South Holston River Brown Trout beside fly rod
Fishing Local Waters

Fishing Local Waters

Fishing and fish in local waters in the Southeastern United States with a focus on Eastern Tennessee and surrounding foothills of the Appalachian mountains that edge into Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. If I missed one of your favorite places (and are willing to share) send it my way. Tight lines to you all!

South Holston River (SOHO)

Fishing South Holston River - Brown Trout beside fly rod
South Holston River Wild Brown Trout – Fish was quickly release unharmed

If you are looking for fish, you want the part of the Holston River that is the tailwater of the South Holston Dam. The fishable water extends from the weir dam to the Nellie Pratt Swinging Bridge. The river is best fished from a boat and you will find lots of company on most days and times. Much of the river access is private but there are a few pull-offs and access points here and there. Fish per mile estimates are often inflated but they are “in there”.

  • Fish: Stocked and wild Brown & Rainbow Trout with Stripers in the lowest section.
  • Access: Several paved put-ins and take-outs for drift boats. Much of the land around the river is private with limited public access points.
  • Fishing Regulations: Slot limit, creel limit, closed season on some sections. More info.

Watauga River

The Watauga River for trout fishers is a tailwater of Wilbur Dam in Carter County. It is fishable all the way and into Boone Lake. Maybe somewhat lesser known nationally than the South Holston River, it is still a destination location for many anglers and is famous for its Mother’s Day Caddis hatch.

  • Fish: Stocked and wild Brown & Rainbow Trout with Stripers in the lowest section.
  • Access: Several paved put-ins and take-outs for drift boats. Much of the land around the river is private with limited public access points.
  • Fishing Regulations: Slot limit, creel limit, trophy section with special regulations. More info.

Nolichucky River Fishing

Fishing Nolichucky river near Davy Crockett Birthplace. Greene Co. TN
Nolichucky River at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park in Greene County, Tennessee – Photo by BrineStans

Starting at the confluence of the North Toe and Cane Rivers in Western North Carolina, this river flows northwest into Tennessee as it cuts across the Appalachian Trail. The Nolichucky continues its 115-mile course to Douglas Lake just below White Pine. The Nolichucky is dammed around Greenville, TN which impounds the water that makes up the roughly 380-acre Davy Crockett lake for about 6 miles upstream.

The Nolichucky is a unique river in that it is a destination for whitewater enthusiasts and anglers alike with a diverse species list. Arguably the best whitewater is down from the start of the river to Unaka Springs but you will find rafts, tubes and kayaks up and down the river.

The river holds trout, smallmouth, rock bass, black bass, crappie, catfish and muskie. The upper end is stocked with trout from the Erwin National Fish Hatchery. The smallmouth anglers tend to favor the lower section below the dam. Muskies have been reported seen and caught on several places along the river tending toward the middle and lower sections. The long-standing state records for warmouth and orange spotted sunfish were pulled from the Nolichucky.

I highly recommend a guide for trips to the Nolichucky if you are not a seasoned pro for a few reasons. First, this river can be deceptively hazardous. The upper section lists class III-IV rapids. One of the debated English translations of Nolichucky is “dangerous river”, which I think it earns. Second, this river is shared with campers, whitewater enthusiasts, weekend paddlers and inner tubers. Avoiding sections where these folks congregate is to your advantage. Finally, this is a fairly long river that holds lots of fish species. You don’t want to be fishing for trout in prime smallmouth water or vice versa. Internet search: Nolichucky + fish species + guide, and you will be on your way. As always, tell them what you want (e.g. wade fish for trout) and ask them make suggestions based on local knowledge (e.g. the smallmouth are really hammering streamers right now). Then make the tough choice.

  • Fish: Trout, Smallmouth, Rock Bass, Black Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish and Muskie.
  • Access: Public access points, roadside pull-offs, campgrounds, private pay parking.
  • Fishing Regulations: Tennessee Fishing Regulations apply. More info.