South Holston River
Tennessee · Northeast Tennessee
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on South Holston River
South Holston Dam Tailwater
The South Holston immediately below its dam is Tennessee's most demanding and rewarding trout fishery. Enormous brown and rainbow trout averaging 18-22 inches are present throughout this super-productive tailwater. Trico and sulphur hatches in summer create spectacular fishing requiring expert technical skills.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–500 CFS. Below South Holston Dam fishes best at consistent moderate releases — trico hatch in late summer and fall is exceptional.
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Osceola Island
Osceola Island on the South Holston provides wade access to excellent tailwater trout in a picturesque setting. Brown trout dominate this section with fish often exceeding 20 inches. The technical nature of the fishing requires precise presentations to selective fish feeding in clear water.
💧 Ideal flow: 100–400 CFS. The upper section near the dam fishes best at low stable flows — cold consistent tailwater releases year-round.
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Weaver Pike Bridge
Weaver Pike Bridge accesses the middle South Holston with good populations of large brown and rainbow trout. This section offers slightly more forgiving fishing than the dam section. Evening trico hatches from July through September create extraordinary dry fly opportunities.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–500 CFS. The middle section fishes well at moderate flows — one of the Southeast's most productive tailwaters.
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Emmett Holt Landing
Emmett Holt Landing provides boat launch access for float fishing the productive middle South Holston. Large brown trout are accessible throughout this section with fish benefiting from consistent tailwater flows. Fall is particularly productive for trophy-sized browns.
💧 Ideal flow: Check dam release schedule — South Holston flows are controlled by TVA and can vary significantly with power generation.
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Lower Section near Bristol
The South Holston approaching the Virginia border near Bristol maintains quality tailwater conditions with excellent brown trout. This lower section receives less fishing pressure than the dam area. Wild reproduction provides a self-sustaining trout population throughout the lower river.
💧 Ideal flow: 100–400 CFS. Fishes best at stable low to moderate releases — year-round tailwater fishery in the southern Appalachians.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About South Holston River Fishing
The South Holston River is Tennessee's premier tailwater fishery located directly below South Holston Dam near Bristol, offering anglers consistent year-round opportunities in pristine cold water conditions. This stretch of river ranks among the most productive tailwaters in the southeastern United States, attracting fly fishers from across the region seeking exceptional technical fishing.
Best Time to Fish South Holston River
Late summer and fall are prime seasons on the South Holston River, when the legendary trico hatch creates some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the year. Spring and winter also provide excellent opportunities for nymph fishing and streamers, ensuring productive visits throughout the calendar year.
Species
Brown trout and rainbow trout thrive in the South Holston River's cold, consistent tailwater environment, with both species growing to impressive sizes in this nutrient-rich system. The river's diverse hatches and abundant forage base support healthy populations of both species, offering anglers multiple fly patterns and presentations to match throughout the year.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Tennessee fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on South Holston River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Streamflow data is pulled in real time from the USGS National Water Information System. Gauge readings — including CFS and gauge height — refresh every 15–60 minutes, giving you an accurate conditions check before you load up the truck.