February River Report 2023 - South Holston & Watauga Rivers
South HolstoN RIVER
With 4.14 inches of rain over the last month, we have been experiencing higher flows on the South Holston River. Because we are a tailwater, the river directly under the dam is less affected than other sections where small feeder creeks run in that can muddy the river. We often still encourage people to get out and fish the top sections of the river after rain showers because of the clean water released from the South Holston Dam.
The nymph bite through February dropped off from months prior. Trout could still definitely be found but fishing was technical. On high-water, our standard bottom-bounce rig and a light bounce rig worked well. When fishing a light bounce rig, try switching your indicator to yarn.
On higher flows, the streamer bite was extremely consistent from top to bottom of the river. Our go-to set up was a 7WT or 8WT rod with a floating or intermediate line paired with a Scientific Anglers Sinking Leader. * Making for an incredibly easy-casting and accurate set-up.
When flows drop below 1,000cfs, we are switching to a standard in-line rig. Having a softer presentation can help when fishing during low and clear conditions.
On the 200 CFS flow, we have had great success swinging wet flies throughout the river. Be sure to target where you think trout will be holding and work to time your swing to rise in front of these fish. Consider casting at a 90 degree angle, then add a couple mends to get your fly to float naturally.
* Commonly a 7’ sink 3 (3” IPS) or sink 6 (6” IPS)
Dry Fly Fishing
With 24hr generations for multiple days in a row and higher wind conditions, we have not seen the consistent hatches like previous months. However, the South Holston Dam has begun sluicing 200 CFS the last couple days which can be a great flow for bugs to hatch. Watch for sunny afternoons and low wind. On high-water, you can still find some fish rising in back-eddies eating midges. We recommend having very small dry flies (#20-22) to target these fish. As always, go slow and make your casts count!
Looking Ahead
For the spring, anglers can expect that generation will slow as the lakes around us begin to fill up. Rain will be a leading factor to determine what the generation schedule will be in the months to come.
As anglers, nothing is guaranteed so we suggest getting on the water as much as you have the chance!
Click here for the South Holston generation schedule!
Suggested Patterns
Nymphs:
Purple Frenchie #16
Rainbow Sowbug #18
Stripper Midge #18-20
Soft Hackle Baetis #18
Dry Flies:
Morgan’s Midge #20-22
BWO Puffdaddy #18-20
Birchell’s Hatch Midge #18
BWO CDC Sparkle Dun #16-18
WATAUGA RIVER
The Watauga has had a varied generation schedule throughout February. For a good stretch of the month, they were pulsing water which made wade fishing windows small. Recently, they have had windows running two generators or more. Both can fish well but it’s important to adjust your rigs for each.
Don’t be afraid to fish high water from a boat (2 generators or more). High-water was fished well with a deep in-line rig.
On low water, the standard light yarn indicator rig has worked well. Put the large flies on top and the smaller flies as the bottom fly.
Swinging flies work on the Watauga River now just as it does on the South Holston. Find slow seams and eddies. Try casting at 90 or 45 degree angles downstream, put the rod tip into water, follow the fly line with the rod tip, and let the fish take the fly before setting.
Pumping stomachs to find what the fish are eating is definitely a practice worth doing to help you identify what bug species the fish are keyed in on.
Suggested Patterns
Nymphs:
Girdle Bug #8-10
Copper John #10-14
Bullet Quill #16-18
BWO Perdigon #16-18
Streamers:
Black Fuego Flies Dungeon
Olive Fuego Flies Dungeon
Smallmouth Fishing East TN
Pre-spawn smallmouth fishing has been solid for us through February and we are excited to see what March holds! Fishing Wiggle Minnows at a slower pace has worked well for us. Don’t forget to let the fly swing into back eddies and work it back towards the boat. On high-water, make sure to put those flies right off the bank!
Suggested Patterns
Fuego Flies White Micro Dungeon
Todd’s Wiggle Minnow in Shad and Fire Tiger
Fuego Flies Shad Pattern
Looking for additional river info? Shoot us an email. or give us a call.
info@theflyboxtn.com