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- Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout
- Angler Type: Boat or Wade
- Access Type: Public and Private
Guides
Fly Shops
Lodges
Description
The Watauga River is one of my most favorite rivers. It has great Blue Wing Olive hatches in early spring and the Caddis hatch that follows can rival most western hatches. It has a steeper gradient than most Tennessee tailwaters and feels more like a free stoner when fishing it. The Watauga can also be a bit technical for some rowers and it is suggested that you are competent on the sticks before attempting it. The Trophy Section of the Watauga is probably the most productive and has some of the best fishing holding water. Nymph rigs and dry/droppers rigs are the best to use on the Watauga, but you may have to add a bit more weight to get down in some of the faster riffles.
Please practice safe wading practices and be sure to check the generation schedules before you go.
Click here for TVA Generation Schedule
Suggested Flies
- Zebra Midges
- Tungsten Bead Head Pheasant Tails
- Split Case Sulphur Nymphs
- Scuds
- Sow Bugs
- Sulphur Dries
- Gray Caddis
- Streamers
Suggested Rods/Reels/Lines
9 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
Watauga River (Quality Trout Fishing Area, Smallings Bridge Road downstream to CSX Railroad bridges)
- 14 inch minimum length limit2 Trout creel limit
- Use or possession of any bait is prohibited
- Trout less than 14 may not be in possession
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
- Wilbur Reservoir Ramp (lake)
- Pull-offs along Wilbur Dam Road
- Wilbur Dam Parking Area
- Hunter Bridge
- Blevins Road Access
- Highway 400 Access
Click here for a TWRA river and access map
Getting There
From Interstate 81 exit to 57A on to Interstate 26 South to exit 31 on to Highway 321 east towards Elizabethon, TN Click here for local weather forcast.
