South Holston River

The South Holston river is truly one of the majestic gems in the Southeast. Consistently ranked in the top three trout rivers in the Southeast, the river garners national attention every year for producing beautiful, large trout. The river is a tailwater which means it produces an abundance of natural insect life. Mayfly populations and varieties abound year round and the trout are usually willing to cooperate if the presentation is dead on.

The South Holston is considered one of the most technical rivers also, regardless of water flows. Braided currents, eddies, and deep runs provide our trout the most suitable habitat to gorge themselves on aquatic insects and baitfish alike. In high water the river runs about 2500 cubic feet per second (cfs) and is about 70 yards wide. In low water the river runs around 200 cfs but remains 60 yards wide.

The South Holston provides anglers the variety to catch trophy trout in both water conditions. In high water you have a choice of dumping the reel towards the bank, watching 10lb trout roll off the grass bed and explode on your streamer. You can also nymph the pockets and have more than 60 fish daily, averaging 14-16 inches with plenty of opportunity to catch 20+ inch fish. The river produces one of the most prolific sulpher hatches on the east coast, occurring daily from late May through mid October. This is always exciting and challenging in low or high water. The winter months produce great blue wing olive hatches, midges and blackflies.

Tight Line Fly Fishing offers guided float and wade trips on the South Holston year round. Weekdays offer the best chance for floating while weekends give our anglers the chance to walk-in with a guide and really catch some nice fish in some of our “secret spots”. The river is 13 ½ miles long and we break it up into three floats depending on the anglers preference for aquatic insects (dry fly or nymphing) or baitfish (streamers). If you think you need to go out west for big water and big fish, think again. Save yourself the travel time and expensive and come to the South Holston. It’s right in your backyard, it holds plenty of 10lbs or better fish and you don’t have to worry about whitefish!

Tight Line Fly Fishing strives to set the standard by which all other float trips are measured. Gourmet streamside lunches are provided on float trips and wade trips break to eat at a local grocery that is second to none. All gear can be provided but if you have a favorite 9-foot, 5wt bring it along. We promise to impress you whether it’s your first guided trip or your 100th.

The South Holston is a tailwater and water flows are completely dependent on TVA. While this river offers challenging fishing conditions, water flows are unpredictable so be prepared for a walk-in trip or to fish another river if the generation schedule does not cooperate.

Rates are $350.00 for one or two anglers.