Fishing Season: year round

South Fork Holston River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Tip of the Week

Nymphing is the way to go right now. Fish an egg pattern, followed by a small nymph.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork Holston River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

South Holston River Company
Jimmy Cheers

5-Day Outlook as of 12/23/24

Cooler air and water temps have made fishing tougher. Fish are still eating, but tougher as we move into winter.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/23/24

The South Fork is a great river with many opportunities to fish different techniques. Nymphs, dries, streamers the choice is yours. A hopper dropper rig is very effective for this stretch.

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):
Shaky Worm N/A 8
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ N/A 14
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A 14
Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail N/A 16
Adams Parachite N/A 14-18
Tellico Nymph yellow 12-16
Griffin's Stimicator N/A 12
March Brown N/A 10-14
Elk Hair Caddis olive 14-18
Squirmy Worm Red 12-14

Shaky Worm

This trout fishing worm pattern will make you a believer.

2.49

Item #0K7T

Buy Now

Mountain Sports-Bristol Va's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Fork Holston River

The South Fork of the Holston is a fairly small river located in SWVA. It is home of the Virginia State record brown trout of over 15lbs. This river has a lot of Spring Fed influence which makes it a super trout fishery. On one section of the South Fork you might fish for rainbows in a fast riffle or go upriver and find Browns sipping on midges while the stream meanders through a meadow. This will be the coolest flowing water in the summer and warmest flowing water in the winter; great fishing year round!

Nearest Airport:

Tri Cities Regional Airport

Hatches:

Sulpher and nymph dropper rigs. BWO's on overcast day's.

Best Time to Fish:

mid day, evening

Best Stretch:

Buller Fish Hatchery and up river (upper regions)

Best Access:

Buller Dam parking Lot