Fly Fishing the South Holston River in Bristol, Tennessee
Looking for reliable, up-to-date information on fly fishing the South Holston River in Bristol, Tennessee? This guide is built to help anglers understand the river, plan their day on the water, and fish it safely and effectively. You’ll find hatch charts, proven fly patterns, public access points, boat ramps, and practical fishing tips based on real conditions. We also share generation timing estimates, insights on how flows affect fishing throughout the day, and seasonal strategies to help you make the most of your time on the South Holston. Our goal is simple—to provide a clear, helpful resource that makes fly fishing this river more enjoyable and productive.
Best Time to Fly Fish the South Holston River in 2026
The South Holston River offers exceptional fishing year-round, but March through October is especially rewarding. Summer stands out as the prime season, offering world-class dry fly action. During this time, anglers can fish Sulfur dries to actively feeding trout or sight-cast to wild browns in the river’s crystal-clear waters. The combination of technical precision and eager fish makes for an unforgettable and highly rewarding fly fishing experience.
The Annual Sulfur Hatch on the South Holston River.
Some might argue the best time to fish the South Holston River is during its annual Sulfur hatch, which begins in late March in the lower stretches near Bluff City. By May, the hatch progresses upstream to the public wade access along Big Springs Road, providing an excellent opportunity to target larger brown trout on dry flies. By June, Sulfurs reach the Weir Dam and Tailwater Trail, where they remain throughout the summer into early fall. Early in the season, expect Sulfurs in size #14, while by late summer, they typically range from #16 to #18. CDC dry flies like the Comparadun and Puff Daddy are among the most effective patterns.
Discover the South Holston River: Top Fly Fishing in Bristol, TN
The South Holston River in Bristol, Tennessee, is one of the Southeast’s best trout tailwaters, known for its cold, clear waters and consistent flow thanks to TVA dam regulation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the river offers exceptional opportunities to catch wild rainbow and brown trout year-round. From exciting dry fly hatches to strategic nymphing and streamer techniques, the South Holston provides both high-quality fishing and stunning scenery. In this guide, we’ll show you why fly fishing the South Holston River is a must for anyone visiting the area, including top spots, hatch charts, public access, and insider tips from local guides.
South Holston River Generation Schedule
Knowing the South Holston River’s generation schedule is essential for a safe and productive fly fishing trip. When the river is generating, wading becomes hazardous due to fast, cold flows, so it’s important to plan your fishing around these periods. By checking the TVA South Holston flow chart, you can time your trips to take advantage of safer wade fishing windows or high-water float opportunities, ensuring the best conditions for targeting trout with dries or nymphs.
How to Catch More Brown Trout on the South Holston River
Just Starting out, targeting trout in the riffles will be the easiest. The broken water helps conceal both the angler and their tackle while also shortening the fish’s decision time to strike the fly. Casting upstream in these areas creates the best presentations.
Our second favorite place to target fish is in pools around knee-to-waist deep. Fish at this depth tend to be less easily spooked, and these areas can be rich in opportunities. The gin-clear water can appear deceptively shallow, so ensure your dry-dropper or nymph rig is set at the correct depth. Allowing the fly to drift downstream from you is the most effective technique for fishing pools like these. However, you must keep the line mended to prevent the fly from dragging.
Lastly, shallow, slow-moving water may also hold fish, but trout in these areas are often skittish, reacting quickly to people, boats, or errant casts. These spots can be productive but usually only under optimal conditions.
Dry dropper and small yarn nymph rigs are the most effective way to catch brown trout on the South Holston River. Long leaders and light tippet are essential for effective presentations. Our preferred setup includes a 9 ft, 3x or 4x monofilament leader paired with 5x to 7x fluorocarbon tippet. The total length of the leader and tippet should be around 11–12 ft. Dry-dropper rigs or yarn indicators are ideal for nymph fishing, as they allow for delicate presentations that won’t spook as many fish.
What Are the Best Flies for the South Holston River in Tennessee ?
Even experienced guides find themselves pondering this question on certain days. With the South Holston River’s incredible abundance of bug life, trout can become highly selective about the variety, size, and color of flies. However, we have found these patterns below have brought success even on the toughest days.
Some of the Best Fly Patterns for the South Holston River Include:
#20 Purple Zebra Midge
#20 Black Zebra Midges
#20 Stripper Midges
#20 BWO Comparadun Dry Fly
#20 Rod's BWO Nymph
#16-18 Sulfur Comparadun Dry Fly
#16-18 Puff Daddy Dry Fly
#16-20 Pheasant Tails
For the most recent updates on what's been working best, check out our Fishing Reports!
South Holston River Hatch Chart
To help fly tyers and DIY anglers, we’ve created a detailed hatch chart that provides a month-by-month outline of what these fish typically feed on. This resource will give you a solid starting point to match the hatch and improve your chances on the water.
How Do I Know What Flies to Use When on the South Holston River
Now for the nitty-gritty: on most days, trout on the South Holston River will key in on midges. Having a variety of midge colors and sizes is essential for success. Our favorite midge colors include olive, brown, gray, black, and purple. We prefer tungsten beads, as they often eliminate the need for split shot unless absolutely necessary. Common bead colors we use are black, and copper, though there are days when trout will favor a silver bead instead.
When Sulphurs or Blue-Winged Olives are hatching, it’s the perfect opportunity to fish dry flies. Patterns such as the Comparadun or Puff Daddy are essential during these hatches. Trout on the South Holston tend to favor CDC wing materials over traditional hackle, so these flies should be treated with a powdered silica, like Frog’s Fanny, to maintain their buoyancy. Fishing a dry-dropper rig can also be highly effective during these times, with thin-bodied Pheasant Tail nymphs being a reliable choice as the dropper.
Spring and fall provide unique opportunities to fish caddis flies on the South Holston. While caddis pupa patterns can be effective, it’s hard to beat the productivity of a soft hackle nymph. Caddis hatches on this river are typically sporadic, and catching trout on a caddis dry fly is relatively uncommon. However, during these times, tying on your favorite Elk Hair Caddis pattern can still be a rewarding choice for opportunistic rises.
Last but not least, streamers and terrestrials offer exciting opportunities on the South Holston. There are moments when beetles fall from the tall grass along the river’s edge, creating a valuable protein source for trout. Occasionally, this can entice even large brown trout to rise and take advantage of the easy meal!
Fishing the river’s edge with small streamers can also be an effective strategy. Patterns that imitate sculpins or black leeches often yield impressive results. While this isn’t a tactic to rely on every day, it’s worth trying on cloudy days when trout are more aggressive. Both beetles and streamers tend to be most productive during the early morning or late evening hours, making them a great option for those prime fishing windows.
Check out this video from a trip mid summer 2024!
South Holston River Public Access Points for Fly Fishing
Driving Directions to ALL the boat ramps and the best public access points for fly fishing on the South Holston River.
South Holston Tailwater Trail Access & Upper Dam Launch Map
This map highlights the first boat ramp below the dam. Floating this stretch during low water is nearly impossible, but wade anglers can use the Tailwater Trail to avoid early fishing pressure. The best hatches typically occur within the upper two miles, so keep your dry fly box ready! When the river is generating, high water takes about 30 minutes to reach this section.
Lower Tailwater Trail Wade Access (TVA Trail Terminus)
This map leads to the lower end of the Tailwater Trail and provides excellent wade-fishing access into productive water near sections that border private property. Be sure to stay within the riverbanks while wading downstream to avoid trespassing. This area can be especially rewarding during the summer Sulphur hatches and is a favorite among anglers who enjoy covering water on foot. When the river is generating, high water typically takes about 45 minutes to reach this access point.
Bouton Trail Wade Fishing Access (South Holston River)
The Bouton Trail is a 1.6-mile loop that parallels the South Holston River, offering roughly half a mile of fishable water along the trail. If you enjoy targeting pocket water and riffles, this stretch sets up perfectly for covering water on foot. While this area is popular with local anglers and can see heavier traffic, there’s plenty of room to spread out and find fish. During generation, high water typically takes about one hour to reach this access point.
Big Springs Public Boat Ramp – South Holston River Access
For anglers floating high water from the dam, Big Springs Public Boat Ramp is the closest downstream take-out and serves as a natural mid-river checkpoint. The float from the dam covers roughly six miles and typically takes about four hours if you’re not stopping often.
Wade anglers also have options here. A public trail provides access to a section approximately half a mile upstream, where deeper runs and soft edges often hold wary brown trout. This stretch fishes well year-round, with nymphing being especially effective. During generation, high water generally takes about three hours to reach this access point.
Weaver Pike Boat Ramp – South Holston River Access (Use With Caution)
This access point, commonly referred to as Weaver Pike Boat Ramp, is owned by the City of Bristol, not TVA, and is poorly maintained. Anglers and boaters should use extreme caution if attempting to access the river here. The access road contains large potholes and typically requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Parking is very limited, with space for only one vehicle above the ramp, and conditions are often unsuitable for safe launching or take-out. This ramp is located approximately two miles downstream from Big Springs Boat Ramp.
We do not recommend using this access point. During generation, high water takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to reach this location.
Forrest Thomas Boat Ramp – Lower South Holston River Float Access
This map leads to the Forrest Thomas Boat Ramp, located approximately 12 miles downstream from South Holston Dam and 6 miles below Big Springs Boat Ramp. This stretch is an excellent full-day float option during periods of high water and is frequently used by guides targeting larger trout.
Wade fishing here offers a very different experience compared to the upper river, with deep limestone troughs that hold both rainbow and brown trout. In the spring, this section often sees consistent caddis and Sulphur activity, while streamer fishing can be especially productive as larger fish patrol the deeper runs.
Due to the distance from the dam, fishing this stretch during mid to late summer can be less productive as water temperatures rise. During generation, it typically takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes for high water to reach this section.
Bluff City Boat Ramp – Lower South Holston River Access
This map leads to the Bluff City Boat Ramp, marking the lower end of the South Holston River before it transitions into the upper reaches of Boone Lake. During summer months, this short 2-mile stretch can feel lake-like, with the final ¾ mile often requiring rowing to exit.
This section is highly seasonal and is best avoided during the hottest part of the summer, when trout tend to become lethargic. However, from October through May, this stretch can fish extremely well. The trout here are often skittish, so long leaders and careful presentations are key to success.
During generation, it typically takes approximately 6 hours for high water to reach this section.
South Holston River Fly Fishing Gear & Essentials
Breathable Waders & Wading boots - Vibram or Felt
Chest or Waist Pack
Hat and Polarized Sunglasses
Landing Net
Wading Staff
Nippers, & Forceps
9 ft 5 or 4wt fly rod with reel and line to match
9ft 3-5x monofilament leaders
5-7x fluorocarbon tippet
#6-bb split shot dispenser
Strike indicator yarn- New Zealand Wool, Lefty Kreh Yarn
Liquid Floatant- High & Dry
Powder Floatant- Frogs Fanny
Sulfur, BWO, and Beetle dry flies
Zebra Midges, PT nymphs, assortment of small Streamers
Your Next South Holston River Fly Fishing Adventure Awaits
South Holston Angler put this guide together to help visiting anglers make the most of their time on the river. If we missed anything—or if you have questions about flows, hatches, access, or trip planning—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to talk fishing.
Below, you’ll find a few highlight reels from past seasons on the South Holston. Tight lines, and we hope to see you on the water soon.
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