FISHING
Float-fishing might be your best introduction to fly fishing! Experienced South Holston River Company (SHRC) guides provide your gear, tie your flies, net your fish, and even untangle your line (yes, it happens!). They will teach you how to cast, where to cast, when to set your hook, how to bring your catch into the net, and will even provide lunch! All you have to do is catch fish and enjoy miles of beautiful river mixed with light rapids, slow peaceful pools, and shoreline cliffs. Your guide will navigate all for you. This is a terrific experience for parent-child, couples or good buddies. SHRC guides pick you up at our cabin and return you at the end of the day. Your guide will determine which river to fish based on their knowledge of the river that day.
Cast and Blast
You can combine your fishing experience with an incredible hunting experience. Hunt one day, then fish the next, whatever you decide. If you fill your hunting tag early, you can book a float too at no additional cost. You have options. Cast and blast!
South Holston River
The South Holston River is deemed a premier trout fishing river that begins as a tailwater (water emanating from the bottom of the dam) of the South Holston Lake. The cold, deep waters emanating from the dam ensure good fishing conditions year-round. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) generates water based on electric needs and water levels. When the TVA is not generating, the river is ideal for wade fishing, seldom finding water over waist-deep. The river is approximately 80 yards wide with crystal clear, cold water year-round.
During times of water generation, the river is ideal for float fishing with a guide. They know the river and will offer an exciting fishing experience. Biologists say that the river fish population exceeds 8,500 trout per mile. Brown trout, which are the majority of the trout, are wild trout (no longer stocked), while rainbow trout are still being stocked each year, though very plentiful.
Watauga River
Our sister river to the South Holston River is the Watauga River located just a few miles apart. It, too, is a tailwater river emanating from Wilbur Dam on Watauga Lake. It carries similar fishing conditions to the South Holston River with a stronger concentration of rainbow trout in the 12-16" range.
Both the South Holston River and Watauga River can be fished year-round, though spawning grounds are protected during winter months. March-August are great months for nymphing and topwater action. Sulphur hatches on the South Holston and Caddis hatches on the Watauga River provide an exciting time to be on the water.
Winter Bass Fishing
Do want to do something different in January and February? How about smallmouth bass fishing on topwater with a fly-rod. Bass fishing can be epic in the winter as guides lead you through warm water sections of a local river where bait fish and smallmouth bass pile up. Air temperatures in January and February hover around 50 degrees.
OUR GUIDES
We've partnered with the South Holston River Company, an Orvis-endorsed guide service, to provide our guide services in an exclusive relationship.
The South Holston River Company (SHRC) was founded by Patrick Fulkrod, Orvis-guide of the year in 2014. Patrick says "the mission of SHRC is to provide the finest guide service on the Southeastern waters we call home. We are a company recognized not only as a fly fishing guide service, but as a lifetime experience provider for fun and friendships. We want everyone who interacts with our staff to walk away with a smile and a friendship."
Patrick Fulkrod
Patrick is a local to Bristol and has been fly fishing since age ten. 2021 will represent Patrick's 15th year guiding. Patrick brings a lineup of credentials and accomplishments to his resume including national recognition as the 2014 Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year. Patrick was also recognized as a 2012, 2013, and 2015 Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year Finalist, 2007 Graduate of the Western Rivers Professional Guide School, Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide since 2007, and a Clackacraft Drift Boat’s Pro Staff Member. Patrick's favorite method to catch a trout is on a #20 midge.