Guide Josh Garris with a Watauga River Brown
Updated Every Tuesday: February 5th, 2013
Water Conditions: South Holston Release Schedule
Hatches: Blue Wing Olives and midges will be the hatches to watch for over the next couple of months with some black caddis, and winter stones thrown in.
Fly Suggestions: To match the hatches a good bet is the BWO CDC Comparadun. Quill Body Parachutes are also a good bet. For emergers and nymphs try a Klinkhammer emerger in BWO or a Loop Wing Emerger. Down deeper try a split case BWO or Mighty May BWO. Peacock Caddis and black Elk Hair Caddis will do well to imitate the winter stones and caddis. For the midges, Midge Clusters fish well with a zebra or black fly larva hanging underneath. The large Copper Blondie is another dropper that is a must. Griffith’s Gnat or Brook’s Sprout midges will do well also as adult midge imitations. With Higher flow rates due to rain/snow streamers and heavy nymphs will get most of the play over the next bit thought. Sculpzilla’s and Articulated Leeches fished on a Rio Sink Tip Leader. Can help you get down to were the big ones are lurking. Don’t forget your box of junk flies and you are all set!
Blue Winged Olive from the Watauga River
General Information: All Water on the South Holston is Now Open! Regular fishing regulations have gone back into effect on the South Holston and bug activity has been very good on both of the Tennessee Tailwater but………………they have been generating 24 hrs for a while now. Throwing big heavy streamers on sink tip lines will get down into the strike range and look for the dead water opportunities and slow drift larger attractors through. These types of water will also give you some of the best chances at dry fly fishing.
Projected Conditions: With the lakes levels being high still look for the TVA to continue with the flow schedules on these tailwaters. Keep an eye for when they drop the flow and call in sick and head to the river because the fish will be able to see the emerging insects much easier and the dry fly fishing should shortly follow!
Dr. Patrick Williams with a big brown caught on a streamer. Photo by Nick Roberts
