Fishing Season: year round

South Holston River - TN

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Tip of the Week

MSL lead guide Eric Dickinson says, "Winter in creeping in!! Use EXTREME caution if wading before or during generation. NOT recommended to wade in high flows. Perfect time to book a float trip! If wadeable flows are available, wading the TVA access points on the upper river will be productive."

Directions open in app

Map of South Holston River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

South Holston River Company
Foscoe Fishing Company
Jimmy Cheers

5-Day Outlook as of 12/11/25

Low water flows most afternoons starting around 1pm. TVA is generating 1500cfs when the dam is on. Short 4-5hr windows of highwater at the moment. Big Browns are on the move as we approach their spawning window in Nov/Dec. Don't be afraid to throw bigger bugs as they are looking to pack away calories before the spawn. Spawning sections are closed until the end of January!! Closed to fishing, wading, and anchoring from the Bottom Creek confluence to Hickory Tree Bridge and the upstream tip of Webb Island to the bottom of Weaver Pike Island. Know before you go! Call the shop with any questions. 276-466-8988.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/11/25

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, Eric@mtnsportsltd.com

Local Species Available year round

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

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

English Pheasant Tail

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Item #0434

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Mountain Sports-Bristol Va'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: 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"

Nearest Airport:

Tri Cities Regional

Hatches:

Sulphurs, BWO's, Black Flies

Best Time to Fish:

12pm - 5pm

Best Stretch:

Big Springs Road

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