Watauga River
Elizabethton, TN
The rainbows are feeding aggresively for their spawning runs so now is the time to have an excellent day in terms of both size and numbers. The trophy section is fishing great. Rainbows in the 14"-18" range are being caught with regularity. Consider throwing an attractor nymph rig with a big, bright point fly and the a more realistic and smaller baetis, caddis, or midge nymph beneath. Both BWO's and some caddis have been hatching in the afternoons but you'll need to catch the weather right to do well fishing on the surface - look for cloudy, rainy, or snowy days for the best dry fly fishing. Overall, the fishing has been quite exceptional as of late and some very nice fish have been caught on our trips. Not only are the average sizes of the fish on the rise, some days the numbers are equally astounding.
This river has been THE RIVER to be on. Our trips have yielded many healthy fish and even more happy clients. Seasonally warm temperatures have less effect on these fish due to the generation so continue fishing attractor patterns as well as small beadhead Baetis imitations. Head guide, Forrest Marshall, has been taking clients to some of their newest favorite fishing holes and producing some great numbers and some great sizes. Even with the snow and the colder air temperatures, this dam-regulated river has proven to fish better than most others in the area. With air temperatures on a temporary warm spell, consider fishing a little earlier and a little later than our previous middle-of-the-day recommendation. Fishing has been superb beneath the surface and BWO, Caddis, egg, and worm patterns have been our top producers. If you'd like a scenic and memorable day on this river, contact us for a float trip that you will not forget.
The trophy section is fishing great. Our guides have had clients catch dozens of fish a piece and we expect the great fishing to continue. Rainbows in the 14"-18" range are being caught with regularity. Consider throwing an attractor nymph rig with a big, bright point fly and the a more realistic and smaller baetis, caddis, or midge nymph beneath. Both BWO's and some caddis have been hatching in the afternoons but you'll need to catch the weather right to do well fishing on the surface - look for cloudy, rainy, or snowy days for the best dry fly fishing. Overall, the fishing has been quite exceptional as of late and some very nice fish have been caught on our trips. Not only are the average sizes of the fish on the rise, some days the numbers are equally astounding.
Flies To Take With You:
Baetis / BWO 18-24
Midges 18-24
Eggs 8-12
Big Attractor Nymphs 8-12
Pheasant Tails 18-22
Caddis Nymphs 14-18
