The Watauga tail water has been fishing very well lately. For anglers looking for consistent dry fly fishing this is the place to be. There has been daily caddis and BWO activity. The surface bite has really gets going around mid morning and can stay good almost all day. The morning bite has been predominantly caddis with good numbers of rising fish. As the day progress the BWO bite takes over and the pre emergence nymph bite has been fantastic. The release schedule is the only...
Stream Reports
Monday, September 15, 2014 - 4:35pm
The South Holston has been a nice mix of high and low water of late. Both water levels have been fishing very well. We have been catching good numbers of fish on nymphs, with some quality fish in the mix. As we move into October the BWO hatch will begin to take over. The fishing can be every bit as good as the sulphur bite, you just don't get to fish those big flies. During low water midges and baetidae are the flies of choice. During cloudy weather you may even see some rising fish...
Monday, September 15, 2014 - 4:22pm
With lots of rain in Boone of late the rivers have been running high and muddy. As they begin to drop and clear, the fishing should be very good. We need the water, as fishing pre rain was tough. The fish were ultra spooky, and long casts were required. The good news is they are very surface minded, so fishing just a dry fly can be very productive. Expect slower fishing mid day, but morning and evening bites have been good. Attractor patterns like stimulators and pmx have been...
Monday, August 18, 2014 - 6:06pm
Well high water is finally upon us on the South Holston. After a long and low summer the TVA is finally running some water. The high water tends to bring the sulphurs, so the dry fly fishing is picking up. So far the dry fly bite has been spotty, but still productive. The nymph bite on the upper river has been very consistent. Sulphur nymphs and midges have been getting it done. There is still plenty of opportunity to fish low water especially on the weekends. Low water tends to be...
Monday, August 18, 2014 - 5:47pm
With a little much needed rain, the local rivers are fishing well. We are targeting head water streams at higher elevations, as the browns are starting to move up. As we move into fall attractor patterns and terrestrials are the go to surface patterns. Sub-surface is actually the opposite, not that they wont eat big, but smaller(16-18) is whats on the menu. As the season progresses the amount available nymphs and larva decreases, as well as their size. The trout tend to be looking up...
Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 4:46pm
I have been spending a good bit of time lately in my local small streams. Although water levels are low, the fishing has been quite good. The best fishing has been in higher elevation rivers with a steep gradient. Look for rivers with a stair step stucture, the small pools and fast water have been producing the best. The dry dropper rig has been my go to. Fish a buoyant dry and a heavy nymph to get down quick. Be a ninja and fish the tough water, make those cast into hard to reach...
Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 4:14pm
With water levels at a bare minimum and bright sunny days the fishing has been difficult of late. We have been floating the upper middle river lately. The mid morning bite has been the most consistent. Fish are stacking in medium depth runs, and pools. The insect activity in this stretch has been minimal. So the bite can be difficult to figure out. Smaller mayfly nymphs and midges have been my top producers, but you have to work for your fish. The fish in the shallower water are...
Sunday, June 29, 2014 - 2:28pm
The South Holston has been fishing well despite lower than normal water levels. TVA has adjusted the releases schedule a bit to battle the mid day heat. As a result the lower portions of the river have been fishing a little better. If you are looking for sulphurs you'll need to compete for water, or be willing to share. When fishing the upper river please take other fisherman into consideration while moving around. The larger browns are targeting emergers and can be incredibly selective...
Sunday, June 29, 2014 - 2:09pm
Despite lower water levels local streams have been fishing well. The morning hours have been the most productive. Be aware of water temps, anything 70 or higher is pushing it for the trout. The trout are moving up stream to find the cooler water, so you should too. One positve aspect of the lower water is that dry flies are typically productive all day. Target the heads of pools where oxygen levels are higher and be a ninja. Don't over look the terrestrial bite, beetles and ants are a...
Thursday, June 5, 2014 - 12:14am
The South Holston River is home to some fat Brown Trout. It has been producing some healthy fish of late. The big Browns are on the move. If you're the right place, at the right time, with the right flies you might just get a shot. Sulphurs are still the dominate menu item, but don't be scared to mix it up a bit. The best bite is post pulse, so try to time your trip accordingly. The best hatches of sulphurs happen in the upper 3 miles of river, with sporadic activity below that. We...