The Best Fly Fishing in Tennessee for Wild Trout: South Holston & Watauga Rivers
Tennessee is home to some of the finest trout fisheries in the eastern United States, but two rivers consistently rise above the rest. The South Holston and Watauga Rivers offer exceptional wild trout populations, prolific insect hatches, and year-round fly fishing opportunities. Whether you’re planning a guided trip or fishing on your own, these tailwaters represent the gold standard for fly fishing in Tennessee.
To see what's been happening on the river recently, take a look at our Fishing Reports. They include valuable knowledge for anglers coming to the area to fly fish.
Why Anglers Travel from Across the East to Fish the South Holston & Watauga Rivers
Located in East Tennessee, the South Holston and Watauga Rivers have become destination fisheries for fly anglers throughout the Southeast and beyond. Easily accessible from Asheville, Boone, Knoxville, and major cities across Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida, these rivers offer consistent trout fishing that rivals many Western fisheries. With dependable water quality, abundant wild trout, and diverse water types, anglers return year after year for both wade and float fishing opportunities.
Wild Brown Trout, Healthy Populations, and Ideal Tailwater Conditions
Thanks to cold, stable releases from TVA dams, the South Holston and Watauga Rivers maintain ideal trout temperatures year-round. These conditions allow trout to feed consistently and grow rapidly, resulting in strong populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. While the average fish measures 8–12 inches, anglers regularly encounter much larger trout, with true trophy fish always a real possibility.
The South Holston and Watauga Rivers offer over 30 miles of fishable trout water, home to thousands of wild trout. The chance to catch trout over 20 inches makes these fisheries among the best in the country. With high trout densities, they provide an excellent experience for beginner fly fishers—while the opportunity to land trophy-sized fish draws anglers of all skill levels from across the nation!
Check Out this Video Recap from Summer of 2024!
The South Holston River Fly Fishing, Bristol TN.
South Holston River is a year-round fishery renowned for its wild trout, prolific hatches, and some of the largest brown trout in the country. With an incredible 6,000–8,000 trout per mile, it ranks among the top ten trout fisheries in the U.S.
This 14-mile tailwater begins below South Holston Dam in Bristol, TN and flows into Boone Lake in Bluff City, TN. Its gin-clear water is every fly angler’s dream! Whether you prefer sight fishing nymphs to brown trout or casting Sulfur dries to rising fish, the South Holston offers an exceptional fly fishing experience for all skill levels.
Click the link to learn more about Fly Fishing the South Holston River, including essential gear, hatch charts, top fly selections, public access points, boat ramps, expert tips, and more!
Watauga River Fly Fishing, Elizabethton TN.
The Watauga River, located in Elizabethton, TN, is renowned for its legendary Black Caddis hatch, abundant wild trout populations, and diverse fly fishing opportunities. Anglers can often fish nymphs, dry flies, and streamers—all in the same day!
Home to an impressive 3,000–5,000 trout per mile, the river begins below Wilbur Dam, flowing 16 miles through Elizabethton, TN, before emptying into Boone Lake near Johnson City, TN. The Watauga offers a mix of fast, boulder-filled rapids, towering rock bluffs, and gentle riffles and runs—making it a prime fishery for both wade fishermen and drift boaters.
Beyond producing consistent action, the Watauga River frequently yields trophy brown and rainbow trout, making it a bucket-list destination for many fly anglers. Click the link below to learn more about Fly Fishing the Watauga River, including essential gear, hatch chart, top fly selections, great public access, boat ramps, expert tips, and more!
Other Notable Fly Fishing Rivers in Tennessee (Local Knowledge Makes the Difference)
Clinch River
The Clinch River has long been recognized as an important Tennessee tailwater, historically producing large trout and supporting significant aquatic life. Like many large rivers, its fishing quality can vary depending on water management and seasonal conditions. Anglers who fish the Clinch successfully often rely on local knowledge to understand timing, flows, and productive water.
Caney Fork River
The Caney Fork River offers cold tailwater flows and healthy trout populations, particularly outside peak recreational seasons. While summer months bring increased boat and tubing traffic, experienced anglers who understand timing and access points can still find quality fishing. Local expertise is key to fishing this river effectively.
Hiwassee River
The Hiwassee River near Chattanooga is known for its scenic beauty, mix of wild and stocked trout, and float-friendly sections. With diverse water types and seasonal opportunities, anglers often benefit from local guides who understand hatch timing, access, and optimal flows.
Holston River (Cherokee Dam)
The Holston River below Cherokee Dam offers solid trout habitat and productive water, though access can be limited in certain areas. Anglers familiar with public entry points and seasonal patterns tend to have the most success, making local knowledge especially valuable on this stretch.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park features hundreds of miles of freestone streams filled with wild trout and unmatched scenery. These waters reward anglers willing to hike, explore, and adapt to changing conditions. For many visitors, hiring a local guide is the best way to unlock the park’s full fly fishing potential.
While Tennessee offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities, the South Holston and Watauga Rivers consistently stand apart for their cold, stable tailwater flows, prolific insect life, public access, and year-round trout fishing. These are the rivers we know best, fish most often, and confidently guide on.
Plan Your Tennessee Fly Fishing Trip
Whether you’re visiting East Tennessee for a dedicated fishing trip or adding fly fishing to a larger vacation, proper planning makes all the difference. Check our Fishing Report for current conditions, explore our FAQ for seasonal tips and regulations, learn more about Guided Fly Fishing Trips, and reach out through our Contact Page if you need help planning your time on the water. If you’re traveling from out of town, be sure to browse our recommended Lodging Options near the rivers.
Interested in South Holston or Watauga River Fishing Reports?
Our fishing report is updated frequently! We give Up-To-Date information on the fishing, flies, and tips! click the link to learn more!!!
Your Next Tennessee Fly Fishing Adventure Awaits!
The South Holston Angler would love to help put your trip together! We have guides, and we know some great rentals! If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to chat fishing with you!
