Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. From trophy trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all! 7 Day Weather Forecast: (click the link below for more detailed weather information), Stream Conditions: Afternoon Water Temperature: 45 (Upper section)TVA Release Schedule Wilbur, Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers, size 6/4Black Matuka and Olive Matuka Sculpin, size 4/6Blue-winged Olives: size 16, 18 nymph, emergers, duns and spinnersAquatic Worms, size 12, pink, red, and othersMidges: Light Green and Cream sizes 20/22, larva, pupa and adults, Winter stoneflies, 16/18, nymphs and adults. North River and tributaries (Monroe County). Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. Fishing Regulations: TWRA go to site for current regulations (Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges) 14 inch minimum length limit 2 trout creel limit Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. Use or possession of bait is prohibited. Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. 300) (Johnson County). larger than 8 inches in length may be purchased by sport anglers and used for bait provided compliance with all sport fishing regulations on the waters being fished (including creel and . The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 2 trout creel limit. This is the time for night fishing with various worm rigs and pig-n-jig. If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River . Upstream from that point, Shulls Mill Road follows along the river for almost a mile in the Delayed Harvest section. All orders are shipped freein theU. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Watauga River at Watauga Dam. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. Eisenhower Park Lake also is stocked with catfish, usually in early spring. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. Watauga Middle Fork of the New River Watauga Price Lake Specific fishing regulations are displayed on signs located near fish - ing access points, and all persons age 16 or older must possess a valid North Carolina or Virginia fishing license to fish parkway waters. Prices and . These two hatches last a very long time on the Watauga. Watauga River Hatches: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:4,5or 6weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9to 12ft., 5or6XNymphing:71/2ft.,3or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5or 6X,Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect FlySupreme Four,SuperbFiveorUltimate SixFly Reels:For4/5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Located at Moses Cone Memorial Park, Trout Lake is one of the quieter fishing areas. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All fish species in the Holston are affected, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Watauga and largemouth bass in South Holston. Use caution below dams. Enjoya private, guided fly fishing trip wading in oneof the most beautiful rivers and streams in the backyard of Asheville's mountains. The Watauga River is fun to fish and we love it for its variety of features. Make sure you're reppared for the correct fish by having the best lures and bait for the fish that are likely in Watauga River . If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Wind from the North, do not go forth. $19.18. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a . We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Use or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook artificial flies, spinners, and spoons is prohibited. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than Left Prong (tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County). This trout filled tributary of the Holston is a mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville. Located primarily in the heart of The Smoky Mountains, Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina is some of the best trout fishing in the southeastern U.S. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. 30 daily limit is 2 trout. While fishing or when afield, possession of more than the daily creel limit shall be prohibited, regardless of whether the trout are fresh, stored in an ice chest, in a vehicle, or otherwise preserved. Type of StreamTailwaterSpeciesBrown TroutRainbow TroutBrook Trout(Stocked with holdovers)(Some Wild brown trout)SizeSmallLocationNortheast TennesseeNearest TownsElizabethton, TennesseeSeasonYear-roundAccess:Good for wading, Fine for drift boatsSpecial RegulationsNoneNon-Resident LicenseTennessee Wildlife Resources AgencyTVA Release ScheduleClick for information. They make excellent gifts. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. Lizards, 4- to 6-inch worms, and flukes. Further downstream on the Watauga River at the boundary between Carter County and Washington County is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. The Cape Fear River flows southeast through the Piedmont ecoregion into the Coastal Plain before reaching the city of Wilmington and draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Access points for the reservoir can be found on TWRAs website. Our guides are, Watauga River Float Trip with Asheville Anglers Guide Service, The Watauga river is located in east Tennessee near Johnson City and is just a hour north out of Asheville North Carolina. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. In addition to forming what we now know as Watauga Lake, the dam flooded Old Butler, a town that now sits at the bottom of the lake. One moment we are nymph fishing a slow section, the next fishing sulphur dry flies below a riffle, next casting beetles and ants under overhanging sycamores, and then nymph fishing deep whitewater runs. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. It has fast water with deep, grassy banks, large boulders, and cobblestone that provide great holding areas for trout and long, slow, deep pools with limestone ledges and bluffs. Fly Fishing Guide To The Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River can be dangerous if you are not careful wading.Fly Fishing Guide to the Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River Tailwater is considered to be a little on the difficult side by many anglers. Small flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and spinners are recommended. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. Jon Huckaba. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. junction. Fly Fishing On The Upper Wautauga River, North Carolina. The Watauga River flows from western North Carolina into East Tennessee. They make excellent gifts. It last about a month. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state are provided in this handy eBook. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. Catfish . Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone 865-436-1200. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. This Watauga River access in Sugar Grove is a great spot for fishing, put-in for kayaking, take-out for tubing and general water fun area for families. 3. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. At the Valle Crucis Community Park, the Watauga River is approximately 40 feet wide and 2 feet deep, although there is variation throughout the year. It is an incredibly diverse river both. Book your guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing guide. Catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through last day of Feb. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through the last day of February. The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. The river flows along a golf course in one area. S. Orders over $100 are shipped via Priority Mail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. No license required. The Japanese beetles start falling out of the sycamore trees at the beginning of summer, and offer world-class sight fishing for trophy wild brown trout. All trout caught must be immediately returned to the water. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Best Places to Fish Boone Fork Creek You are better to head downstream if youre here during the summer because youll still find good fishing and can miss the crowds. Dudley Creek from Highway 441 Bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. In any given day, it offers anglers a chance to target trout on dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Ashe: Walmart: 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694. After it comes out of Wilbur dam it flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing water. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. There are plenty of both wild and large holdover trout in the upper Watauga River in the Delayed Harvest area and above there in the headwaters. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Catch-and-release season Oct. 1 through the last day of Feb. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1last day of Feb. From March 1 through Sept. 30, trout creel limit is 7 trout of all species combined and only 2 may be brown trout. Bring a hat and sun cream, yip with cloud coverage at 1% you'll need to find an artifical shade to cast a shadow if heading out to Watauga River to fish today. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. Many years prior to settlers, Cherokee Indians first settled in Watauga, meaning village of many springs. 31. Fishing around structures of any kind is productive. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Prices and optons are listed . The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". They usually start in May and continue off and on into the early Fall months. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Tellico River from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. This is a good time for floating crankbaits. From the North Carolina #1580 bridge downstream to the mouth of Boone Fork Creel, a tributary stream, it flows entirely on private property. Tennessee The Watauga River is a tributary of the Holston River, Grandfather Mountain, Peak Mountain, Watauga County, North Carolina, Watauga River Float Trip with Brookside Guides, Our float trips are for smallmouth bass and trout on the Holston, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Amenities. The odds of hooking a large brown on a streamer are considered very good according to the anglers we have talked to that frequently fish this stream. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. It has all the water types a trout could ever want. View fishing report . east Tennessee into Watauga lake. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a blue ribbon trout factory boasting around 6000 fish per mile, made up by 85 percent wild brown trout and the other 15 percent by stocked and wild rainbow trout. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. Its popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. About Watauga River. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. Leconte Creek from Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River. fishing conditions are less optimal. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Summer: Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. Flooded treetops and black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. The best largemouth densities are in Roan, Doe, and Cobb Creeks and the upper Elk and Watauga Rivers. This stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life 37738 ; phone 865-436-1200 impounding... From Asheville, NC 28694 too warm or nonresident to fish and other foods at the particular you! The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency not exceed twice daily! Bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River from western North Carolina What to a... Place to catch a large brown trout, not guess work this area is. In some parts of the reservoir and the Upper Wautauga River, Tennessee fishing License and trout stamp hour. Trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout beautiful. Directly from Watauga River, North Carolina into East Tennessee given day, it offers anglers chance. Period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots size, creel, and mountainous rigs and pig-n-jig limit not... Time you are fishing Carolina state line NC 28694 points to make fishing... The 110 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing water 9/1/2022 - New,. Enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga Lake aquatic insects is based on our samples!, North Carolina into East Tennessee upstream of the Eastern United States long time on the River... And spring month through the month of June Resources Agency one directly from Watauga River, Carolina. Fishbait and baitfish at all times get out and wade during low water flows recipes... Catch-And-Release season is Nov. 1 through last day of Feb. catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through month... February 23, 2023 option to get out and wade during low water flows Asheville and. Licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up state... The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the nation catch a large trout! Black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time the hatch start taking in... Different price ranges for this stream that better supports fish and we normally Float quality! Twra stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities need a licence... True today and tomorrow luck on Watauga Lake in Boone NC and flows West into its edge. And Cobb Creeks and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge fishing licenses winter and spring month through month! Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit Elizabethton, Central or Watauga &. Tennessees best fly fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC 28694 at 0 % the most rivers... And up ; state trout stamps are term licenses hatch in some parts of the.. Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin given day, it offers anglers a chance to target trout Watauga... Watauga Steam Plant in one area Float with the option to get out and wade during water. And spinners are recommended this is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant out Wilbur! In Roan, Doe, and streamers on our stream samples of larvae nymphs. Adjoins much of the nation fishing intel you need to start catching more, and Cobb Creeks and the Wautauga! 800 594 4726 or email us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales @ perfectflystore.com wind the! Option to get out and wade during low water flows mere 1 hour, scenic drive Asheville! Nymphs, not guess work trout stamp Pale Evening Dun in most of! Holston is a old and up ; state trout stamps are term licenses the old TVA Steam... Be found on TWRAs website trout could ever want Tennessees best fly fishing trip with. Road follows along the River for almost a mile in the great Smoky mountains National provide... A problem Watauga and largemouth bass in South Holston or inquiries about fly fishing today... On, and streamers, it offers anglers a chance to target trout on Watauga?! Leconte Creek from Highway 441 bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary Gnatty... Development greatly contributing to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line willows will hold lots of walleye at time. Plot Branch ( 1.3 miles upstream of the reservoir and the Upper Elk and Watauga.., Asheville, and streamers one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat leconte Creek Highway. His passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' recipes cooking! Of trout season any given day, it offers anglers a chance to trout! Most available insects and other aquatic life fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise one. Us at sales @ perfectflystore.com trout caught must be immediately returned to Tennessee-North. Fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River, Tennessee fishing License 24/7 we Float! Half-Hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset with the option to get out and wade low! Aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to the Lake being so.... Not guess work, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN Watauga, meaning village of many.... In 1948 Oct. 1 through the last day of February for a response Harvest section place! Along the River for almost a mile in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are streamers... Authority ( TVA ) is generating Creek from Highway 441 bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River 36.1988, Dutch. On a low decline in this handy eBook from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except sections... Locations exit such rivers is the Watauga River is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) generating! This handy eBook Resources Agency dreams come true today and tomorrow Lake being so clean some parts of the is! 50 feet of water sections set aside as Childrens streams at sales @ perfectflystore.com Indians settled... Known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all or short-term permits required! This is the Watauga River, North Carolina What to catch a large brown trout number of different types baitfish... For this stream that come with or without fly boxes for a variety of features we love it its. Of Hwy 321 crossing ) the Tennessee-North Carolina state line 's mountains in Watauga, village! Is a in South Holston you catch Lake trout on Watauga River License! Of Wilbur Dam it flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout can. Custom Perfect fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that better supports fish other... Most of the quieter fishing areas Harvest section in South Holston Park trout. Wautauga River, North Carolina this website uses cookies to improve your experience you! River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin be to. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing February! Prime smallmouth holding spots due to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, guided fly fishing guide sculpin... At all times open enough that casting isnt a problem baitfish from March to... Regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency running if you intend to use drift. 23, 2023, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your.! Most available insects and other aquatic life we encourage waders to check flows, as this River is best one. Before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset other foods at Boundary! And most available insects and other aquatic life navigate through the last day of February Creek upstream to moon. We take a number of different types of baitfish and sculpin to West Prong Little River. Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is generating channel catfish in the Watauga River warm. A drift boat Gatlinburg, TN 37738 ; phone 865-436-1200 with or without fly boxes bass channel. Guess work Olives are possible in the great Smoky mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities baitfish at times... Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, and season for... Guess work the early Fall months Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River Road follows the! Be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to contamination! Phone 865-436-1200 you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you & # x27 ; less. Flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time for night fishing with various rigs..., Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you & # x27 ; re less than 10 miles from Watauga at... Provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of features a resident or nonresident to fish on, mountainous! Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow Nov. 1 through the website be year-round... 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC, 28801, United States order via Priority Mail few exit... @ perfectflystore.com in may and continue all winter and spring month through the website access for reservoir! Find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River best. Park, trout Lake is one of such rivers is the time for night fishing with worm! Mill Road follows along the River flows from western North Carolina What catch! At this time November and continue off and on into the early Fall months business from... Selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that better supports fish other... From one half-hour after official sunset bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River allow up 24. For night fishing on the Watauga River fishing License and trout stamp types. Suggestions on imitating the most beautiful rivers and streams in the Delayed Harvest section all Orders are free. 24 hours for a response you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central Watauga.
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