The South Holston River in Bristol Tennessee.

Experience the Ultimate Guided Fly Fishing Trip on Bristol, Tennessee’s Best Tailwaters

The South Holston Angler provides professionally guided trips tailored to each client’s unique preferences and needs. Our mission is to ensure every guest leaves with a memorable and rewarding experience fly fishing in East Tennessee. Beyond catching fish, we focus on helping anglers build a strong foundation in fly fishing skills, empowering them to carry that knowledge into future adventures

Your Personalized Fly Fishing Adventure: What to Expect on a Full-Day Guided Trip

Spending a full day on the river comes with many advantages. A full-day guided trip allows for more time to focus on learning and refining techniques and tactics. For beginner anglers, a full day is especially beneficial as it often takes a few hours to become comfortable with newly learned skills. Additional perks include extended time on the water and the opportunity to observe how fishing conditions ebb and flow throughout the day.

During a full-day trip, your guide will provide all necessary fishing gear, as well as lunch and drinks for your convenience. Please note that rain gear and fishing licenses are not included, so make sure to bring those items. These trips typically last 7–8 hours, with the start time flexible to your preference. However, it’s recommended to follow your guide’s advice on the ideal time to begin for the best fishing experience.

Drift Boats on the South Holston River in Tennessee
Drift Boats on the South Holston River in Tennessee
  • Everything you need to fish with including All terminal tackle such as rods, reels, and flies

  • Lunch

    • Typically Sandwiches, a side, and chips

  • Cold Beverages

    • Water, Coca-cola, and Gatorade

What’s Included in Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip:

Winter days are beautiful days on the South Holston River.

How to Prepare for Your Guided Trip: Essentials for a Comfortable Day on the Water

At The South Holston Angler, we fish in a wide range of conditions—from rain and snow to wind and the heat of summer. It’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately for an 8-hour day on the water. If you’re unsure about what to wear or bring, feel free to contact The South Holston Angler or your designated guide for personalized recommendations based on the time of year. Here is a list of items we recommend bringing on your guided trip to ensure you’re prepared and comfortable.

What Are Some Must Have's Before Going on a Guided Trip

  • Tennessee Fishing License

  • Sunglasses

    • for Eye Protection, and Sun

  • Headwear

    • Hat or Toboggan

  • Rain Jack

    • Waders, or Rain Pants if Recommended

  • Comfortable Foot Wear

    • Sandals or Boots depending on the time of year

  • Sunscreen

    • Although your guide should have some.

  • Snacks

    • If you bring young children

  • Child life vest

    • For anglers under 12 years of age.

  • Optional:

    • Rods, flies, small packs or bags.

The South Holston Angler does not provide Tennessee fishing licenses. Use the link below to visit the TWRA website and purchase one online. Be sure to select an "all species" fishing license, commonly referred to as a trout stamp. You can choose between a three-day or annual license, depending on your needs. Please note that for out-of-state anglers, a one-day license option is not available.

Tailored Fly Fishing Excursions: The Half-Day Advantage

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

Half-day trips are perfect for anglers who want a budget-friendly option while still enjoying the best fishing opportunities. These shorter outings are ideal for beating the heat, targeting evening dry fly action, floating during afternoon generation releases, or working around inclement weather.

During a half-day trip, your guide will provide all necessary fishing gear, except for rain gear and fishing licenses. While lunches are not included on half-day floats, your guide will have plenty of drinks available. These trips typically last 4–5 hours, offering an affordable and flexible way to experience the beauty of the river. For the best results, we recommend following your guide’s advice on the most productive fishing hours.

Fall fly fishing the South Holston River.

2025 Guide Trip Rates:

Book Your Fly Fishing Adventure with South Holston Angler

Full-Day Float Trip:

Half-Day Float Trip:

$550 Per Boat

$450 Per Boat

Cancellation and Booking Policy

Fly fishing the South Holston River.
Fly fishing the South Holston River.

After contacting South Holston Angler and finalizing your trip date(s), you will be asked to pay a deposit to secure your booking.

Guide Trip Booking Policy

Your guide trip deposit secures your trip dates and must be paid after booking. If you book additional days, each day will require a separate deposit. Please note that all guide trip deposits are non-refundable once booked.

The remainder of your trip balance is due on the date of your float. For cancellations made within two weeks of your scheduled trip, the full balance for the trip(s) will still be required.

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Guide John Stunkard fishes on his days off.

Explore the Tennessee Tailwaters on Your Own:

Click the Link to See a A DIY Angler’s Guide to the South Holston and Watauga Rivers

Watauga River Tennessee Big Brown Trout

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