Species/Rivers

Watauga & South Holston Rivers

The South Holston and Watauga Rivers boast some of highest fish per mile ratios in the country. The cold, highly oxygenated outflows create prime habitat for wild trout and the insects they feed upon. These rivers are year-round fisheries and offer anglers the opportunity to pursue trout with nymphs, dries and streamers. During the summer months, striped bass can be targeted and often exceed 20 pounds.

New & Nolichucky Rivers

For anglers interested in pursuing smallmouth bass on freestone streams, the New and Nolichucky Rivers are two of the best in the region. Both originate in North Carolina, with the Nolichucky flowing west into Tennessee and the New flowing north into Virginia. With miles of fish holding habitat and opportunities for popper and streamer fishing, these rivers fish best mid-Spring into early Fall. An occasional musky can be encountered depending on the stretch of river being floated.