South Holston
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- Species: Rainbow and Brown Trout
- Angler Type: Wade or Boat
- Access Type: Public or Private
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Description
The South Holston River may very possibly be the best trout fishery east of the Mississippi River. The South Holston boasts a very healthy population of wild reproducing Brown Trout. Yes, “WILD” the state of Tennessee has not stocked Brown Trout since 2004. It has a completely self sustaining populations of Brown Trout and regularly produces fish that are over 20 inches. It can get almost blanket hatches of Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs starting in the spring and continuing on into summer. When these hatches happen you can find 20 inch fish rising to dry flies. There are also midges and black flies present all year long. The South Holston is a technical fisherman’s dream. Long light leaders and precise fly selection is name of the game.
The South Holston is also a great stream to throw streamers during generation. This is a great way to catch that fish of a lifetime. Hire a guide for that true Western drift boat experience. The South Holston is predominately bed rock but it does have a few gravel shoals and ledges. Wade fishing can only be done during NO generation. During generation it is best fished from a drift boat or drift raft.
The South Holston is also in close proximity to the Watauga River and many local freestone mountain streams such as the Doe River, Laurel Fork and many Virginia free stones.
Please practice safe wading practices and be sure to check the generation schedules before you go.
Click here for TVA Generation Schedule
- Zebra Midges
- Tungsten Bead Head Pheasant Tails
- Split Case Sulphur Nymphs
- Scuds
- Sow Bugs
- Sulphur Dries
- Gray Caddis
- Streamers
Suggested Rods/Reels/Lines9 foot 4,5,6 or 7 weight rods with matching reels and floating fly lines, unless throwing streamers, then use sinking fly lines
2011 Regulations
South Holston River (South Holston Dam to Hwy 37 Bridge in Bluff City)
- 16 – 22 inch protected length range on all trout
- 7 trout creel limit, only 1 trout may be greater than 22 inches
Closed to all fishing Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 in the following Area
- Hickory Tree bridge upstream to it’s confluence with Bottom Creek
- Downstream point of Boy’s Island (first island downstream from Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge.
For more information on daily creel limits and additional information please refer to the 2011 Tennessee Fishing Regulations
Click here to purchase a Tennessee Fishing License
Public Access Points
- Weir Dam Access
- Emmett Road Access
- TVA Walk-in Access
- Weaver Pike Bridge
Click here for a TWRA river and access map
Getting There
From Interstate 81, take I-26 South via exit 57A towards Johnson City, then take exit 19 to go east on State of Franklin to Bluff City. Turn right at Bluff City to TN-44, continue on TN-44 through Bluff City. Continue on TN-44 for 7 miles, you will cross the South Holston, then go straight through the four way stop and at .2 mile turn right onto Emmett Road continue for .8 miles then turn right to Holston View Dam Road. (note: this is not the most direct route to the Dam however it follows the river for a good bit and will help you get the lay of the land, plus you drive by the Fly Shop of Tennessee, stop in and say hi to Eddie) Click here for local weather forcast.
