South Holston River
river in Virginia
Cold, nutrient-rich releases from South Holston Dam create one of the most reliable trout fisheries in the region, producing large wild and stocked rainbows and browns with strong insect hatches.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are active, especially on overcast days.
- 02Midges are a consistent, year-round food source subsurface.
- 03Wild brown trout are beginning pre-spawn and early spawning activity.
- 04Focus dry fly efforts on slower runs and eddies.
- 05Nymphing is effective in faster riffles and deeper runs.
- 06Streamers should be worked along undercut banks and log jams for larger trout.
- 07A perfect dead drift is paramount for wary South Holston trout.
Past reports week by week
7 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Comparadun (BWO)
Fall is a prime time for Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches on tailwaters like the South Holston, especially on overcast days. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on adults.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, making this an essential subsurface pattern for opportunistic trout, especially in colder fall conditions.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes from trout feeding just below the surface.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, particularly enticing aggressive strikes from trout in the colder fall waters.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A versatile searching nymph that imitates various aquatic insects, effective year-round for trout in the South Holston River.
Baby Brown Trout
This streamer is particularly effective in fall when larger brown trout become more aggressive and predatory, targeting smaller baitfish or juvenile trout.
Pat's Rubber Legs
A larger stonefly nymph that remains effective year-round in deeper runs and as a lead fly in a nymphing rig, mimicking substantial subsurface food sources.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
As wild brown trout begin pre-spawn and spawning activities in the fall, egg patterns become a highly effective choice for opportunistic trout feeding on dislodged eggs.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Abingdon / Holston River Road Access
Convenient road access and multiple wading spots used by local guides and fly shops.
Bluff City Access
Public put-in/take-out and shore access near Bluff City used by many fly anglers targeting trout and small pocket water.
South Holston Tailwater (below dam)
Primary trout fishery immediately below South Holston Dam — famous for predictable flows and prolific hatches.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Tailwaters Fly Co.
South Holston River Fly Shop
Trophy Water Guide Service
Hellbender Outfitters
Get South Holston River reports by email
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Virginia season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about South Holston River.
What flies work best on South Holston River?
Our top scored fly patterns for South Holston River right now are Sulphur Comparadun (95% confidence), Gurgler (Bass) (90% confidence), Pale Evening Dun Sparkle Dun (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in South Holston River?
South Holston River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is South Holston River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for South Holston River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.