Fishing Season: year round

South Fork Holston River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

South Holston River Company's Tip of the Week

Larger mayfly and Stonefly patterns followed by a small pheasant tail is working well. With forecast of rain insight, fishing streamers in off color water and produce some action.

Directions open in app

Map of South Fork Holston River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

South Holston River Company

5-Day Outlook as of 10/1/26

Fall fishing is finally underway. The mountain streams have been low and on the warmer side. If you can leave these fish alone till things cool down. This is a great time to hit the tailwaters instead. Cooler weather and much needed rain is coming soon! Dry dropper rigs and tight line nymphing in the swifter water will get the job done!

Techniques & Tips as of 10/1/26

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. Smaller chubbies #12-14 and attractor nymphs still catching fish.

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):
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A 8
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ N/A 14
Tunghead Prince N/A 14
Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A 16
Adams Parachute Dry Fly N/A 12
Adams N/A 10-14
Adams Parachite N/A 14-18
Tellico Nymph yellow 12-16
Elk Hair Caddis olive 14-18
Squirmy Worm Red 12-14

Vernille San Juan Worm

Fish the Vernille San Juan Worm fly dead drifted tight to the bottom and it can be deadly.

2.49

Item #0290

Buy Now

South Holston River Company'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:

early morning

Best Stretch:

Buller Fish Hatchery and up river (upper regions)

Best Access:

Buller Dam parking Lot