The reason this trip is later than usual this year is to take advantage of the famous "sulfur hatch" that the South Holston is known for. The river offers some of the best dry fly fishing in the East.
The South Holston is also a
tailwater river. This means that the flow is regulated by South Holston Dam (about 10 miles upstream). The water comes from the bottom of South Holston lake, and is nice and cold. It makes a great environment for trout. The topography of the river is also widely varied. From the river access near the rentals, you are within easy walking/wading distance of calm pools, riffles, and shoals. There are several wooded islands in the river, providing not only interesting fishing options, but beautiful scenery as well.
Being a regulated river, it is important to remember that water levels will vary as TVA generates power. During the Spring and Summer months, TVA usually follows a generation schedule designed to not interfere with fishing (they usually generate power in the evenings and at night). However, they reserve the right to generate at any time. TVA provides a toll free number to check the generation schedule for the next 24 hours, and you can also check this at the TVA website.
When TVA is generating power at South Holston Dam, the water is too deep and fast for wading. But this doesn't mean that you can't fish. This is the perfect time for floating the river and fishing from a canoe, kayak, or drift boat. There are several public areas where drift boats and canoes can be launched within a 10 minute drive of the rentals. If you float a canoe or kayak, you can easily take out at the cabins' river access. If you choose a drift boat, your best bet is to take out at Bluff City, a couple of miles downstream, where there is a public boat launch.
With The Castaways, we will have our own private stretch of river to fish, as well as the TVA property closer to the dam (30 minute drive).
If you need to stock up on fishing supplies, or if you'd like to have an expert show you around the river, by all means check out the local shops and guides. More details on guide services in our next update.
You will also need a valid Tennessee fishing license. Additionally, if you are fishing for trout, or plan on taking trout, you must possess a trout license too. However, it's not necessary to get a license before you come. There are several places within a 10-15 minute drive of the cabins where you can purchase a license.
Lastly, are plenty of other fishing opportunities in the immediate area. Between tailwater rivers, headwater rivers, mountain streams, and TVA lakes, you're bound to find just about anything you want.
Headwaters of the South Fork of the Holston
Above South Holston Dam, the South Fork of the Holston River is an unregulated stream. It originates in Southwest Virginia from creeks and springs. The South Fork provides nice cool water stream fishing in the Summer months.
