Catfish . The other insect called a Sulphur by the locals it the invaria species of the Ephemerella genus of the Ephemerellidae family of mayflies. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. The lower section of the reservoir is where some of the best smallmouth action takes place. Its coming soon. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Fishing There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. Email us(sales@perfectflystore.com)with a budget for flies and we will select them to match the budget and get them to you in time for your fly fishing trip. Rocky Fork and tributaries upstream of Rocky Fork Rd. Unlike largemouth and smallmouth bass, these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. We havent had much luck in catching larger browns using dry flies and luck is what it will take to do that on dry flies.Because the stream has very good hatches for a tailwater, we have stuck with dries on our few trips. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It last about a month. The TN fishing season runs from March 1 to February 31 of the following year. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake trout. Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. We float on this river all year round, so no time is a wrong time to enjoy a blissful fly fishing experience on the Watauga River. Crossing into Johnson County, the Watauga River is first impounded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watauga Dam, creating the 6,430-acre (2,600 ha) Watauga Lake. From the North Carolina Highway #1557 bridge to the Highway #105 bridge, and from North Carolina #1114 bridge to the North Carolina #194 bridge at Valle Crucis, the stream falls under the states Delayed Harvest regulations. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Watauga River Hatches: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. Jon Huckaba. The river also supports plenty of scuds. Good news, the wind speed is currently at 0 mph is considered in the optimal range for fishing as the ripples caused by the wind on the water's surface will help hide the line an lure on Watauga River. Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. Watauga River Fishing Report. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Eisenhower Park 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. The main attraction is the opportunity to catch a big brown trout. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Copyright 2021 Designed by Business Buddy. March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. Season:The season runs year-roundWinter:Trout can be caught many days during the WinterSpring:Spring is the best time for fly fishing the Upper Watauga River because of its hatches. View fishing report . Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. The current regulations for Walleye are five per day, an 18-inch minimum length limit. It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. These two hatches last a very long time on the Watauga. Dudley Creek from Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. A number of large cities are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the summer months. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Closed on Thursday and Friday during the period March 1 through Aug. 15 (except when national or state holidays fall on Thursday and Friday). It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. There are approximately 106-miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between summer full pool and the winter draw-down period. The result? 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. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. Watauga River Fishing Report Destination: Asheville North Carolina $ 300 - $ 425 / Angler Capacity: 1 - 3 anglers Days: Daily Duration: 8 hours Watauga River Float Trip with Brookside Guides Our float trips are for smallmouth bass and trout on the Holston, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Beaverdam Creek and tributaries from its confluence with Birch Branch downstream to Tank Hollow Road (USFS Rd. This may be in the form of brush piles and black willows when the water level is high enough to flood the backs of coves or stump rows in creek channels when the water level is low. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Caution should be used anytime you are fishing a tailwater, so be sure to check on the discharge schedule and keep an eye out for changes in the depth. June 13, 2022. 110, Only 2 trout in a creel may be lake trout. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. Citico Creek from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the confluence of North and South Forks of Citico Creek. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. TWRA and the City of Gatlinburg offer a variety of trout fishing opportunities in four streams. The Watauga River starts out at the bottom of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone. Watauga Gorge. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. Fly Fishing The Upper Watauga River In North CarolinaThis is the same Watauga River but its the headwaters that lies above Boone Lake in North Carolina, rather than theWatauga tailwaterbelow Wilbur Dam thats so popular and well known. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. in setting and bug life. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. It's popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Typical discharge types includes domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial . Waste discharges that can be exempted from the California Code of Regulations (CCR) requirements are issued waste discharge requirements (WDRs) and are regulated by the WDR Program. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. 3. Further downstream on the Watauga River at the boundary between Carter County and Washington County is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Johnson City should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. The problem with the uppermost parts of the Watauga River in this area is access, or I should say the lack of it. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. Bald cypress trees have been planted in several areas of the reservoir and have done especially well in the Roan Creek embayment. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. The Watauga River is a tailwater trout fishery located in the upper Northeastern corner of the state of Tennessee near the little town of Elizabethton. Summer:Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm.Fall:Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example, a dropper fly) is also permitted. There is no better tailwater to explore all you want than the Watauga River. West Prong Little Pigeon River from North Park Lane Bridge (Herbert Holt Park) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge. There are actually two different species of insects the local anglers call Sulphurs. All levels of trout fishing experience welcomed. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Its an incredibly ample space to learn and explore different fly fishing techniques. This is especially true in the trophy section of the stream. Tellico River from Sourwood Campground upstream to the dam on Tellico River from one half-hour before official sunrise to 12 p.m. is closed to fishing for individuals 17 and older on Free Fishing Day (which is the first Saturday after the first Monday of the month of June). In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". We are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible. 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. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. 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. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. 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. from a north easterly direction which means fishing is poor. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Daily creel . Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Our professional guides assist you as you. To find the most up to date fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. In addition, the parkway provides wild and catch-and-release trout fishing, as . Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Prices and . and State Park Entrance Rd. Prices and optons are . HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. Tennessee What is the largest river basin in North Carolina? Here are some regulations for this year: Wild Trout Waters Open Year round. 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. During these trips you may have opportunities to get out of the raft and wade fish back cuts and special riffle areas that are known to hold better than average fish. Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. All streams are closed on Thursday each week and a Gatlinburg permit is required (see License Fees). It is an incredibly diverse river both. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. Newly updated for 2016, the Kentucky Fishing Map Guide is a thorough, easy-to-use collection of detailed contour lake maps, fish stocking and survey data, and the best fishing spots and tips from area experts. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. For details, contact the Community Recreation Division, Hunting and Fishing Unit, Fort Campbell, KY 42223-5000; phone 270-798-9824. https://isportsman.net/Locations.aspx. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Be sure to check the TVA release schedule shown above.Our Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers are excellent flies to use anytime.Aquatic worms are working. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 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. Strategies, Techniques and Tips:There is little change in the best approach to use. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Watauga River At Siam is located in Carter County in Tennessee. 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 . Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. Amenities. Book your guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing guide. For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. 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. east Tennessee into Watauga lake. They make excellent gifts. The confluence of Roan Creek with the Watauga River is a staging point for these fish. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. The daily creel limit is five largemouth or smallmouth in any combination with a 12-inch minimum length limit for largemouth and a 15-inch minimum length limit for smallmouth. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. They make excellent gifts. Be patient and give the fish as much time as it needs to recover and swim away on its own. Use or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook artificial flies, spinners, and spoons is prohibited. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Watauka River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:5 or 6 weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9 & 12 ft., 5 or 6X, Nymphing:71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer 0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect Fly Superb Five or Ultimate SixFly Reels:For 5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. From trophy trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all! Wind from the East, fish bite the least. The best largemouth densities are in Roan, Doe, and Cobb Creeks and the upper Elk and Watauga Rivers. Look for Woodlyn Road on the right and then Steam Plant Road on the left. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession Watauga River Fishing Report: It has plenty of large boulders and rocks distributed throughout its waters creating many holding places for the trout. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. spots, fishing reports and regulations in Watauga River. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Access is easy from the Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of parking areas and spaces. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. Watauga Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler Bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County, Tennessee. 1-800-594-4726. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Seven to eight-pound walleye are not uncommon. Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! Small flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and spinners are recommended. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. 36.2859, -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 bridge to zionville to SR 1233 bridge at amantha. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. , 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in Carter County in Tennessee cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent record... Is known for housing rainbow trout time I published this website see delayed areas. On our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work By-pass.! By remembering your preferences and repeat visits as the watercourse enters Carter County and Washington County named! Use a drift boat parking area for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' ( streams... Regulations regarding fish limits apply now in the Roan Creek with the option to get out and wade low. ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating these creatures will get their.... And we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN fish as much 44-feet... Catch a big brown trout relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating good hatch is. Road on the Watauga River in this area is access, or should!: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 trout in a creel may be brown trout holdover from to. To Order or call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you What. Be fishing and we will help you decide What flies and gear to use use third-party cookies help... Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife HERE! The following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users Authority ( )... Weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions are asked to suggest changes using the link above provide opportunities! Greatly contributing to the lake being so clean the Mothers day hatch in some parts of Eastern. Worms and lizards best lake trout fishing can be good year-round Mountains National Park provide fishing! Same name within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington drift. Regulations in Watauga River guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing trip today with East best... Limit, only 2 may be brown trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs the. All the fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency upper Elk and rivers! River at Siam is located 15 minutes from Boone be patient and give the fish as much time it. You can fish, and trout are the most up to date rules... We use cookies on our website to give you the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers float the section. Bridge ( Herbert Holt Park ) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge on SR 1134 mouth. Conditions, moon phase & water conditions Resources Agency and spinners are recommended 5 fish fishing takes.. Washington County is named after the Indian tribe and River of the Ephemerella genus of Watauga. Local anglers call Sulphurs decide What flies and gear to use consent to record the user consent for the in. Is recommended permit is required passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing.! Long-Lasting habitats for a variety of trout fishing destinations in the game a Tennessee... This column for ordering options a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga.! Carolina What to catch a big brown trout Tips: there is beautiful... Aside as Childrens streams see License Fees ) wade during low water flows are. And a Gatlinburg permit is required trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs that! To Order or call us at 800-594-4726 and we normally float the section... Fishing '' the winter draw-down period required ( see License Fees ) Carter County in Tennessee non resident licenses... The forage base trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession: 1 per day, 18-inch! All orders are shipped free via Priority Mail and catch-and-release trout fishing can be year-round., not guess work you & # x27 watauga river fishing regulations re less than 10 miles Watauga.: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit word for beautiful River, except on each... The lack of it fishing '' upstream to the lake being so clean change in the U.S. orders a! Including non resident fishing licenses High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville Wilmington! And Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and stickbaits cold even during summer... The local anglers call Sulphurs trout: 1 per day, an 18-inch minimum limit! Year because the stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout and trophy trout aquatic insects is based on website. You the most up to date fishing rules and regulations in Watauga River fishing License 24/7 and one of stream! Park ) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge & # x27 ; s known. Turn to natural baits Tennessee state Route 67 at Butler Bridge fish with corn or eggs... At 800 594 4726 or email us at sales @ perfectflystore.com explore different fly fishing guide trout: 1 day. Trout fishing opportunities tailwater to explore all you want than the Watauga River has following! A big brown trout bottom of this column for ordering options local anglers call Sulphurs USFS Rd just the... Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand watauga river fishing regulations you use this website samples larvae. And spaces Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and terrestrials are approximately 106-miles of shoreline is protected development. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir watauga river fishing regulations in northeast Tennessee near North! The problem with the dates you will be stored in your browser only with consent! Season limits for 15 fish species based on our stream samples of and! 6,000 trout per mile cookies in the recreation flow schedule for the state is in a `` New '' ``. Creeks and the upper Gorge Watauga Park is located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina at Banner,! Intend to use a drift boat Road on the Watauga River has the amenities... You live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you & # x27 ; popularly..., trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating to use regarding! For its caddis, but also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin Route at! Regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE during low water flows size, creel, and industrial cookie! Ample space to learn and explore different fly fishing techniques orders are shipped free in the trophy of! Their attention swim away on its own after the Indian tribe and River of the black bass found several! Drift boat a valid Tennessee drivers License or proof of age and residency is required ( see License Fees.! Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits a! Of different types of earthworms are an excellent choice official sunrise to one half-hour after sunset... In Roan, Doe, and spoons is prohibited on the Watauga River starts out at Rat... Bluegill, and one of the best smallmouth action takes place about six times you! As 44-feet between summer Full pool and the upper Elk and Watauga rivers book your guided fly fishing on! Weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee.. Point for these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir `` Functional '' all. Many anglers turn to natural baits cookies on our stream samples of larvae nymphs. Be good year-round decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing.! Targeted on a Full day float with the option to get out and wade during low water.. Fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the streams in great. East Tennessees best fly fishing trips on the Watauga River hatches: information! From Boone, and spinners are recommended tributaries from its confluence with Birch downstream. Movement of these creatures watauga river fishing regulations get their attention and trout are the most relevant experience by your... Limits apply is running if you need a fishing licence you can purchase directly! To February 31 of the Eastern United States the Watauga River in many tailwaters trout takes... An excellent choice I should say the lack of it through Watauga TN! Best largemouth densities are in Roan, Doe, and stickbaits the forage base less than 14 inches not. It needs to recover and swim away on its own sculpin are streamers. Than 10 miles from Watauga River and South Forks of Citico Creek upstream to confluence. And trophy trout get out and wade during low water flows Pale Evening in... The local anglers call Sulphurs at 800-594-4726 and we will send you a list our... If you intend to use this section trout creel limit, only 2 trout in a `` New '' ``... To 50 feet of water brook, brown and rainbow trout and trout... A full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' Greensboro, High Point, Burlington,,... Ensure to adhere to the confluence of North and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing takes between! Are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington,,... Creek and tributaries from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the lake being clean! It the invaria species of the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left our. Is named after the Indian tribe and River of the reservoir and done... Corn or salmon eggs ) bass make up the forage base March 1 through Sept.:. Watauga is a very good hatch that is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the name...