South Holston & Watauga River Fishing Report – February 2026

February Kicks Off the 2026 Fly Fishing Season in East Tennessee

February marks the true start of the fly fishing season in East Tennessee, and from a guide’s perspective, it’s one of the most underrated months of the year. With colder water temperatures and minimal angling pressure, trout are often more predictable and willing to feed when conditions line up.

The biggest draw in early February is the reopening of the spawning sections. These areas have been closed since November 2025, allowing trout—especially brown trout—to settle into prime lies without any fishing pressure. When these sections reopen, fish are typically well-rested, concentrated, and far less selective than later in the season.

From the guide boat, the first one to two weeks of February consistently produce high-numbers days. Expect fish to hold in slower seams, tailouts, and soft edges where they can conserve energy while still feeding. Anglers targeting larger brown trout should pay close attention during this window, as post-spawn browns often linger nearby before fully transitioning back into their winter patterns.

For anglers willing to fish slower, focus on presentation, and adjust to changing flows, February can offer some of the most consistent and rewarding fly fishing of the entire year.

Sharri booked a winter day on the South Holston River. Take a look at this huge brown!

Watauga River: Latest Fly Fishing Report

Throughout most of January, the Watauga River has remained low and stable, with the exception of two brief one-hour generation periods. These consistent flows have created excellent conditions for both float trips and wade anglers, especially for those willing to move and cover water.

Afternoon Blue Winged Olive (BWO) activity has been a highlight on milder days, offering legitimate dry fly opportunities for anglers itching to fish on top. While dry flies have produced, nymphing has been the most consistent approach overall.

Post-spawn behavior is still very much in play. Fish continue to respond well to egg patterns, particularly when paired with small BWO or midge droppers. This setup has been especially effective in slower seams and tailouts where trout tend to settle during low-water periods.

From a guiding perspective, the Watauga has been fishing predictably—if you adjust your approach to the conditions, the river will reward you.

Take a look at the Caddis Pupae that came from a Watauga River Rainbow Trout

February Is One of the Best Months to Fly Fish the Watauga River

February is consistently one of the least pressured months of the year on the Watauga River, and it’s often one of the most productive for anglers willing to brave the winter conditions. Year after year, we’re surprised by just how well this river can fish from February through early March.

During this time, nymphing and streamer fishing are our go-to techniques. Trout are focused on high-protein meals, and the river really comes alive when February rain events push TVA to release higher flows. These rising flows often trigger aggressive feeding behavior.

While an egg pattern paired with a small dropper will usually produce the highest numbers, don’t overlook fishing larger, more visible nymphs. Patterns like a Pat’s Rubber Legs, Frenchie, or caddis pupa can be extremely effective, particularly during higher or slightly off-colored water when trout are looking for an easy target.

From a guide’s perspective, February rewards anglers who stay flexible and adjust to conditions—and when everything lines up, the fishing can be exceptional.

South Holston River: The Latest River Report

Throughout January, the South Holston River has seen a steady mix of high- and low-water periods, with generation typically occurring during the early morning hours between 6:00–11:00 AM. This predictable schedule has created excellent opportunities for both float and wade anglers.

That same pattern has carried over into February. Float fishing during high water has been outstanding, with trout actively feeding throughout the morning. Egg patterns paired with small BWO nymphs have consistently produced, keeping fish interested even during sustained releases.

As flows drop in the afternoon, wade anglers have been capitalizing on improving conditions in the upper sections of the South Holston. While surface activity has been limited, sporadic Blue Winged Olive hatches have brought the occasional fish up, rewarding anglers who stay observant and ready with a dry fly.

From a guide’s perspective, this high-to-low water transition has been the key pattern—anglers who plan their day around generation schedules are finding some of the most consistent fishing of the winter.

Bob landed his nice brown on a day the trout were feeding heavily on nymph and egg patterns.

Spawning Sections Reopen on the South Holston River in February

February marks the long-anticipated reopening of the spawning sections on the South Holston River, something we’ve been looking forward to for months. Historically, this reopening can offer some of the best fly fishing of the entire year on the South Holston, especially during the first few weeks when fish have seen little to no pressure since fall.

A recent winter storm has prompted the South Holston Dam to release water for much of the day, setting up ideal conditions for both float trips and high-water fishing. If this generation pattern continues over the next couple of weeks, anglers can expect aggressive feeding behavior and excellent overall fishing, particularly during periods of sustained flow.

From a guide’s standpoint, these early February conditions often reward anglers who focus on high-water tactics, cover water efficiently, and time their trips around generation schedules. When everything lines up, the fishing during the reopening can be exceptional.

Dry-Dropper on the South Holston River fishing has been productive on low water.

Our Best Flies for the South Holston & Watauga River

As we move through late winter and into early spring, simple, confidence patterns continue to outperform flashy flies on both the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. Consistent generation schedules, cold water temperatures, and reopening spawning sections all point toward small, natural presentations being the most effective.

These are the flies we’ve been relying on daily:

Egg Patterns

Glo-Bug (Pink, Yellow, Orange) (Still extremely effective, especially during periods of higher flow and immediately following the reopening of spawning sections.)

Nymphs & Midges

#20 Rod’s BWO Nymph (Olive, Gray, Black) (A go-to during low flows and transitional water.)

#22 Dorsey’s Top Secret Midge (Excellent when fish are feeding selectively in slower seams.)

#20 Trout Crack (A reliable attractor-style nymph when fish need a little help committing.)

#20 Zebra Midge (Purple, Gray, Olive) (A staple on both rivers year-round, especially as a dropper.)

Dry Flies

#20 BWO Comparadun (Best for calm afternoons with sporadic surface activity.)

#20 BWO Puff Daddy (A slightly more visible option when BWOs are present but fish are hesitant.)

From a guide perspective, these patterns cover 90% of the situations we encounter this time of year. Focus on proper depth, clean drifts, and adjusting fly size before changing patterns—subtle changes often make the biggest difference in February.

Winter Streamer Fishing on the South Holston & Watauga River

Streamer fishing in the winter is our favorite way to target mature brown trout on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers.

Casting large streamers for brown trout is addicting. Few experiences in fly fishing compare to watching a big brown track down and eat a swimming fly in its most aggressive state. Some eats are visual, others come as a sudden stop in the fly—but either way, the takes are violent. While the fight may be short, fooling a truly large brown trout can take an entire day of focused fishing.

We offer specialized streamer trips from January through March, though conditions ultimately dictate when streamer fishing makes the most sense. High flows, overcast skies, and rising water levels are ideal, and we always recommend going with your guide’s discretion when choosing streamer days.

These trips are not easy. Most days are spent working toward one quality opportunity rather than numbers. Success depends on staying engaged—making good casts, maintaining contact with your fly, and fishing every retrieve all the way back to the boat. Many of the largest fish won’t show themselves until the very last second, and losing focus can cost you your only shot of the day.

Streamer fishing isn’t for everyone. There are days when big fish simply aren’t moving, and while rare, we have experienced skunked days. That said, when conditions line up—especially after rain or snow accumulation—winter streamer fishing can produce some of the largest brown trout of the year.

If you’re willing to put in the work and embrace the grind, this winter window offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to target truly special fish.

It was below freezing all day, however conditions were perfect for streamer fishing. Day's like this don't happen often, however nothing beats it when they do.

Getting iced guides are part of winter fishing.

South Holston & Watauga River Guide Trips Available All Winter Long

We hope this February fishing report not only helps with your personal angling but also highlights the incredible winter fishing opportunities available on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. With lower river traffic and active trout, February can be one of the best months to fly fish in Eastern Tennessee. Our experienced guides are on standby to help you make the most of your time on the water.

For real-time river flows, check the South Holston and Wilbur Dam flow charts. If you’re planning a DIY trip, we offer detailed guides for both the Fly Fishing South Holston and Fly Fishing Watauga Rivers to give you the tools and tips you need for a successful day on the water.

Have questions or want to plan a guided trip? Reach out via our Contact Us page, or call John directly at 423-946-6665.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!

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