View Cart
By T&T Pro Staff Sam Presutti - Photos by John Stunkard |
When most folks imagine fly fishing, their minds immediately drift to the famous rivers of the West. Contrary to popular belief, the East has a few Crown Jewels of its own that could compete with the best of western trout water. Two of these rivers are nestled in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee, about 30 minutes apart. The South Holston River and Watauga River, sister tailwaters, have some of the highest trout densities in the lower 48.
Consistent dam-regulated releases and limestone influences create the perfect combination, making these rivers two of the most prolific insect factories in the country. A food-filled reservoir that connects the two rivers allows these waters to potentially grow some of the largest wild brown trout anywhere in the country. Depending upon the time of year, rainfall, power demand, and flood control, varying flows create ample opportunities to use many tactics within a single day, with fluctuations of up to 2000 cfs during generation periods.
South Holston River
The South Holston, locally known as the “SoHo,” is the main attraction. TVA finished the construction of the South Holston Dam in 1951. But it wasn’t until the 1991 construction of the weir dam that this river came to life. This structure was designed as an aerating labyrinth to increase oxygen levels below the main dam, creating an oxygen-rich environment in which trout and mayflies can thrive.
It’s been determined through electroshock surveys that this river is home to 7-10,000 trout per mile, with an estimated 80% being wild brown trout. The state of Tennessee hasn’t stocked a single brown trout into the SoHo since 2003.
SoHo fishing can be some of the most dynamic you can find anywhere. During periods of non-generation, the SoHo feels and looks like a giant spring creek. Sight casting and feeding long line drifts on flat glass, crystal clear waters to the brown trout of your dreams is not uncommon. When the river generates, one encounters water with rolling riffles, flooded front yards, undercut banks, drop-offs, and plenty of trout structure. Opportunities abound for streamer fishing, indicator nymphing, and sulphur hatches that excite even the novice fisherman.
Watauga River
The Watauga River is often overshadowed by the Soho. However, if the SoHo didn’t exist, the Watauga would be a destination of its own. This river is almost 19 miles long and home to around 5,000 trout per square mile with a 50/50 mix of brown and rainbow trout. And, like the SoHo, all of its brown trout are naturally reproducing. The local guides know the Taug as a constant producer, During periods of difficult fishing on the SoHo, the Taug becomes the gift that keeps on giving. Where the SoHo tends to fish more like a technical tailwater or spring creek, the Taug tends to fish more like a freestone river. These fish are more susceptible to larger fly patterns and less-than-perfect presentations.
Spring
April marks the most popular time to visit our tailwaters, and for good reason. The month begins with an explosive caddis hatch on the Watauga River, followed by the most consistent sulphur hatches from late April to early September. Suckers push up from Boone Lake along with shad. In turn, our system’s largest brown trout follow to gorge on eggs, baitfish, and the hatching insects, producing incredible nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing opportunities.
Summer
Summer tailwater fishing will challenge the skills of many seasoned anglers. Sight fishing to monster brown trout during lower flows is not uncommon. Although summer doesn’t produce spring-day numbers, compensation is made with some larger trout. The sulphurs become less abundant, and the fish begin to key in on small midges, scuds, and sowbugs. Summer also offers the opportunity to fish small terrestrials such as beetles and ants.
Fall
It’s hard to beat the crisp fall air and the beautiful colors of the changing leaves in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. The largest trout in the system start to migrate upriver toward their winter spawning grounds and feed heavily during this pre-spawn window. We have consistent BWO hatches, midges, and an occasional sulphur or two. Streamer fishing is highly productive. We often have hybrid flow schedules with a mix of high and low water, presenting opportunities to sight fish for quality trout during low flow, as well as streamer fishing or nymph tactics during generation periods.
Winter
Winter is an underrated time to visit South Holston and Watauga. While most other trout destinations experience frigid temperatures and potentially iced-up or slushy conditions, our river temperatures remain in the mid-forties. Our winter weather is relatively mild most years, with an occasional day in February touching the mid-sixties.
While you do need to be aware of brown trout spawning, not all fish will be spawning at the same time, and it’s completely okay to fish during this time if you exercise caution. The South Holston has two closed spawning sections.
- Bottom creek to hickory tree bridge
- The tip of the island upstream of the web bridge to the bottom of the island below the Weaver Pike bridge
During this time, it is important to pay attention to the areas you are fishing. Steer clear of shallow gravel areas with pea-sized gravel to the best of your ability. If you see actively spawning fish, let them do their thing; the future of the fishery depends on it.
Whether you are a novice angler or a seasoned vet looking to sharpen your skills, the tailwaters of East Tennessee have something for everyone. So before you think that you have to travel across the country for great trout fishing, you may want to look closer to home!