauga Rivers
Let Us Answer Some Frequently Asked Questions We Get About Fly Fishing Guide Trips.
Do we provide fly fishing equipment?
Yes, South Holston Angler Guides will have everything that you need for a full day of fly fishing including, lunch, beverages. What you should bring is rain gear, appropriate clothing, and Tennessee Fishing Licenses. For more information check out our
Where do I get my Tennessee fishing license?
You can purchase your fishing license online at GoOutDoorsTennessee.com. The license depends if you are a resident of Tennessee and your number of days fishing. TN residents purchase a combo Hunt/Fish License & then add the resident trout stamp. Non-TN residents need a 3-day, 10 day, or annual ALL-SPECIES License. We have left a link directly to the TWRA website where you can purchase your fishing license.
I Have No Fly Fishing Experience, is that a Problem?
Of course not! South Holston Angler loves beginners. We want to teach you fly fishing fundamentals that keep you coming back for more!
Where can I find the Generation Flows on the South Holston and Watauga River, and can I wade while generating?
Either use TVA.com or the TVA downloadable app to find predicted release schedules. If you're using the website, You'll need to look for environment-lake levels- and South Holston Dam, or Wilbur Dam. Wade fishing while generating is extremely dangerous and not recommended. Below we have posted the projected release schedule for both South Holston, and Wilbur Dams. Use our comprehensive guides for South Holston and Watauga River to see the time it takes for generation to reach public fishing areas. We recommend downloading the TVA for ease of use.
How Do I Get a Shuttle While Floating the South Holston or Watauga River?
Planning on floating the South Holston or Watauga River on your own? The South Holston Angler trusts Jeff Gentry to run our shuttles while we are guiding. You can trust him to get your vehicle down the river safely. Jeff will shuttle you on either river
Where Do I Get Essential Gear for Fly Fishing the South Holston or Watauga River?
Planning on fishing the South Holston or Watauga River on your own? Tailwater Fly Company, and The Fly Box TN have all the essentials. Here are the websites for both affiliates. Also, The Fly Box TN has a beer license, so if you want a cold brew after the trip check them out!
Here is a list Frequently Asked Questions about Fly Fishing in Tennessee.
What are the Best Flies for the South Holston River in Bristol, TN?
The best flies for the South Holston River vary by season. In spring and summer, top patterns include Sulphur dry flies, Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, and Scuds. In winter, the most effective flies are BWO dry flies, BWO nymphs, Egg Patterns, and Zebra Midges.
For a detailed fly selection guide, check out our Fly Fish South Holston River and Fishing Reports pages.
What are the Best Flies for the Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN?
The best flies for the South Holston River vary by season. In spring and summer, top patterns include Caddis and Sulphur dry flies, Zebra Midges, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, Frenchie Pheasant Tails, and Red Butt Nymphs. In winter, the most effective flies are BWO dry flies, BWO nymphs, Egg Patterns, Zebra Midges, and Streamers.
For a detailed fly selection guide, check out our Fly Fish Watauga River and Fishing Reports pages.
When is the Best Time to Fly Fish the South Holston River?
The South Holston River is a year-round fishery, but the prime season runs from March through October. Here’s what to expect during each season:
Spring (March - May): Expect exceptional nymph fishing as trout feed actively on midges, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), and Pheasant Tail nymphs. Water temperatures rise, and fish become more aggressive.
Summer (June - August): This is dry fly season, featuring legendary Sulphur hatches. On most afternoons, trout feed on Sulphur emergers, duns, and spinners, creating some of the best dry fly fishing in the Southeast.
Fall (September - November): Cooler temperatures bring consistent nymphing and streamer fishing. Brown trout become more territorial as they prepare to spawn, making them more likely to chase baitfish patterns.
Winter (December - February): While fishing slows down, it’s still productive. Trout key in on midges, BWOs, and egg patterns, and low angling pressure means you’ll have the river to yourself.
For real-time conditions and fly recommendations, check our South Holston River Fishing Report. For a detailed guide to fly fishing the South Holston, check our Fly Fish South Holston River Page.
When is the Best Time to Fly Fish the Watauga River?
The Watauga River is a year-round fishery, but the prime seasons run from January through July and mid-September through November. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Winter (January - March): Exceptional nymph and streamer fishing as trout feed actively after the spawn. Midges, Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) nymphs, and egg patterns are highly effective for nymphing, while streamers entice aggressive brown trout leaving their spawning grounds.
Spring (April - May): This is prime dry fly season, beginning with the legendary Black Caddis hatch in April, followed by Sulphur mayflies in May. Evening hatches are typically the most productive.
Summer (June - July): Sulphurs continue sporadically, but terrestrial fishing picks up, with beetles and ants becoming excellent options for fooling trout.
Fall (Mid-September - November): Streamer fishing can be highly effective as trout become more aggressive ahead of winter. Nymphing also produces well, as big brown trout move out of deep pools to feed in shallower water.
For real-time conditions and fly recommendations, check our Watauga River Fishing Report. For a detailed guide to fly fishing the Watauga River, visit our Fly Fish Watauga River Page.
What is the Best Area to Wade Fish the South Holston River?
The South Holston River offers plenty of public access for wade fishing. Some of our favorite spots include:
Tailwater Trail & Bouton Trail: Located within the upper four miles of the river, these access points provide year-round fishing thanks to the river’s stable water temperatures. The best hatches happen up here.
Big Springs Road (Mile 6): This area fishes exceptionally well in the spring, often holding quality brown troutin its runs and riffles.
For driving directions and more details, visit our Fly Fish South Holston River Page.
What is the Best Area to Wade Fish the Watauga River?
The Watauga River offers excellent public access for wade fishing. Some of our top recommended spots include:
Siam Bridge: Located two miles downstream from the dam, this spot offers easy wading and is perfect for fishing a dry-dropper rig.
Hunter Bridge: A favorite among both guides and anglers, this area holds abundant wild brown and rainbow trout. Frequent hatches make it a productive year-round fishery.
Riverside Park: With a scenic trail spanning several miles, this area shines in the spring, especially during the legendary Black Caddis hatch.
For driving directions and more details, visit our Fly Fish Watauga River Page.
What Can I Expect to Catch While Fly Fishing the South Holston and Watauga Rivers?
The South Holston and Watauga Rivers hold thousands of wild brown and rainbow trout, offering some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast. While the average trout size is 8-12 inches, both rivers are known for producing some of the largest wild brown trout in the country.
Twenty-inch trout are caught frequently, and every year, anglers land brown trout over 25 inches. If you're looking for a shot at a trophy trout, these rivers offer an excellent chance!
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