South Holston River | TN Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 7/14/25

Low water flows in the morning, High water flows in the afternoon!! Perfect time to book an afternoon float trip! Be cautious around the river as TVA is running 1 generator most afternoons. Awesome Sulphur hatches on both low water in the mornings and on high water in the afternoons. Terrestrial fishing is also on the rise! Japanese Beetles, June Bugs, and Ants will get the job done on low water. Splat them under trees! If Trout wont scratch your fishing itch, topwater Smallmouth Bass fish has been awesome as of late. Floating the lower S. Holston and Holston proper with Big Foam bugs and poppers has been the ticket! Leave the 4wt and 6x at home! Rig up the 6-7wt with an 8lbs mono leader and hold on! They're strong and mean! Call the shop with any questions. 276-466-8988.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/25

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. Sulphers will be 14-16 and BWO's will be 16-20. 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 Feel free to buzz me for the most up to date info on the hour at 276.466.8988, or shoot me an email, jimmy@mtnsportsltd.com

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name:	Colors:	Size(s):
English Pheasant Tail	Olive	16
TH Zebra Midge	Black	20-22
AK BWO Para Quil	N/A	20
Indicator Parachute - Sulphur	N/A	16-18
Squirmy Worm	Pink	10-12
zebra midge	Purple	18-22
I Can See It Midge Fly	Black	22
Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail	N/A	14-16
CDC Comparadun	BWO	20-26
Puff Daddy	PMD	16

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Super Strong Plus Leaders
Best Tippet:

SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
Best Fly Fishing Rod:

5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
Best Floating Fly Line:

WF Trout Fly Line
Best Sinking Fly Line:

Class V Sink Tip Fly Line

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: The fish of the South Holston River have a wild population of roughly 34% with the remainder stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. Some farm fish survive becoming nearly indistinguishable from native trout. Fishing • Waders will seldom find even waist deep water when not crossing 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"

South Holston River - TN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Tip of the Week

Directions open in app

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

5-Day Outlook as of 7/14/25

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/25

Local Species Available year round

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Recommended Fly Patterns

English Pheasant Tail

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Recommended Gear

Best Leader:

Best Tippet:

Best Fly Fishing Rod:

Best Floating Fly Line:

Best Sinking Fly Line:

Description: About South Holston River

Nearest Airport:

Hatches:

Best Time to Fish:

Best Stretch:

Best Access: