Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    South Holston Tailwater (below dam)on South Holston River

    Primary trout fishery immediately below South Holston Dam — famous for predictable flows and prolific hatches.
    South Holston River reportDirections36.5510°N, 82.3147°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active

    1. 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active, especially on overcast days.
    2. 02Midges are a consistent, year-round food source subsurface.
    3. 03Wild brown trout are beginning pre-spawn and early spawning activity.
    4. 04Focus dry fly efforts on slower runs and eddies.
    5. 05Nymphing is effective in faster riffles and deeper runs.
    6. 06Streamers should be worked along undercut banks and log jams for larger trout.
    7. 07A perfect dead drift is paramount for wary South Holston trout.

    What to tie on at South Holston Tailwater (below dam)

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    dry95%

    Sulphur Comparadun

    #16#18#20

    June has brought excellent sulfur dry fly fishing opportunities for rising trout on the South Holston River, making this a prime imitation.

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    dry90%

    Gurgler (Bass)

    #2#4#6

    The topwater bite for smallmouth bass is in full swing, and this popper creates an enticing disturbance to trigger aggressive surface strikes.

    emerger90%

    Pale Evening Dun Sparkle Dun

    #14#16

    PMD/Sulphur emergers are crucial during active hatches when trout are feeding in the film, aligning with the current sulfur emergences.

    nymph90%

    Damsel Nymph (Olive)

    #14#16#18

    Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on damsel flies, making this a prime subsurface pattern for targeting them in vegetated areas.

    nymph85%

    Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph

    #14#16#18

    A versatile searching nymph that mimics various aquatic insects, highly effective for subsurface nymphing, especially after recent rainfall.

    nymph85%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are the most prolific hatch during the winter months on the South Holston; black or red patterns in sizes 20-24 are essential.

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    nymph85%

    Mop Fly

    #10#12#14

    A general workhorse nymph, imitating grubs and larvae, consistently effective for putting fish in the net in tailwaters, particularly after recent rain.

    streamer85%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A reliable streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, excellent for covering water and enticing aggressive strikes from trout and smallmouth, especially with favorable post-rain conditions.

    dry80%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Caddis activity is strong in late spring, making this a versatile dry fly for actively feeding trout on the South Holston.

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    Virginia season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    21MIVirginia Creeper Fly ShopAbingdon