April River Report 2023 - South Holston & Watauga Rivers
South HolstoN RIVER
Wade fisherman have had a great month throughout April on the South Holston. Minimal generation has made for some great nymphing and dry-fly fishing. We’ve really been liking a dry-dropper set up on this flow as plenty of fish have been willing to eat the dry fly indicator. Solid options for this fly are a Pink Albert or CDC Sulphur Sparkle Dun. A light in-line yarn indicator is always a good option as well. We have been fishing midges and pheasant tails.
For boat anglers, there are some sections of the river that you can fish at 200cfs. It’s important to remember on low-water to be as stealthy as possible. If you need some suggestions on where to go, don’t be afraid to give us a call at the shop!
The SOHO has been doing some pulse generations throughout the last couple weeks. Be very careful to watch out for this, the water can rise extremely fast. It’s important to check the flows everyday as the schedule is always subject to change.
Dry Fly Fishing
We have seen some pretty decent bug activity throughout April. Fishing has been technical as always, so make sure to use light tippet and long leaders. Both Sulphur and BWO Puffdaddys have been working well for us, depending on the weather. On cloudy days, we have been seeing BWOs. Sunny afternoons typically bring more Sulphurs.
Click here for the South Holston Dam generation schedule!
Suggested Patterns
Nymphs
Stripper Midge #18-20
American Pheasant Tail #18
Black and Copper Zebra Midge #18
Spanish Bullet Quill #18-20
Dry Flies
BWO Puffdaddy #18-20
Sulphur CDC Sparkle Dun #16-18
Morgan’s Midge #20-22
Pink Albert #16
Beer of the Month
Sierra Nevada's Hazy Little Thing has been named the beer of the month, and for good reason. This hazy IPA boasts a citrusy and tropical hop flavor that is both juicy and refreshing. Its moderate bitterness and smooth finish make it a perfect beer for any occasion, whether you're relaxing at the shop or enjoying a day out on the water. Hazy Little Thing has become a popular choice among our beer enthusiasts, and it's easy to see why. Its distinct flavor profile and drinkability make it a great choice for anyone looking for a quality beer to enjoy.
WATAUGA RIVER
If you went fly fishing on the Watauga River in April, you likely experienced some great fishing. The Watauga Caddis hatch was in full swing at the beginning of the month, and fishing was extremely good. RC Leggy, Bullet Quill, and American Pheasant Tail were all very effective flies to use during this time. The caddis dry fly fishing was very productive. However, as the month progressed, the caddis hatch started to wane, and Sulphurs began to hatch. Sulphur Puffdaddy and Comparadun’s are reliable flies to use for these hatches.
Throughout April, the river did not generate much. The standard light yarn indicator rig worked well during these times, also using a Chubby Chernobyl as a indicator was productive. Many fish ate a smaller Chubby during the peak of the Caddis hatch. Swinging flies was also effective in riffle water.
While the caddis hatch may have passed, Sulphurs provide exciting new dry fly opportunities for anglers. Keep your eye on the weather and generation schedule as it is always subject to change. A Chubby indicator rig will still work well, in addition to yarn indicators. Mayfly nymphs will be the ticket moving forward.
Click here for the Wilbur Dam generation schedule!
Suggested Patterns
Dry Flies
Bullet Quill #18
RC Leggy #16-18
American Pheasant Tail #18
Nymphs
Sulphur CDC Comparadun #18
Sulphur Puffdaddy#16-18
Birchell’s Hatch Midge #18
BWO Perdigon #16-18
