SoHo/Watauga Fishing Report May 2025: Big Browns and Rainbows Hitting the Nets

Tennessee Fly Fishing in May 2025: The Latest Report.

With May now upon us, here's the latest from the Tennessee fly fishing scene. We've experienced a mild start to the summer, with temperatures ranging from lows around 45°F to highs reaching 80°F. While the prolific Caddis hatch on the Watauga River has concluded, exciting rumors of impending Sulfur hatches are circulating. Within the next few weeks, we anticipate consistent and daily Sulfur hatches to emerge on our rivers.

The South Holston Angler has been busy and we've had some awesome trip reports!

The South Holston and Watauga Rivers have been experiencing consistently low flows recently. This has created fantastic opportunities for anglers who enjoy wade fishing, allowing for easier access to various sections of the rivers. Regarding insect activity, we've observed Sulfur hatches on both rivers; however, these hatches have been somewhat sporadic. Specifically on the Watauga River, Sulfur activity has been most noticeable around the Hunter Bridge and Lovers Lane Bridge areas, with the afternoons generally being the prime time.

On the South Holston River, we've also observed Sulfur hatches. These emergences typically begin around the Big Springs Boat Ramp and extend upstream to the Upper Boat Ramp near the Tailwaters Trail. For detailed information on wade access points in these productive areas, be sure to visit our "Fly Fish the South Holston" and "Fly Fish the Watauga" pages.

Check out this Rainbow Trout!

Yes! Fish like this can happen here!! Tennessee can produce some of the biggest fish in the country.

Nymphing has consistently been the most productive method on the rivers lately. To help you maximize your success, here's a curated list of the best fly patterns for nymphing the South Holston and Watauga Rivers throughout May.

• #16-18 Split Case Nymph

• #16-18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs

• #18 Scuds and Sowbugs

• #20-22 Zebra Midges (Olive, Purple, Brown)

As we move into May this is our prediction for the rest of the month.

Low flow conditions are anticipated to persist, but with rain in the forecast, we might see a temporary increase in water levels towards the end of May. Should the TVA increase flows, it could create excellent opportunities for float fishing on both the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. Looking ahead, we expect consistent Sulfur hatches to be established on both rivers by the end of the month. For streamer enthusiasts, any significant rainfall could trigger phenomenal conditions for targeting larger trout with stripped flies. If the rivers remain at their current low levels, focusing your efforts within the 4-6 mile stretch downstream from the dams on both rivers will likely yield the most productive days.

If you have any questions about the fishing or if you're interested in a guided fly fishing trip, call John at 423-946-6665

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