Fly Fishing Tennessee: South Holston and Watauga Tailwater Adventures
Fly Fishing Tennessee: The Fishery
East Tennessee is home to some of the best trout fishing in the eastern United States, with the South Holston and Watauga Rivers at its heart. These tailwaters offer exceptional year-round fishing, breathtaking scenery, and unique challenges that keep anglers coming back for more. Whether you're chasing trophy wild brown trout, enjoying epic hatches, or exploring the rivers’ diverse waters, these fisheries are an angler’s dream.
The South Holston and Watauga Rivers: Tailwater Excellence
The South Holston and Watauga Rivers are iconic East Tennessee fisheries, offering a blend of natural beauty and incredible fishing opportunities. Both rivers boast cold, clear waters thanks to bottom-release dams managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), ensuring consistent trout-friendly temperatures throughout the year.
South Holston River (SoHo)
The South Holston flows through a picturesque landscape of farmland, dense woods, and rolling hills. Known for its prolific Sulphur hatches, this river provides some of the best dry fly fishing in the country. Wild brown trout dominate the population, accounting for 85% of the fish, with the remaining 15% made up of a mix of wild and stocked rainbow trout. The limestone-ledged riverbed serves as a natural “bug factory,” producing an abundance of aquatic insects that keep trout well-fed and anglers busy.
Fishing Tips:
- Dry Fly Fishing: A 4-weight rod with 12-15’ leaders tapered to 6.5-7X is ideal for delicate presentations. During hatches, Sulphur patterns are a must.
- Nymphing: A 5-weight rod with long leaders and yarn indicators works best. Tiny midges, scuds, hare’s ears, and prince nymphs are consistently effective.
- Streamers: Targeting large wild browns with streamers is always an option for those looking for a challenge.
Watauga River
The Watauga offers a mix of breathtaking mountain views, rugged stretches, and urban charm. Known for its Mother’s Day Caddis hatches, this river features a variety of fishing conditions, from calm pools to fast runs. While the SoHo might require fewer fly changes, the Watauga keeps anglers on their toes with its need to cycle through dries, nymphs, and streamers throughout the day.
Fishing Tips:
- Versatility: Be ready to adjust techniques and flies depending on the conditions. This river’s diversity keeps things interesting.
- Hatches: Focus on caddis and stonefly patterns during peak hatch times.
- Big Fish Potential: Both wild browns and rainbows reach impressive sizes here, making it a rewarding destination.
Year-Round Fly Fishing
One of the biggest draws of these rivers is their consistent water temperatures, which allow for year-round fishing. The TVA manages the dams to meet energy and lake level needs, and water releases can vary daily. Guides will assess the generation schedules the night before your trip and pivot between rivers as needed. Rest assured, whether you’re on the South Holston or the Watauga, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Trip Details
Before Your Trip
Once you book your trip, your guide will contact you to confirm the important details:
- Dietary needs
- Your fishing background and experience
- Trip goals
- Preferred communication methods
You’ll also receive an email packed with exclusive Mt. Yonder videos to help you prepare. Topics include:
- Boat fishing tips
- Safety and casting fundamentals
- Fish behavior
- Lodging, dining, and local attractions near the rivers
A week before your trip, your guide will check in to ensure everything is set, with a final touchpoint the night before. Share your fishing style and preferences with us—this is YOUR trip, and we’re here to make it exceptional.
Your Big Day
You’ll meet your guide at the prearranged location and head to the water. After a brief safety overview and, if needed, a casting refresher, we’ll rig up and plan for the day’s conditions.
- Half-Day Trips: Up to 4 hours on the water.
- Full-Day Trips: Up to 8 hours, including a delicious lunch.
Additional Info for Float Trips:
- Pricing is the same for one or two anglers.
- Non-fishing companions are welcome to enjoy the scenery and relax as the second passenger.
- Early exits aren’t possible once we’re on the water, so plan bathroom breaks ahead of time—or embrace the wilderness as your restroom!
During the trip, you can expect a mix of productive fishing, stunning views, and plenty of laughs. From high-fives after a big catch to spotting cool birds and wildlife, every moment on the water is one to remember.
If you’ve booked a full-day trip, we’ll break for a hearty lunch and possibly anchor for some wade fishing. If wading is an option, we’ll provide waders unless you bring your own. Please note: no studded wading boots are allowed in or near the boats to avoid damage.
Payment and Tipping
At the conclusion of your trip, your guide will return you to your car or the takeout location. You can settle your balance with cash or credit card. If you’d like to take advantage of our interest-free payment plan through AfterPay, be sure to arrange it ahead of time.
Tipping Etiquette: Gratuity isn’t included in the trip price but is always appreciated if your guide provided an exceptional experience. You can tip through our payment system or in cash—whatever is easiest for you.
Skunk-Free Guarantee
Even the best fisheries have tough days. If no one catches a fish on your trip, we’ll honor our Skunk-Free Guaranteewith 25% off your next booking. While we can’t guarantee the fish will cooperate, we can promise you’ll leave with a reason to come back.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s South Holston and Watauga Rivers offer some of the best trout fishing east of the Mississippi. From prolific hatches to the challenge of wild browns, these tailwaters deliver unforgettable experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the dry fly action, or the thrill of landing a trophy trout, these rivers won’t disappoint.
Ready to experience the best of Tennessee fly fishing? Book your trip today and discover why these rivers are world-class destinations!
