Official Boy Scout Dealer
Fishing Reports
2/26/2009
I fished the South Holston yesterday and was fishing just a short distance down stream from the dam (approx 1 mile). I hit the water around lunch time and started throwing sub surface midge patterns with some luck. After 1pm or so I started fishing top water midges and everything just turned on! Fishing was awesome. Literally, if a fish was spotted rising (which they were everywhere) there was probably an 85% chance you would either land a fish or hook up. It was truly one of those days....I haven't been on the Watauga in a couple of weeks. I would expect fishing to be excellent; Good BWO hatches, midges. As of a couple weeks ago, I was throwing ridiculous stuff like #12 tellico nymphs and having a blast.
March is a good time to hit Watauga; there is a giant black caddis that pops off (#12). If you catch the black caddis hatch at the right time, it is probably the most notable hatch on the Watauga.
11/24/08
South Hoslton and Watauga River Fishing Report 11/24/2008Yesterday I was fortunate enough to join a couple of good friends of mine on a float trip down the Watuaga River. What a day for Blue Wing Olives!
BWO Hatches
If you plan a trip on the South Holston or Watauga any this week, all you need to know is Blue Wing Olives. The heaviest of BWO hatches will occur on the coldest, nastiest days. I have a couple of favorite patterns. My two go-to patterns are the AK Para Quill #20, and the CDC Hackle Stacker in #20. Fish those with 6x tippet.
Fish Droppers
One theory I have on hatches is that bugs are eaten by trout on the surface, of course, and that many more are eaten before they can emerge to the surface. I always fish a dropper of some sort during our heavy tailwater hatches. My absolute favorite dropper is the Olive, English, Pheasant Tail in Olive. I prefer the #16. Soft Hackles and Cripple work great too!
Patrick's Fly Picks
• AK Para Quill #20
• CDC Hackle Stacker #20
Droppers
• Olive
• English
• Pheasant Tail in Olive
• #16 Soft Hackles and Cripples
November 2008
Spawning season for the big browns is here and they are taking care of business in our tailwaters. Leave these fish alone. No one, fish or otherwise, likes having their "spawning time" interrupted. The more baby browns that are generated now, the more that will hit our lines later.Watauga River
Hatches of Caddis Flies are happening frequently, especially around dusk. If you are going to fish long enough into the evening to see these hatches in full swing be prepared with a headlamp and a backup light.
Watauga Fly and Equipment Suggestions
• Blue Winged Olives
• #18 King's River Caddis and Henryville specials 16-20 have both been working well.
• 10-12 foot leaders tapered to 6x are also a safe bet.
South Holston River
*Remember, spawning season is here. November 1st through February 1st, there are sections of the river closed.*
Fishing on the South Holston has been wonderful! Recent sulpher hatches, though smaller because of the winter, have made for some interesting days on the river.
South Holston River Fly and Equipment Suggestions
• Midge and Nymph dropper combos have been working well (midge pupa patter in 20-26).
• Stripped peacock herl midge or zebra midge will produce excellent fish.
• Throw a #18 CDC pattern with a yellow and partridge soft hackle while sulpher hatches are up.
• Olive and English Pheasant Tail in a #16 is a great standby.
The Creeks
We need rain, and we need it yesterday. This cooler weather would do wonders for water temperatures, if only we had water. Once water levels rise it will be safe to assume good fishing. Don't shy away from larger nymphs and split shot.
Creek Fly and Equipment suggestions (pending rainfall of course)
• Orvis' Heavy Wieght Stone in #8 grey. Easily a new favorite for me.
• 3x and 4x tippets are good all day!
Keep checking in. We plan on keeping this as up to date as possible. For the most current information feel free to call.
Thanks, and tight lines to you everyone.