South Holston River
river in Tennessee
Tailwater trout fishery with highly consistent flows and large insect hatches; draws anglers statewide for Rainbow, Brown and native Brook Trout as well as excellent dry-fly opportunities.
Consistent BWO hatches are expected
- 01Consistent BWO hatches are expected, particularly on overcast days.
- 02Caddis are present and active subsurface, providing additional insect activity.
- 03Midges remain a year-round, reliable food source in the tailwater environment.
- 04Overcast skies and moderate temperatures (59°F) create favorable conditions for dry fly and emerger fishing.
- 05Deeper runs and current breaks are key holding areas for trout feeding on nymphs and streamers.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches on the South Holston, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from trout keying on vulnerable insects in the film.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer, the Olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for aggressive trout in the cooler fall waters.
Zebra Midge (Black)
A staple year-round pattern, effective for enticing finicky trout as midges remain a primary active insect even in colder fall water conditions.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, especially on overcast days, making this a prime imitation for selective trout feeding on adults.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae and emergers are active throughout the fall; swinging this pattern through the current effectively imitates these vulnerable insects.
Buy at AmazonTH Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters like the South Holston year-round; this weighted pattern is excellent for getting deep into the strike zone.
Juan's Slim Shady
This low-profile BWO dry fly is effective for selective trout keying on adult Blue-Winged Olives during fall hatches on the South Holston River.
Blood Dot Egg
As fall progresses, egg patterns become highly effective below spawning areas, mimicking a significant food source for opportunistic trout.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Bluff City Access / Riverfront Park
Popular public put-in and wading area adjacent to Bluff City with easy roadside access and good dry-fly water.
Carter's Valley / Stone Mountain Road
Excellent technical nymphing and dry-fly runs accessed from a series of pullouts along Stone Mountain Road.
South Holston Dam Tailrace
Primary trout-producing tailrace immediately below the dam where cold, oxygenated releases concentrate trout.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Tailwaters Fly Co.
Appalachian Outpost
Hellbender Outfitters
South Holston River Fly Shop
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Tennessee season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about South Holston River.
What flies work best on South Holston River?
Our top scored fly patterns for South Holston River right now are Sulphur Comparadun (90% confidence), Damsel Nymph (Olive) (90% confidence), Gurgler (Bass) (85% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in South Holston River?
South Holston River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on South Holston River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for South Holston River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is South Holston River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for South Holston River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.