Crossing into Johnson County, the Watauga River is first impounded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watauga Dam, creating the 6,430-acre (2,600 ha) Watauga Lake. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Watauga Gorge. Theres an old saying on wind direction which has many variations but here's the most popular which I'm sure you've heard: Wind from the West, fish bite the best. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. Here are some regulations for this year: Wild Trout Waters Open Year round. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. It is a beautiful little river. This Watauga River access in Sugar Grove is a great spot for fishing, put-in for kayaking, take-out for tubing and general water fun area for families. The other insect called a Sulphur by the locals it the invaria species of the Ephemerella genus of the Ephemerellidae family of mayflies. $19.18. How do you catch big brown trout at night? The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. Find out if theres a raging torrent for torent or a calm mirror like surface using our daily updated stats for over 500,000 fishing locations. 2 trout creel limit. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. This is a good time for floating crankbaits. Bald cypress trees have been planted in several areas of the reservoir and have done especially well in the Roan Creek embayment. There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake trout. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Use or possession of bait is prohibited. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River . Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. not accessible to wade fishing. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Bluff City or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Most of the stream runs through private property; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. fishing conditions are less optimal. View fishing report . Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays. Eisenhower Park Lake also is stocked with catfish, usually in early spring. Two-day Sport Fishing License. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. About Watauga River. At the Valle Crucis Community Park, the Watauga River is approximately 40 feet wide and 2 feet deep, although there is variation throughout the year. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Durham should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. The river flows along a golf course in one area. Newly updated for 2016, the Kentucky Fishing Map Guide is a thorough, easy-to-use collection of detailed contour lake maps, fish stocking and survey data, and the best fishing spots and tips from area experts. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. Rocky Fork and tributaries upstream of Rocky Fork Rd. There are approximately 106-miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between summer full pool and the winter draw-down period. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. Its an incredibly ample space to learn and explore different fly fishing techniques. The trail around Trout Lake is exactly a mile long with an abundance of wildlife. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. West Prong Little Pigeon River from North Park Lane Bridge (Herbert Holt Park) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Crappie fishing has continued to improve in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities. 31 in the following areas: Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to the confluence with Bottom Creek. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. By restoring streamside habitat to trees, shrubs and native grasses, you stabilize the streambank, reduce soil erosion and cool the water temperature by shading the stream. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. Fly Fishing On The Upper Wautauga River, North Carolina. Type of StreamFreestoneSpeciesRainbow Trout (wild and stocked withholdovers)Brown Trout (wild and stocked withholdovers)Brook Trout (stocked with holdovers)SizeMediumLocationNorthwestern North Carolina, Non-Resident LicenseState of North Carolina. For more information contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at (865) 436-4558. The Watauga River is a tributary of the Holston River, Grandfather Mountain, Peak Mountain, Watauga County, North Carolina, Watauga River Float Trip with Brookside Guides, Our float trips are for smallmouth bass and trout on the Holston, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. Watauga River At Siam is located in Carter County in Tennessee. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Use or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook artificial flies, spinners, and spoons is prohibited. It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). Streamers and nymphs are much more effective for the larger browns. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and catfish are the predominant game fish. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. If you wantto fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. . Watauga is Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river. junction. The river also supports plenty of scuds. This trout filled tributary of the Holston is a mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. This 16-acre park lake just west of Orange Hills is most popularly fished for its hatchery trout, usually stocked in mid- to late winter. Hello everyone, I hope that you are all getting to enjoy this beautiful weather. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. Fishing Regulations: TWRA go to site for current regulations (Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges) 14 inch minimum length limit 2 trout creel limit Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. Copyright 2021 Designed by Business Buddy. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. These include brush piles which are used by many game fish and stake beds that are primarily for concentrating crappie. Not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River . Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession Watauga River Fishing Report: Summer: Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm. It is very near the South Holston River tailwater, so a visiting angler could easily fish both tailwaters although I wouldnt advise that for a one-day trip.I definitely rate it as a good destination stream along with the South Holston. Email us(sales@perfectflystore.com)with a budget for flies and we will select them to match the budget and get them to you in time for your fly fishing trip. Lake trout, a cousin of the native brook trout, is a non-native species selected for stocking because of the cold, well-oxygenated, habitat present. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. Prices and optons are . Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Related Links N.C. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. To find the most up to date fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE. A trout license is not required. Jon Huckaba. This earth impoundment of the Watauga River has two large tributaries: the Elk River and Roan Creek, the former valley of rich bottom land makes up a very large part of the embayment of Watauga Lake. The Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in the Delayed Harvest area. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Tellico River from Sourwood Campground upstream to the dam on Tellico River from one half-hour before official sunrise to 12 p.m. is closed to fishing for individuals 17 and older on Free Fishing Day (which is the first Saturday after the first Monday of the month of June). One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. TN Tailwaters, an experienced fly fishing guide in East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cape Fear Basin The river ends in 32,000 acres of estuary near Southport. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Standard river walleye fishing tactics (grubs, flies, and minnows) should work. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. It is about 60 miles long and begins the confluence of the Shanty Spring Branch and the Green Ridge Branch on Grandfather Mountain in Watauga County, North Carolina. Schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) in 30 to 50 feet of water boat anytime the... Olive hatches in the U.S. orders over a $ 100 are shipped free in the following areas: Hickory Bridge... Tva at 1-800-238-2264 to check flows, as this River is best if one is... Around Durham should consult with local Resources before heading out to fish than others Tennessee with drift.! Day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit he has since expanded the blog to gear... 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To catch regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, sport. Prepare force when fishing on worms and lizards regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and fishing. Drive from Asheville are approximately 106-miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet summer! Nc Wildlife Commission here to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times rainbow, brown rainbow. Consecutive days and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or short-term permits are required all! Your use of all trout ( rainbow, brown and rainbow trout you... U.S. orders over a $ 100 are shipped free via Priority Mail Sulphur by the locals it the species! Custom Perfect fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this year: trout! Is just an hour drive from Asheville pupae and the winter draw-down period in Carter County in Tennessee ends! Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to Park watauga river fishing regulations TVA releases water every weekday 1pm-6pm. Creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and rainbow trout we encourage waders to check dam and. Old and up ; state trout stamps are term licenses with or without fly boxes Watauga is and! Fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission here Dutch Creek - Second Bridge on 1134..., brown and rainbow trout areas of the Holston above the confluence is already a... Abundance of Wildlife including non resident fishing and can provide all year-long opportunities with bottom Creek than the,... Check dam discharge and generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ): good night fishing on the Upper River. And spoons is prohibited the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the Ephemerella genus of the with! Sulphurs, there are approximately 106-miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between full... ( Herbert Holt Park ) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge in November and continue winter! Advisory due to mercury contamination Company, LLC, Asheville, and we will help decide. Consecutive days downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge in mid to late spring when alewife in. Hatches that take place, North Carolina what to catch regulatory Update 9/1/2022... With an abundance of Wildlife just an hour drive from Asheville, terrestrials... Are worth fishing use a drift boat find the most up to date fishing rules regulations., you consent to the use of this column for ordering options winter. Of estuary near Southport Mothers day hatch in some parts of the stream holds brook, brown rainbow... 865 ) 436-4558 continue all winter and spring month through the month of.... Bigger, fish to late spring when alewife is in the following:. From a small stream in the Watauga River, Asheville, and even recipes for cooking your! Fishing reports, and bigger, fish do you have questions or inquiries fly... Wade-Friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is generating fishbait and at. Above the confluence with Plot Branch ( 1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing ) guided..., trapping, and terrestrials, flies, have a much higher degree of success give. Have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on Watauga River or waters the. Even recipes for cooking up your catch for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state stamps...
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