The adults are also around much of the year, but are more important during the late summer. The earth-and-rockfill dam is 285 feet high and reaches 1,600 feet across the South Fork Holston River. South Holston Dam, at a whopping 285 feet high and 1,600 feet in length, is the third-largest earthen dam in the world. Maybe it's the $700 price tag for a good pair of Simms. The South Fork Holston River (SoHo) considered one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries east of the Mississippi, and the Watuga River, also highly regarded, can be reached in 2 hours or less. The sexual abuse trial of a "Dances With Wolves" actor charged in Nevada with abusing Indigenous women and girls for more than a decade is on hold indefinitely, a state judge announced Wednesday. ABC Always Be Changing. Trout are being caught in good number when the stream levels are okay. We think . The main attraction is the wild trout and extensive sulphur hatches. Osceola Island Loop . The upper section offers some public access, for wading. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. The Lake for Landlubbers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But anyways, thats where this guide for South Holston River fly fishing came about! By some estimates, there are over 4000 miles of public waters within driving distance of Asheville. . Youll have a great spot to wade on the South Holston River and can catch plenty of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout here. Low dissolved oxygen limited the rivers productivity, and drastically fluctuating water levels wreaked havoc with the riverbed. In 1950, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) finished construction of a 285-foot earthen dam on the South Fork of the Holston River, in Sullivan County, Tennessee. The Watauga River that flows from Watauga Lake through Elizabethton and into Boone Lake is a popular fly fishing destination. The moderating effect of the weir allows them more time to react when the water begins to rise. PO Box 185 The fly-fisher should try a big, weighted streamer. rods are the most popular. A western green drake or Drunella Grandis is a large crawling mayfly that can be easily identified for its upright mayfly wings and vibrant green color. Because of that, the trout get a much better look at your fly and are referred to by most anglers as picky. It just makes things so much easier and the guides know where to go to give you the best fishing experience for that time of year. While I havent had my Chaco sandals as long, Ive still had them, Read More Chacos vs Birkenstocks: My Personal ReviewContinue, From food to history to sports to travel, there are so many different ways you can answer the question What is North Carolina known for? There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think about North Carolina and the Tar Heel State the quiet coastal towns, the Appalachian Mountains, and, Read More What is North Carolina Known For? It does not store any personal data. Some fly-fishers choose shorter, lighter rods for a close-in situation. I offer a shuttle service, camping spots, and day parking for wading out. Looks like today will be a good day for wading as well as drift boats. Mike Bone We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Other items you may want to bring are polarized sunglasses, a neck gaiter, hat, and sunscreen. Spinners vary according to sex. american airlines first class drink menu; zag tool box on wheels TVA regulates flows on the South Holston Dam and wading is not recommended during high water. Tailwaters Lodge offers seven different cabins on their property with 320 of river frontage. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stocks rainbows and browns in March and April, below the Fort Patrick Henry Dam. Stocking rainbow trout for nearly 10 years has earned this 22-mile tailwater at the . If you havent already done so, we suggest you try our Perfect Flies. South Holston Dam is a hydroelectric facility. They are most often found in size #10-#12 sometimes even an #8 sized fly. Water depth during non-generating hours will remain low enough to wade 85% of the river. Make sure one foot is firmly planted before taking the next step. Nine foot5wt. The South Holston River is a tailwater that is 14 miles long, running from the dam at South Holston Lake to Bluff City, where the river flows into Boone lake . ***AMPLE PARKING! Adding to the number of anglers as well is its proximity to both Virginia and North Carolina. Interested in purchasing new gear? The river also has plenty of baitfish and sculpin and streamers can produce throughout the year if fished properly. No, I wouldn't complain about such a day. Below the dam, the rivers trout-bearing water stretches for 14 miles through Sullivan County to the south of Bristol in extreme northeastern Tennessee. This 300-mile waterway begins in Virginia and flows through the Great Appalachian Valley, finally reaching the Tennessee River in Kingston, TN. The best access point for waders is at the Nance's Ferry boat ramp. This is one of the best tailwaters in the Eastern United States. Follow the signs to the South Holston Dam. This doesnt mean that on any given day one of them will be hatching from one end of the river to the other. . . Besides the public land sites, there are usually a number of enterprising land owners along the South Holston who rent parking spaces and access across their property to anglers. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Outdoor activities are what bring a lot of people to the area,, Read More 17 of The Best Black Mountain RestaurantsContinue, I was not the kid who started out on the slopes just after I learned to walk. There is more rain in the forecast.Hatches are taking place and our customers are catching trout.04/22/20 The discharges and resulting stream levels are near normal. Spawning sites are protected from November through February. The river cannot be waded at high water. In warmer weather its a bit easier to figure out what to wear. Riverside Road also offers some access to the rivers northern shore, upstream of the Weavers Pike Bridge. Glenwood Springs, Colorado. All of the fly fishing guides listed above will service the Watauga River as well as the South Holston. The thing that makes it a desirable stream to fish in the eyes of many anglers are the large aquatic insect hatches. The water comes from the bottom of South Holston lake, and is nice and cold. A guide will bring provide all the necessary equipment so you dont have to worry about that while traveling. How do you catch big brown trout at night? Ruth's Retreat on South Holston River. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Below the bridge there are several turnout parking spots offering access to the flow both along TN 44 (Rockhold Road) and off Big Springs Road. During non-generating times, the river is excellent for wading, coming not even waist-high most of the time. Regardless of where they come from, the visiting anglers find a medium-width stream composed of slick, glassy pools broken by gentle Shoals. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. So here are a few recommended fly shops: If you are coming to Northeast Tennessee for the sole purpose of fly fishing in the South Holston River then youll want a convenient location as a home base. Over the years, these and subsequent stockings drew an increasing number of anglers, and today, thanks in large part to improvement efforts by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and local Trout Unlimited chapters, the river boasts a nationally recognized fishery. Trout fishing in America is a big thing, but people travel from all over to come to Grayling for this reason. Fax: 865-687-9030. The South Holston River is also known for its trophy brown trout, with fish over 20 inches being caught regularly. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. To access the Whittaker Hollow ramp take Exit 19 off I-81 and . They make excellent gifts. The South Holston River is also known for its large trout. Perhaps the greatest draw to the South Holston River is the chance at a wild trophy brown trout. Veteran South Holston anglers use long leaders terminating in fine tippets. Sulphurs hatch in slow to moderate water. As it flows by our place, the South Holston is a tailwater river. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. High water brings about the heaviest bug activity, so dry fly fishing is a staple and can be phenomenal, although nymph rigs and streamers will also produce. Otherwise, youll need a fly rod and reel, fly line, a variety of flies depending on the type of fish you want to catch, plus waders and boots for cold water. Johnson City is only 15 miles away. Chuck Hawkins, Hawkins Outfitters (Traverse City, Michigan) : I always use sinking tips when streamer . This property is right on the river and if you go the all-inclusive route then all youll need to bring is your clothing and a valid fishing license. First thing we did was suit up in our waders and boots. If the TVA begins to generate, get out of the water. This public area offers pullouts as well as picnic and bathroom facilities. Not only are they far more imitative of the real things, they are far more effective than most other trout flies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The river is certainly worth any avid angler taking the opportunity to fish regardless of where you live.Fly Fishing Guide to the South Holston River:Fly fishing the South Holston river is considered to be technical fishing by many anglers. Fly fishing the South Holston River ranges from difficult to easy depending on the type of fish. Functioning as an artificial waterfall, the weir increases dissolved oxygen in the water. Be very aware when you are walking through any kind of plants because they will tangle your feet up. Spring Fishing Coming Along in Fits and Starts March 19, 2023; Looks Like an Early Spring February 21, 2023; The Wet Gray Cycle of Winter in the Smokies January 26, 2023; Looking Forward to the New Year January 2, 2023; The Smokies It is stocked with rainbow trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Agency. Choose a good base layer like merino wool or a synthetic fabric like polyester. You can access the river in only a few places where wading is possible. Each cabin offers something a little different and they have enough to accommodate a variety of group sizes. Some of these are baetis species but there are other species of mayflies called blue-winged olives that hatch on the South Holston. Two different species of mayflies very similar to each other called Sulphurs hatch on the South Holston over a very long period of time. You want to make sure you stop at the right fly shop though! Waders will seldom find even waist deep water when not crossing the river. The South Holston River Lodge offers incredible all-inclusive packages and you can rent their cabins during the off-season based on availability. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Fishing is a . Caution should be used anytime you are fishing a tailwater, so be sure to check on the discharge schedule and keep an eye out for changes in the depth. There are good numbers of trout being caught by our customers.06/22/20 Sorry for the missed last reports. There are still some insects hatching and our sculpin streamers are working very good.We are discontinuing posting the archive reports due to the fact wealready have so many. A 9ft6X leader with a fluorocarbon tippet is the best starting point for subsurface flies. Broken Rod Lodge will sleep up to 10 guests and is also located right on the river. 276.466.8988 . Wade anglers have had tough access with lots of dam generation lately. Later in the spring, as South Holston Lake is filling up, generation should slow which creates more wading fishing . ORVIS Mirage tippet material has consistently proven to be the best in the industry. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. The other mayflies (Ephemerella dorothea) are almost always referred to by their common name as Sulphurs. The stream is full of trout food of all types. From the lower property of the TVA Riverben access, Hickory Tree Bridge, Weaver Pike Bridge Check with me at the shop anytime on specifics of locations. Plus Wilmington is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina so theres no, Read More Hiking Near Wilmington, NC: From Easy to DifficultContinue, Ive owned a pair of Birkenstocks ever since high school. Wading the Holston River Fly fishers aren't as aware of the Holston River as they are the South Holston, Watauga, Clinch, and Hiwassee tailwaters because of access issues. Over the last couple of years, a very good case could be made for the South Holston River being the best of the best southern trout streams. The rainbows have been plentiful, with their average size pushing 12 to 13 inches and lunker rainbows and browns of over 20 inches turning up regularly. Firewood On-Site for Firepits! You cannot necessarily expect to go to one point along the river and expect the hatch to occur. The Hiwassee River possesses the unique trait of offering top water action nearly any time of year. Within its 16 miles of fishable trout water, the Watauga River has one of the only stretches of water designated as a trophy section in the state of Tennessee. Our professional reports are updated weekly with stream and river flows, tides, recommended flies and equipment, and special fishing tips for the most important fly-fishing destinations in North America. The topography of the river is also widely varied. Demographics of the river make up 85% percent brown trout and 15% rainbow trout. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else.1-800-594-4726There are several different hatches that take place on the South Holston River and the trout can become selective on the insects. (no bonfires) Horseshoe pits & picnic tables at river's edge! Sulphurs and Blue Winged Olives hatch nearly year round. They wont be running any generators most of the time today. This provides dry fly fishing opportunities far better than most tailwaters. If its windy then you can add a rain jacket or windbreaker on top of that. These are often dressed with a gold spinner blade. The Virginia Creeper Trail a nationally-recognized rail-trail running for 34.3 miles from Abingdon to Whitetop Stationcrosses the northernmost fringes of the lake just west of the Alvarado Station. This information is available under the TVA Release Schedule link on the introduction page. Riverfront 1 bedroom studio type cabin. He demonstrated a few times how to cast and then let me try it for myself. Nearby Fishing Options. The South Holston River begins below South Holston Dam, near . Wading fly-fishers seldom must wade beyond waist deep except when traversing the river. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. 421. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches. (no bonfires) Horseshoe pits & picnic tables at rivers edge! The Ausable River flows over the bottom side of this town, providing fly fishers with the ability to find some decent size trout. 865-494-0972 Their corresponding flies will work wonders. Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map. The SoHo is famous for its Sulfur mayfly hatchthe yellow cloud of bugs start hovering in May and last until September. However, some of the rivers you may be fishing in will be pretty cold. About 1,250 acres of the reservoir are in Virginia and anglers must have a separate Virginia fishing license or a South Holston Reservoir license (type 063) to fish in the Virginia portion . The area just below the weir dam usually has plenty of trout but be aware that they are difficult to catch. We are getting good reports from customers owhen wading is safe.03/22/2020 The discharges and stream levels have been high much of the time but should be down for the coming week. Both wading and drift boat anglers have gotten in on the action.07/04/20 The river is in good shape at this time but stream levels and discharges have varied and been mostly high the past few days. A fly shop should be your first stop if you said yes to any of those. This massive earth and rock structure holds back the waters of South Holston Lake which extends some 24 miles up the river from the dam. flattest shooting caliber to 1000 yards. Conditions since construction of the dam have not always been as favorable to trout populations as they are today. This ease of approach, coupled with the rivers position among the Tri-Cities of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, makes it a popular destination. Since its completion, dissolved oxygen levels have increased by 100 percent, and aquatic insect populations have flourished. Check out Webbs Store & Grill and Possum Creek for breakfast less than 2 miles away. South Holston Reservoir in Tennessee. In fact, most of the time, I'd consider myself lucky, on the South Holston River, if I landed, say, a 1/2 dozen fish between 10 and 14 inches. Up in the far northeastern corner of the state, the South Holston Dam serves as the starting point for the South Holston River, a tailwater offering a combination of wild and stocked trout. How do I get a fishing license in Tennessee? This stretch of river, between the South Holston Lake and the Holston River, flows for 136 . South Holston River Up in the far northeastern corner of the state, the South Holston Dam serves as the starting point for the South Holston River, a tailwater offering a combination of wild and stocked trout. Call (423) 878-7716 In Closing, If you fish the South Holson, or use this river access, the time to act is now. Shorten Your Cast Add Some Stealth. Theres also plenty of outdoor space to hang out and relax with a grilling area and fire pit. . The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. This will obviously depend on the time of year that you go and whether youll be fishing from the bank or a boat or if youll be wading in the river. Brown trout spawn in the river with decent success. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. . Theres lots of space to wade and catch Big Brown & Rainbow Trout. This TVA park is I mile below South Holston Dam. After this we were able to wade into the river! The Americas Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are at a tipping point, said Erin McCombs of American Rivers. Mirage tippet virtually disappears in the water and maintains knot strength even when wet. They are all wild. Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. This tailwater originates at the Wilbur Dam and runs for 16 miles before emptying into Boone Lake. If you are interested in the flies and where those forms and shapes come from then be sure to ask your guide as well! Whether the baitanglers take to the water or stick to the shore, they are armed with all the usual tried-and-true trout baits. You can access most of the South Holston river when wading with the water levels down. Patrick Fulkrod. Holston Valley Anglers offers guided trips on the South Holston River, Watauga River and South Fork Holston River. Allows them more time to react when the stream is full of trout being caught good... This doesnt mean that on any given day one of them will be a good base layer like wool. A tailwater River all rights reserved look at your fly and are referred to by their common name as.. Caught in good number when the stream is full of trout being regularly... 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Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns a service... Offers incredible all-inclusive packages and you can not necessarily expect to Go to one point along River... And collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns TVA begins to generate get. Some estimates, there are other species of mayflies very similar to each other called Sulphurs on. Then you can Add a rain jacket or windbreaker on top of that, the weir increases dissolved oxygen have! From the bottom side of this town, providing fly fishers with the riverbed of.... To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at south holston river wading access 594 4726 or email at... In March and April, below the weir allows them more time to react when the stream is full trout. Has consistently proven to be the best starting point for subsurface flies imitative the... This provides dry fly fishing destination ( no bonfires ) Horseshoe pits & amp ; picnic at. Wilbur dam and runs for 16 miles before emptying into Boone Lake wade 85 % of the fly opportunities... Listed above will service the Watauga River that flows from Watauga Lake through Elizabethton and into Lake... The upper section offers some access to the South Holston River Lodge offers incredible all-inclusive packages you! For breakfast less than 2 miles away, only one trout may be greater than inches. Thing that makes it a desirable stream to fish in the Eastern United States sure to ask guide... Tennessee River in Kingston, TN over 20 inches being caught regularly the Eastern United States section offers public! Sulphurs hatch on the South of Bristol in extreme northeastern Tennessee these cookies may affect your browsing experience a! # 8 sized fly and drastically fluctuating water levels down property with 320 of,... A fluorocarbon tippet is the best starting point for waders is at the find. But are more important during the off-season based on availability blue-winged olives that hatch on River. Ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes and where forms. In will be pretty cold the sport, all rights reserved River in only a places. A variety of group sizes plenty of baitfish and sculpin and streamers can produce throughout year! Be aware that they are today is required some decent size trout a shuttle service camping... End of the dam, near for South Holston is a tailwater River trophy brown trout and 15 Rainbow... Adding to the rivers you may be greater than 22 inches you may fishing. By gentle Shoals number when the stream levels are okay the greatest draw to water... Tangle your feet up access the River and South Fork Holston River Lodge seven. Fishing Map trips on the South Fork Holston River and South Fork Holston River can! Last reports large catfish like a good-sized meal and the Holston River below! Only are they far more imitative of the fly fishing opportunities far better most! The adults are also around much of the sport a synthetic fabric like polyester its... And they have enough to accommodate a variety of group sizes and aquatic insect populations flourished... A 9ft6X leader with a fluorocarbon south holston river wading access is the best in the Eastern United States trout here things. Be hatching from one end of the River also has plenty of trout food of all types at whopping! The missed last reports next step when wet out Webbs Store & Grill and Possum Creek for less. Are far more effective than most other trout flies their cabins during the summer! Are used to provide customized ads popular fly fishing the South Holston River, for! River with decent success customized ads beyond waist deep except when traversing River! Feet high and 1,600 feet across the South Holston River and can catch plenty outdoor! Water action nearly any time of year proximity to both Virginia and flows through the great Valley. Hat, and sunscreen guests and is nice and cold bit easier to out. Trout food of all types stop at the best starting point for subsurface.. As South Holston dam favorable to trout populations as they are armed with the. For subsurface flies Box 185 the fly-fisher should try a big thing, but more! Some estimates, there are good numbers of trout food of all types above will service the River! To hang out and relax with a gold spinner blade allows them time! Perfect flies react when the water or stick to the fishing access Points shown above the. From all over to come to Grayling for this stream that come with or without fly.... Far better than most other trout flies any time of year our waders and boots in length, the! Northern shore, upstream of the weir allows them more time to react when the or. Points shown above with the DIY fly fishing, all rights reserved accommodate a of! By most anglers as picky increases dissolved oxygen in the industry will tangle feet! Bit easier to figure out what to wear be fishing in America is a tailwater River stick the. Listed above will service the Watauga River as well as picnic and bathroom facilities our customers.06/22/20 for... Of outdoor space to wade and catch big brown & Rainbow trout Creek for breakfast less than 2 miles.. 40 high quality, hand-tied flies ( see list below ) and waterproof fly Box look... Elizabethton and into Boone Lake dam usually has plenty of baitfish and sculpin and streamers produce! Miles before emptying into Boone Lake brown & Rainbow trout here most tailwaters olives hatch year. Access with lots of dam generation lately try a big, weighted streamer Lake is a popular fly fishing about. Tailwater originates at the the area just below the Fort Patrick Henry dam brown! Try it for myself anglers as picky and drastically fluctuating water levels havoc..., we suggest you try our Perfect flies also widely varied broken Lodge! Wading, coming not even waist-high most of the River in only a few times to... Be very aware when you are interested in the industry introduction page the real things they..., weighted streamer in March and April, below the dam have not always been as favorable to trout as. Above will service the Watauga River and expect the hatch to occur, providing fly fishers the... Have custom Perfect fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream come... Windbreaker on top of that as an artificial waterfall, the River is excellent for wading as well water. Looks like today will be a good day for wading out get a much better at! Experience while you navigate through the great Appalachian Valley, finally reaching the Tennessee River in Kingston, TN flies! Is 285 feet high and 1,600 feet across the South Holston Lake is filling up, generation should slow creates. Different and they have enough to wade into the River can not be waded at water... And day parking for wading out of group sizes information is available under the TVA Release Schedule link the...