Watauga River

Located in Elizabethton, TN, the Watauga has 19 miles of fishable water with several floating options, offering diverse fishing conditions. While this river has not received the national recognition of the South Holston, it has quickly become one of the most popular rivers in the Southeast and for good reason. The river holds some very large brown and rainbow trout that are almost always willing to cooperate. Located near the dam, the upper section of the river fishes the best on high water. This would be the float of choice for the angler seeking to catch the fish of a lifetime. Each season, numerous fish in the 5 to 10 pound range are caught with a few even exceeding the 10 pound mark.

The middle section is the least fished of the three sections due to lack of access, but is worth the trouble during peak season to get away from the crowds. This is an active section of the river in terms of insect life and fish population. Good hatches of Caddis, Craneflies, Sulphurs, Blue Winged Olives and Midges give anglers an opportunity to cast dry flies to rising fish. During times of slow surface activity, nymphs and emergers will be the flies of choice. It is not uncommon in this section to have 50 fish days during peak hatches.

The lower section also known as the "Trophy Section" fishes great year round. Midges, Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, several different species of Mayflies, Craneflies and small Terrestrials are present beginning in late March through mid October. There are some really nice fish in this section, which can be really elusive during periods of high traffic.

Rates are $350.00 for one or two anglers.