May River Report 2022 - South Holston & Watauga

South Holston

For the first time in many weeks, South Holston is generating! May was characterized by low flows and high water temperatures on the South Holston. Good fishing could still be had but it was mostly limited to wade fishing on the SOHO. With the dam generation, the water is cold and the fish are happy. “Bottom-bouncing” nymphing is the common way most anglers will fish the SOHO when the Dam is generating. 

Dry Fly Fishing

Sulphur season is here and especially with the water…Long leaders and light tippets are the key. Size #19 Puff-daddy’s with 6X or 6.5X Trout Hunter EVO Nylon behind size 16 CDC Sulphur Sparkle Dun have been very productive in the early afternoons.  12ft 6X Trout Hunter Finesse leaders have been my go-to. This is the start of what we all have been waiting for.  - Jonathan

Suggested Patterns:

Nymphs:

Shrimp Pink Frenchies #16- 18 

Olive, and black midges #18-22

Bullet Quill #16-18

Deep Six Sulphur #16

Dries:

Sulphur Puff Daddy #16-19

CDC Comparadun #16-18

South Holston Generation Schedule: https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/South-Holston

Watauga

The effect of lack of flows on the SOHO led to the Watauga being very crowded and pressured. Now that the SOHO is generating, this should spread out the boats and create better fishing for everyone. Wilbur Dam is also generating now so back to bottom-bouncing as well in many sections. On both the Watauga & South Holston, fishing heavy flies under a yarn indicator is still productive in some of the shallower sections near the bank.

Wilbur Dam Generation Schedule: https://www.tva.com/environment/lake-levels/wilbur

Suggested Patterns:

Nymphs:

Purple Frenchies #16- 18 

Olive, and black midges #18-22

France Fly #16-18

Dries:

Sulphur Puff Daddy #16-19

CDC Comparadun #16-18