South Holston River Fishing | A Beginner’s Guide

The South Holston River is world-renowned for its abundant wild brown trout population, spectacular summer sulfur hatches, and some of the best year-round dry fly fishing in Tennessee, United States. Before you go fly fishing, there are some important things you need to know about South Holston River fishing opportunities.
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Time for Insect Hatches

The South Holston River is famous for its trout fishery yet boasts stunning natural beauty as it winds through a valley surrounded by rolling hills in northeast Tennessee. The River features fast and slow currents, with gentle riffles leading into deeper pools teeming with sizable wild rainbow trout populations.
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An effective fly fishing hatch chart can be invaluable when fishing for fly fish in rivers. It will show which insects are present at any moment and help you select suitable flies that mimic them closely, increasing your odds of hooking into fish more often.
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Terrestrials also play a key role in fishing on this river, with terrestrial patterns like hopper and beetle patterns proving very effective during the summer and fall months. Streamers also work well, with large imitation crayfish getting excellent responses from fish.
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Understand the Water Levels of the Holston River

The South Holston River has long been considered one of the premier trout streams in America. With over 6,000 trout per river mile and a Sulphur hatch, this river has earned itself a good reputation.

However, for optimal experiences, you must visit at just the right time, with the best weather and water conditions. Daily generation schedules impact water levels, so bank anglers should wait until no dam generation occurs, and float boaters should take advantage of low discharge times when planning their visit.

South Holston offers excellent dry fly fishing due to its higher flow. Spring and Summer bring prolific Caddisfly hatches, making an Elk-Hair pattern popular locally - this style can also be fished as emergers when trout are feeding, with Sulphur mayflies being another effective dry fly option when trout are feeding actively.

Monitoring weather forecasts is essential, as heavy rain can lead to increased discharge, affecting water clarity and trout behavior. Additionally, paying attention to water temperature fluctuations can help determine optimal fishing times, as trout tend to be more active in cooler waters.
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Fishing Conditions

At low water levels, the River can be navigated in both canoe and kayak; when levels rise to their ideal height, it can also be floated in a raft, canoe, or float ring. Most public land along its banks is privately owned; some enterprising property owners offer parking spaces or provide access across their properties for anglers.
Caddisflies provide trout and smallmouth bass with an important food source on the River. The Cinnamon Caddis hatch is the main one, beginning in March and reaching its peak by May. Other species also hatch occasionally during the summer and fall months.

South Holston is well known for its Blue-winged Olive hatches in winter, spring, and late fall. Most hatches consist of species; however, one resembling a black fly imitation is called Drunella, and trout can often be seen taking advantage of it to feed.

Therefore, flying fishermen often attempt to match this hatch by fishing black fly imitations of Drunellas during fishing sessions.
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Choose The Best Fly Fishing Gear

The South Holston River is not heavily fished due to various factors, and that is why you need the best fly fishing gear. First and foremost is its beautiful small stream that's hard to access; combined with other nearby trout streams and their abundance, this keeps anglers at bay from overfishing this stream.

Furthermore, Tennessee Valley Authority “TVA”, constructed a labyrinthine aeration weir a mile downstream, adding fresh oxygen to the River's waters, further reducing fishing pressure on this stretch of the River.

Annually, the River is stocked with catchable browns and rainbows, which adjust quickly to their new environment. This provides beginners and intermediate fly-fishers alike with an opportunity to test their skills against experienced anglers. These fish are great educational material and invaluable skill tests for advanced fly-fishers.
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Trout Fly Fishing at South Holston River

A Fishing Trip on the South Holston River

The River offers superb trout fishing throughout the spring and summer months. Dry fly fishing is particularly effective during the prolific caddis hatches in sizes 12-16. In the afternoon hours on this Tennessee tailwater, sulfur hatches may also occur, making sulfur wet fly an excellent option to fish with at this time.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that our readers have asked us
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Where Is the Best Place to Fish in the South Holston River?

The best place to fish in the South Holston River is the area below the South Holston river, known for its productive tailwater fishery. Specifically, the Weir Dam section and the stretch downstream to Bluff City are popular spots. These areas offer consistent water flow and excellent trout fishing opportunities.
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When to Fish the South Holston River?

The best times to fish the South Holston River are during spring and fall when water levels and temperatures are ideal. Early morning and late evening are particularly productive. Additionally, fishing during consistent dam releases can improve your chances, as these create favorable feeding conditions for trout.
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What Kind of Fish Are in the South Holston River?

The South Holston River is renowned for its trout, particularly brown and rainbow trout. It also hosts smallmouth bass, sunfish, and various species of minnows and darters, making it a diverse fishing spot ideal for both fly fishing and conventional angling enthusiasts.
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Is the Holston River Good for Fishing?

Yes, the Holston River is excellent for fishing, particularly renowned for its brown and rainbow trout populations. The river also offers opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, sunfish, and other species. Its clear waters, abundant fish, and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for anglers.
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What Is the Size Limit for Bass in South Holston?

The size limit for bass in South Holston river typically follows Tennessee state regulations, which impose an 18-inch minimum size limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass. However, regulations can change, so it's essential to check the latest rules from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before fishing.
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Conclusion

The South Holston River is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its robust trout population and prolific insect hatches offer exceptional opportunities year-round. With the right equipment, proper licenses, and strategic planning on insect activity, your float fishing trips on the South Holston River can be productive and unforgettable.
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Tennessee's South Holston River fly fishing

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Everything You Need to Know About South Holston River Fishing