Watauga River Fishing Report: Six Months After Hurricane Helene - How Are the Trout Now?

On September 27, 2024, the Watauga River experienced severe flooding.

This catastrophic event was triggered by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall near Tallahassee, Florida, on September 23rd. Initially, Helene appeared to be a typical Category 3 hurricane, similar to those that frequently impact the Gulf Coast. However, as the storm moved northward, the Blue Ridge Mountains across Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia caused it to stall. This unexpected stall resulted in an unprecedented deluge of rainfall across the Appalachian Mountains. Estimates suggest that parts of the region received over 30 inches of rain within a 24 hour period. This extraordinary rainfall was preceded by two days of steady rain, which had already caused rising water levels before the most intense downpour began. The resulting flood was described as a 1,000-year event.

The Doe River tributary experienced an unprecedented surge, spiking to over 20,000 cubic feet per second (CFS).

The Doe River tributary experienced an unprecedented surge, spiking to over 20,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). Intense rainfall on Roan Mountain caused the Doe River to rise rapidly, a dramatic increase from its typical flow of approximately 150 CFS. On September 27th, this massive volume of water flowed into Elizabethton, where the Doe River converges with the Watauga River Tailwater. The sudden surge carried debris, including trees, household items, and tons of trash, sweeping away virtually anything in its path. Simultaneously, Boone, North Carolina, also experienced severe flooding. The headwaters of the Watauga River, which feed Watauga Lake, caused the lake to rise by 10 feet within a matter of days. To prevent structural damage to the dam, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began releasing 10,000 CFS on September 28th, the highest recorded release from the dam.

As the floodwaters receded in October, rumors of dead trout along the riverbanks sparked widespread concern.

The river remained turbid due to suspended sediment from Watauga Lake, raising fears that prolonged murkiness would further harm aquatic life. However, by today, March 16th, 2025, the river's clarity had returned to normal. While the extensive debris and trash will require years of cleanup, the trout have proven remarkably resilient, and the river appears to be thriving once again.

Fly fishing on the Watauga River from March 8th to 15th, 2025, revealed promising signs for the fishery's future.

South Holston Angler guides spent the week exploring the river, taking advantage of low flows and exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Nymph fishing under a strike indicator proved highly effective throughout the week. However, the upper river near Siam also saw impressive Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, providing excellent dry fly action. We dedicated several days to the lower section, the area most severely impacted by the storm, and experienced high-quantity fish days, further indicating the river's hopeful recovery. Cloudy days tended to be more productive than sunny ones, but all trips yielded successful results. Below is a stomach sample from a plump 12-inch rainbow trout, confirming BWO nymphs as a primary food source. We also found success with sulfur nymphs. With temperatures reaching 70 degrees, the fish are actively looking up, signaling fantastic fishing ahead.

Craig landed a magnificent trophy brown trout on the Watauga River this week!!

He opted for a day focused on quality over quantity, and his gamble paid off handsomely. The fish struck a nymph and immediately put on a spectacular display, tail-walking and leaping multiple times. Fortunately, the hook held firm, and we successfully landed the impressive brown. Congratulations, Craig!

Spring fishing is looking promising for the third week of March!

Expect typical spring temperatures, with mornings around 30 degrees and afternoons in the low 60s. Light rain won't affect flows, but expect potential generation on the South Holston and higher water on the Watauga. Our South Holston and Watauga pages will help you navigate these conditions.

With higher water predicted, we're anticipating excellent fishing on both rivers. Streamers and nymphs will be effective. We'll likely target sunny days on the South Holston and cloudy days on the Watauga.

Interested in a guide trip? Call John at 423-946-6665.

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