Fishing on the South Holston River

South Holston River

The South Holston River is deemed a premier trout fishing river that begins as a tailwater (water emanating from the bottom of the dam) of the South Holston Lake. The cold, deep waters emanating from the dam ensure good fishing conditions year-round. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) generates water based on electric needs and water levels. When the TVA is not generating, the river is ideal for wade fishing, seldom finding water over waist-deep. The river is approximately 80 yards wide and our river frontage abuts the TVA river frontage offering approximately one mile of wade-able river to fish.

During times of water generation, the river is ideal for float fishing with a guide. They know the river and will offer an exciting fishing experience. Biologists say that the river fish population exceeds 8,500 trout per mile. Brown trout, which are the majority of the trout, are wild trout (no longer stocked), while rainbow trout are still being stocked each year, though very plentiful.

Watauga River

Our sister river to the South Holston River is the Watauga River located just a few miles apart. It, too, is a tailwater river emanating from Wilbur Dam on Watauga Lake. It carries similar fishing conditions to the South Holston River with a stronger concentration of rainbow trout in the 12-16" range.

Both the South Holston River and Watauga River can be fished year-round, though spawning grounds are protected during winter months. March-August are great months for nymphing and topwater action. Sulphur hatches on the South Holston and Caddis hatches on the Watauga River provide an exciting time to be on the water.