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River guide · Tennessee

Fly Fishing the South Holston River

One of the premier tailwaters in the American Southeast, the South Holston holds an extraordinary density of wild brown and rainbow trout (estimated at 8,500 fish per mile) and is most famous for its prolonged, prolific sulphur hatches that bring selective surface-feeders up each evening from mid-April through October, demanding technical presentations on light tippet.

  • 15 shops nearby
  • tailwater
  • Year-round
  • Tennessee
  • 6 key hatches
See fly shops ↓

The best time to fly fish the South Holston River is Year-round. Key hatches include Sulphurs / Eastern Pale Evening Duns, Blue, Midges, Caddis. 15 fly shops near the South Holston River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the South Holston River

Shops and guides that fish the South Holston River. See all 23 Tennessee shops →

South Holston River Fly ShopThe Fly Box on the South Holston RiverHigh Flying Flies Guide ServiceEast Tennessee Fly FishingThe South Holston River Company Fly Shop & OutfitterRiverstone Fly FishingHigh Country Angler Fly FishingMountainBound Fly GuidesWest Fork Anglers -Fly Fishing Guide ServiceSouthern Drifters OutfittersOne Fly Outfitters
11 fly shops shown

Species on this water

BassBonefishMuskyPanfishSalmonSteelheadStriperTrout

Nearby towns

EmmettRuthtonCrest View

Rivers nearby

Watauga RiverTuckasegee RiverNantahala RiverSmith River
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the South Holston River

River typetailwater
Best seasonYear-round; peak dry-fly season mid-April through October for sulphur hatches; fall (September–November) for trophy brown trout on streamers; winter viable with midge and BWO patterns.
AccessThe primary access corridor runs below South Holston Dam via Holston View Dam Road, where TVA Weir Dam pull-offs provide wade access and parking. Additional access at Big Springs Road, Hickory Tree Bridge (Weaver Pike), Big Springs Public Boat Ramp, Riverbend Road pull-offs, and Forrest Thomas Boat Ramp near Bluff City for full-day floats. Check TVA release schedule before each trip as flows fluctuate rapidly.
Key hatches
  • Sulphurs / Eastern Pale Evening Duns — mid-April through early November, most evenings (the defining hatch)
  • Blue-winged Olive — year-round, most prolific in winter and fall
  • Midges — year-round, essential in cold months
  • Caddis (Green Sedge, Cinnamon, Little Black) — April through October
  • Terrestrials (ants, beetles, hoppers) — June through September
  • Streamers / sculpin patterns — fall and winter for trophy browns
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the South Holston River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

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Gear up

Gear up on the South Holston River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

Shop the gear Flies that work

The flies that work on the South Holston River

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Updated June 2026