Fishing Season: year round

South Holston River - TN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

South Holston River Company's Tip of the Week

Scuds and midges are catching fish consistently in the mornings followed by Sulphurs and BWOs in the afternoon. Also don’t count out the streamer fishing right now short bite windows can yield big rewards. If we’re lucky enough to see another shad kill this year the big boys will be aggressively slamming streamers.

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Map of South Holston River

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

South Holston River Company
Foscoe Fishing Company
Jimmy Cheers

5-Day Outlook as of 10/21/26

The flows are primed for drift boat fishing! TVA has cut back the flows to 1,400 cfs. Fishing is great right now as the browns are fired up in pre-spawn mode.Scuds and midges are catching fish consistently in the mornings followed by Sulphurs and BWOs in the afternoon. The weather has been perfect. And if you’re lucky enough to float the upper river in the afternoons we’ve seen some of the best dry fly fishing of the year from 2-5pm. Sulphurs still hatching strong but this won’t last long.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/21/26

Many approaches can be applied on the SoHo. However a long leader, 6X tippet, and small flies will be the best practice. The river is packed with fish, but they are smart and selective. Most nymphs will start at a size 16 and go smaller from there. Sulphurs around an 16-18 and BWO's will be 20-24. Streamer fishing is usually reserved for float trips during high water. Always remember, generation flows change daily. Check the flows before you enter the water: http://www.tva.gov/lakes/shh_r.htm

Local Species Available year round

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

South Holston River Company's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
English Pheasant Tail Natural 18-20
TH Zebra Midge Olive 20-22
Sparkle Dun Sulphur 16-18
Birchell’s Hatching Midge Black 22
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail Natural 18-20
Squirmy Worm red 10-12
zebra midge Purple 18-22
CDC Comparadun BWO 20-26
Puff Daddy PMD 16-18

English Pheasant Tail

This English Pheasant Tail fly is a quintessential nymph pattern.

2.49

Item #0434

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South Holston River Company's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Holston River

The River: The South Holston River begins as a tailwater emanating from the South Holston Dam. The cold, deep waters of the South Holston Lake keep water at a constant enough temperature to insure good fishing conditions year round. The width of the river can range anywhere from sixty yards to one hundred yards, and is easily crossable when the TVA isn't generating. Water depth during non-generating hours will remain low enough to wade 85% of the river. The Fish: Wild brown trout thrive in the year-round cold water of the South Holston. Brown trout have not been stocked here since 2003, making this an exceptional naturally producing trout stream. With the exception of a few stocker rainbows the wild browns rule this river. Fishing Osceola Island and the Emmet Rd TVA Weir Access area is the best place to start Roughly 2 miles of public access on the upper portion of the river • Drifting the river is a great option for times the TVA is generating. Legal Considerations • Spawning sites are protected November through February. • No fish 16" to 22" may be kept (large number of fish in this slot). • 7 Fish per-day slot limit with only 1 over 22"

Nearest Airport:

Tri Cities Regional

Hatches:

Sulphurs, BWO's, Midges and Streamers.

Best Time to Fish:

12pm - 5pm

Best Stretch:

Upper River Emmet Rd TVA Access

Best Access:

Emmet Bridge, TVA Riverbend access, Big Springs Road, Rock Hold, . As of November 1, two sections of the river will be closed for spawning. From the lower property of the TVA Riverben access, Hickory Tree Bridge, Weaver Pike Bridge Check with me at the shop anytime on specifics of locations. 276.466.8988