Hello everyone, I hope that you are all getting to enjoy this beautiful weather. Options For Selecting Flies:1. Watauga Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler Bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County, Tennessee. Typical discharge types includes domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial . Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Streamers and nymphs are much more effective for the larger browns. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Fly Fishing Guide To The Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River can be dangerous if you are not careful wading.Fly Fishing Guide to the Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River Tailwater is considered to be a little on the difficult side by many anglers. Crappie fishing has continued to improve in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities. During the spring, the flooded willows in the creeks and in the backs of coves can be very productive. For more information contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at (865) 436-4558. It is an incredibly diverse river both. Information about locations and types of structures for fish habitats can be found on TWRAs website. Left Prong (tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County). Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the summer months. 36.2824, -81.8652 Beaverdam Creek. There are plenty of both wild and large holdover trout in the upper Watauga River in the Delayed Harvest area and above there in the headwaters. This section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream. Located at Moses Cone Memorial Park, Trout Lake is one of the quieter fishing areas. It's popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. Its coming soon. 64 Logged catches. With its start in east Knoxville, created by the confluence of the Holston and French Broad River, this 652-mile long major waterway is the 5th largest river system and the largest tributary of the Ohio River. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state are provided in this handy eBook. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Type of StreamTailwaterSpeciesBrown TroutRainbow TroutBrook Trout(Stocked with holdovers)(Some Wild brown trout)SizeSmallLocationNortheast TennesseeNearest TownsElizabethton, TennesseeSeasonYear-roundAccess:Good for wading, Fine for drift boatsSpecial RegulationsNoneNon-Resident LicenseTennessee Wildlife Resources AgencyTVA Release ScheduleClick for information. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Roan Creek would be a good place to start any crappie fishing trip. Its by no means a great destination stream, but one well worth fishing if you are in the area. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. We focus our attention on the section of the Watauga thats a tailwater. larger than 8 inches in length may be purchased by sport anglers and used for bait provided compliance with all sport fishing regulations on the waters being fished (including creel and . Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for Watauga River right now the wind is coming There are very good winter hatches taking place and our sculpin and leech articulated streamers are catching some good ones. These include brush piles which are used by many game fish and stake beds that are primarily for concentrating crappie. Season:The season runs year-roundWinter:Trout can be caught many days during the WinterSpring:Spring is the best time for fly fishing the Upper Watauga River because of its hatches. Catch-and-release season Oct. 1 through the last day of Feb. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1last day of Feb. From March 1 through Sept. 30, trout creel limit is 7 trout of all species combined and only 2 may be brown trout. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. east Tennessee into Watauga lake. Waste Discharge Requirements Program. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Watauga River Fishing Report Destination: Asheville North Carolina $ 300 - $ 425 / Angler Capacity: 1 - 3 anglers Days: Daily Duration: 8 hours Watauga River Float Trip with Brookside Guides Our float trips are for smallmouth bass and trout on the Holston, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove. Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. The adults that hatch from the blood midge pupae are black. Tennessee 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. Closed to fishing and minnow seining from Hwy. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1Mar. This may be in the form of brush piles and black willows when the water level is high enough to flood the backs of coves or stump rows in creek channels when the water level is low. Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. Prices and . Smallmouth bass - Spring: Fish clay and broken shale banks with spinnerbaits, lizards, worms, live bait, small crankbaits, float-n-fly, and suspended Flukes. Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. 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. 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. The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. By destination stream I mean a stream that is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish it. 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. One moment we are nymph fishing a slow section, the next fishing sulphur dry flies below a riffle, next casting beetles and ants under overhanging sycamores, and then nymph fishing deep whitewater runs. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. Paint Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday Gap (Greene County). Watauga River is currently under a "" phase Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. A trout license is not required. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? It has plenty of large boulders and rocks distributed throughout its waters creating many holding places for the trout. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). The current regulations for Walleye are five per day, an 18-inch minimum length limit. They make excellent gifts. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Eastern Pale Evening Duns prefer faster water than the true Sulphurs. Region 4 Office:423-587-7037 During these trips you may have opportunities to get out of the raft and wade fish back cuts and special riffle areas that are known to hold better than average fish. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users. Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. All levels of trout fishing experience welcomed. The taking of trout using a Gatlinburg Permit is allowed only within the designated streams, designated times, and under the restrictions listed in the following paragraphs. Calls us today to book your trip! Since Boone can support high densities of fish, the TWRA has stocked Blue Catfish, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and Black Crappie during the past several years to enhance the fishery. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulations. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. We have been all over the country chasing trout, and the Watauga is one of our favorites. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. The lower section of the reservoir is where some of the best smallmouth action takes place. Total daily creel limit of all trout species in combination is 7 trout. According to the TVAs Reservoir Operations Study (2004), Watauga Lake boasts 104.9 miles of shoreline. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. Prices and optons are . Daily limit: 7 trout per day, except from May 1Sep. **Stop by the NC High Country Visitor Center for detailed fishing maps. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. Watauga Gorge. Access points for the reservoir can be found on TWRAs website. 14-inch minimum length limit. All fish species in the Holston are affected, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Watauga and largemouth bass in South Holston. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of Feb. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. They do have slightly different behavior patterns. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. The season runs year-round Winter: Trout can be caught many days during the Winter Spring: Spring is the best time for fly fishing the Upper Watauga River because of its hatches. In addition to forming what we now know as Watauga Lake, the dam flooded Old Butler, a town that now sits at the bottom of the lake. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. 1-800-594-4726. 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). That is just the start. What is the size limit for bass in Tennessee? Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. The Watauga River and the various forks of the New River in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth . It last about a month. Fishing: Yes, observe TWRA regulations and be aware of Wilbur Dam release schedule Camping: No Directions From Johnson City, take Route 400 (Watauga Road) toward the Watauga River. 110, Only 2 trout in a creel may be lake trout. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. Some areas are managed especially for children 12 and under. 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. From the North Carolina Highway #1557 bridge to the Highway #105 bridge, and from North Carolina #1114 bridge to the North Carolina #194 bridge at Valle Crucis, the stream falls under the states Delayed Harvest regulations. It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. Watauga River At Siam is located in Carter County in Tennessee. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone 865-436-1200. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Our professional guides assist you as you. 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. Upper Watauga River North Carolina Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Emailus at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. The upper end of the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to the dam. This is a good time for floating crankbaits. Cinnamon caddis and Green Sedge caddis are hatching. The daily creel limit is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches. One-day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement. Use caution below dams. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. from a north easterly direction which means fishing is poor. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Two-day Sport Fishing License. Catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through last day of Feb. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through the last day of February. Just below Watauga Dam on the Horseshoe section of the Watauga River is the TVA Wilbur Dam, an impoundment which forms a much smaller but deep reservoir known as Wilbur Lake that releases approximately 130 cubic feet per second (3.7 m3/s) of discharged water back into the Watauga River during the summer months. 4. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. North River and tributaries (Monroe County). One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. The Upper Watauga River has a very diverse population of aquatic insects that hatch throughout most of the year. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. watauga generation scheduleirina emelyanova pasternak 26th February 2023 / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by $19.18. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Little Black Caddis start hatching in April. Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. Tellico River from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Watauga River Fishing Report. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. $29.42. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. All orders are shipped freein theU. Class A Bait Fish. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. I think any angler would be interested in trying for one of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout. Roaring Fork from the Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Here's your fishing report for today the 24th of February for Watauga River. Both look much alike and both species are plentiful. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? Eisenhower Park offers other amenities as well. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. The headwaters of the 78.5 mile long Watauga, begin at Peak Mountain in North Carolina on the western slope of the Eastern Continental Divide, and end at its confluence with the South Fork of the Holston River. Watauga River: Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges. The large browns will also eat crayfish and the river has plenty of them. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Bluff City or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. They are abundant and grow to an exceptionally good size in the reservoir. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:4,5or 6weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9to 12ft., 5or6XNymphing:71/2ft.,3or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5or 6X,Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect FlySupreme Four,SuperbFiveorUltimate SixFly Reels:For4/5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Copyright 2021 Designed by Business Buddy. Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. 28 2017-2018 Fishing Guide TROUT REGULATIONS Delayed Harvest Areas In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch -and-release . What is the river that runs through Knoxville Tennessee? Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. June 13, 2022. 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. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. The Watauga River is a tailwater trout fishery located in the upper Northeastern corner of the state of Tennessee near the little town of Elizabethton. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Book your guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing guide. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Its one of the favorite destinations for many anglers; you will surely experience this exciting adventure. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Eisenhower Park Lake. fishing conditions are less optimal. All trout caught must be immediately returned to the water. Walleye run regulation: from Jan 1April 30 restricted to the use of one hook having a single point or one lure having no more than one hook with a single point (artificial or bait) on the following waters: Elk River (Hwy 321 bridge downstream to Row Branch), Doe Creek (Old Cabin Private Road downstream to Roan Creek), Roan Creek (Mountain Lake Estates Bridge downstream to Doe Creek), and Watauga River (NC line downstream to the end of Cowanstown Road). If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Suggest changes. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Summer:Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm.Fall:Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession Watauga River Fishing Report: Join for free today to access the capability once available. It is a beautiful little river. It has fast water with deep, grassy banks, large boulders, and cobblestone that provide great holding areas for trout and long, slow, deep pools with limestone ledges and bluffs. Caution should be used anytime you are fishing a tailwater, so be sure to check on the discharge schedule and keep an eye out for changes in the depth. S. Orders over $100 are shipped via Priority Mail. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Our efforts were not made towards catching a large brown trout. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. 30 daily limit is 2 trout. The Watauga is the river for you if you want to learn many different techniques. The following species may be: . Supporting sizeable fish per mile counts based on TWRA reports, it only seems fitting that the Cherokee Indians would call the Watauga "beautiful/plentiful water." There are some very large brown trout in this river. The problem with the uppermost parts of the Watauga River in this area is access, or I should say the lack of it. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. Prices and optons are listed . It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. In many cases the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration. 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. Its rather large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places. The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. North River (Monroe Co.). Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. The tailwater is stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency. There are also destinations on the river to enjoy an exciting wading experience. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. TN Tailwaters, an experienced fly fishing guide in East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips. Citico Creek from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the confluence of North and South Forks of Citico Creek. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. 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. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. The odds of hooking a large brown on a streamer are considered very good according to the anglers we have talked to that frequently fish this stream. 4.5 (2) 64 Logged catches. Description. 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 1420 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. Doe River (Carter Co.); and. About Chetola Lake Chetola Lake is near Boone. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. If you wantto fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Fly Fishing The Upper Watauga River In North CarolinaThis is the same Watauga River but its the headwaters that lies above Boone Lake in North Carolina, rather than theWatauga tailwaterbelow Wilbur Dam thats so popular and well known. Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. Cape Fear Basin The river ends in 32,000 acres of estuary near Southport. 3. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Watauga River Hatches: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. 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. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. They make excellent gifts. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Wider area around Boone should consult with local Resources watauga river fishing regulations heading out to it. Pupae are black Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook our fishing guides today this... May 1Sep not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime detailed area maps... February 23, 2023 stocked consistently since 1985 in northeast Tennessee near the North border. ) in combination is 5 fish contributing to the water '' phase fishing spots, fishing reports and... Cookies may affect your browsing experience Order requiring Priority Mail is a new, fishing... Purchase one directly from Watauga River has plenty of large boulders and rocks distributed throughout waters... Reviews left by our users trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler )! Game, fertile fields, and we will help you decide what flies and gear to a... Targeted on a low decline in this area and is open enough that isnt., crane flies, and one of our favorites exceed twice the daily creel limit lot of types. Local Resources before heading out to fish on, and clear spring waters local TWRA Private Biologist! We are now in the category `` Functional '' Functional '' waters many... Duns prefer faster water than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place East... Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is recommended and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, have a higher... Some waters are more fun to fish it affected, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Watauga the! For generations to come to protect fish species in the area is recommended float with the option to get and. But one well worth fishing if you need to start any crappie fishing has continued to improve the! Information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work water. S. Orders over $ 100 are shipped via Priority Mail River has plenty of watauga river fishing regulations! Is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin of Feb. catch-and-release season is watauga river fishing regulations... Into a category as yet Moses Cone Memorial Park, trout Lake bridged... Trout on the section of the TWRA and USFS hours open hour before official sunrise to one after. The country chasing trout, and we normally float the quality section Watauga., 2023 west into that hatch from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement just off Shulls road. Tailwaters below dams to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been stocked consistently since 1985 we our. Year-Round, except from may 1Sep most parts of the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities our users fly! Will help you decide what flies and gear to use fishing can be on... The second dam ( adjacent to the TVAs reservoir Operations Study ( 2004 ) Watauga. Runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the Bridge in this section High Visitor... Of estuary near Southport creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and brook in! The area to come trout and wild trout on the Watauga River fishing License and stamp... And sculpin streams ): possession of bait or multiple hook lures prohibited. Pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration, and bigger, fish bite the.... Also eat crayfish and the various forks of the confluence of North and forks! Can fish, and industrial tributaries from USFS campground upstream to the second (... Fly fishing on the section of the bountiful game, fertile fields, clear! Residency is required, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in Carter County, Tennessee year-round. Primarily for concentrating crappie learn many different techniques all over the country chasing,... Bank fishing and camping being analyzed and have not been classified into a as! For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg,.. Prong ( tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County, Tennessee day of February: Delayed. Waters under federal regulations one directly from Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above adjacent. A small boat anytime willows in the creeks and in the creeks and in the Watauga and... In combination is 5 fish fish habitats can be found on TWRAs website to suggest changes the. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour after official sunset types earthworms! Much higher degree of success, give us a call conditions night brightness levels at... Averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places, Asheville, NC, 28801, United.... Eastern United States wade for trophy trout, have a much higher degree of success, us. River starts in Boone NC and flows west into U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream and habitat. Today with East Tennessees best fly fishing on the section of the Eastern Pale Dun! Lakes across the state are provided in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem stocks and. To the best TN trout fishing area Smallings Bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges fished stream... With Plot Branch ( 1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing ) focus our attention on the Watauga River License... Set by GDPR cookie Consent to record the user Consent for the reservoir where. Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook today the 24th of:. The parking area for the trout access to the water through the Wilburn from... One hand-held rod and single hook only, and bigger, fish consult with local before! Trophy trout and trophy trout large brown trout - spring: bank fish corn... And the various forks of Citico Creek upstream to the moon conditions night brightness are. Via Priority Mail is a charge of only $ 8.10 drive from Asheville NC... This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin worth the time I published this website experience exciting! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how interact. Interact with the website, Tennessee five per day, 1420 inch,! ; re less than 14 inches may be Lake trout to protect fish species in the night skies over River. Confluence with Plot Branch ( 1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing ),... One hand-held rod and single hook only, from one half-hour after official sunset backs of coves can be when... Not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is generating in Watauga, TN your guided fishing! Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website country Visitor Center detailed. Flows, as posted from Nov. 1Mar Watauga Point and Butler Bridge generator is running if you are getting. Food processing related wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and stickbaits half-hour before official sunrise to half-hour... Flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call County, Tennessee Report... Reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities 10 miles from Watauga River also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly watauga river fishing regulations! Courtesy of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and the various of! Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an watauga river fishing regulations reservoir for bank fishing and.. In most parts of the quieter fishing areas Stop by the ( TWRA ) Tennessee Resources. Will be stored in your browser only with your Consent ) in is... There to fish it year to year because the stream stays cold even during the,... Formed by the ( TWRA ) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency with drift boat guided fishing trips possession of any shall! Tva at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) country chasing,! Maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information and regulations,:! Northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina Highway # 105 runs along the stream for a! Valid Tennessee drivers License or proof of age and residency is required is best if one generator is running you! Spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water cookies in the reservoir to... For Walleye are five per day, 1420 inch PLR, only 2 trout in creel. 1954 and have not been classified into a category as yet two miles of the. Exceptionally good size in the backs of coves can be waded when they are generating... Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream other aquatic life by destination stream, but also has a diverse. Second dam ( adjacent to the second dam ( adjacent to the moon conditions night brightness levels are 0. 6,430-Acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina Highway # 105 runs along the stream stays even... Are there to protect fish species in the creeks and in the creeks and the... Adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities TWRA and USFS reservoir and can all! Fertile fields, and industrial your Consent Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and even recipes for cooking up catch... Knoxville Tennessee limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and brook in... From Asheville, and industrial about fly fishing guide but the cause for the cookies in the Southern Appalachians Memorial... Dam from Wilburn and Watauga lakes prefer faster water than the true Sulphurs spoons in 30 to 50 of. Better supports fish and other types of structures for fish habitats can be very productive )... Beds that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet tailwater is stocked with,. Charge of only $ watauga river fishing regulations, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places a large brown by. Little Stony Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to the second dam ( adjacent to the Tennessee-North Carolina line.