January River Report 2023 - South Holston & Watauga
South HolstoN RIVER
The river is entirely open for fishing!
On generation our deep, in-line rig has been producing the best for us throughout the past month. However, it’s always worth it to try bottom-bouncing if the fishing gets slow. Keeping your fly selection rotating can be the key to success this time of year. Winter is also a great time to swing wet flies and streamers on both rivers. We have been using two-hand spey and single hand rods with Airflo Polyleaders to target fish. This can be done on generation from a boat and wade fishing on low-water. Our Olive and Starling #14-16 wet flies should be a must have in your box. Nymphing can be very technical and difficult. We recommend using small flies (#18-22) and light tippet (5.5-6.5x).
Dry Fly Fishing
The winter can be one of the greatest times to find hidden dry fly fishing. January was no exception and we expect February to be more of the same. Look for warm, sunny days and aim to be on the river around mid-day. When setting up on rising fish, try casting downstream at a 45-degree angle. Practically, when you see the first fish rise, do not rush and cast immediately. By slowing down your approach, you may find other rising fish in between you and the first fish you saw. By doing this, you maximize your opportunity with each pod of rising fish. As always, go slow and make your casts count!
Looking Ahead
Wade anglers have had tough access with lots of dam generation lately. With all of the recent rain, it seems like wade access on the SOHO will be limited. Continue to monitor the TVA generation schedule for up to date information. You will want to look at the Average Outflow under the Predicted Data section. Later in the spring, as South Holston Lake is filling up, generation should slow which creates more wading fishing opportunities.
With lots of dam generation, now is a great time for those without boats to head to the mountains and check out some of our hidden backcountry mountain streams. The generation schedule is always subject to change so make sure to check the link below.
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:
Griffith’s Gnat #19
BWO Puffdaddy #18-20
Sulphur Puffdaddy #16-18
BWO CDC Sparkle Dun #16-18
WATAUGA RIVER
Please be smart around the pulsing generation. For wade anglers, know the flow schedule and do not put yourself in questionable situations. For boat anglers, plan your floats accordingly.
Perdigon’s have been the most consistent flies for us on the Watauga. As the water levels are rising and falling, it’s important to adjust depth and weight just as much as you are adjusting fly selection.
The streamer fishing on the Watauga this time of year can be quite fun! We noticed an uptick in action when water levels were dropping and rising. We’ve been using the same set-up as we do for smallmouth and it’s been working well. The benefits of Forrest’s smallmouth setup is that it’s incredibly easy and enjoyable to cast all day. Switching between this sinking leader setup and a full sinking line can be extremely effective.
We rotate throughout the color wheel and size of streamer patterns when the fishing gets tough. But it seems like we can always count on a dark color Fuego Flies Dungeon or Feather Changer.
Suggested Patterns
Black Fuego Flies Dungeon
Purple Frenchie #16
Todd’s Wiggle Minnow
Krelix
Looking for additional river info? Shoot us an email. or give us a call.
info@theflyboxtn.com