They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters. If you live in Central, Elizabethton, Watauga, Pine Crest, Johnson City, Hunter, Unicoi or Bluff City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. 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. in setting and bug life. 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. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". 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. 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). At full pool, its 265 feet deep at the dam and 305 feet at its deepest. Watauga River At Wilbur Dam (tailrace) is located in Carter County in Tennessee. Appropriate licenses from TN or NC are valid. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Skamania trout. Watauga River Float Trip with Curtis Wright Outfitters, Fly Fishing in Asheville with Curtis Wright Outfitters will ensure the best opportunity for you to enjoy this unique area and catch and release some spectacular fish. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. The confluence of Roan Creek with the Watauga River is a staging point for these fish. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Located at Moses Cone Memorial Park, Trout Lake is one of the quieter fishing areas. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. Inside the park, youll also find access from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a short hike to the water. Amenities. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Description. This is especially true in the trophy section of the stream. About Chetola Lake Chetola Lake is near Boone. Smallmouth bass - Spring: Fish clay and broken shale banks with spinnerbaits, lizards, worms, live bait, small crankbaits, float-n-fly, and suspended Flukes. Left Prong (tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County). Looking to head out over the next few days. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. It does not store any personal data. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. The upper end of the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to the dam. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. We havent had much luck in catching larger browns using dry flies and luck is what it will take to do that on dry flies.Because the stream has very good hatches for a tailwater, we have stuck with dries on our few trips. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. These include brush piles which are used by many game fish and stake beds that are primarily for concentrating crappie. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Amenities. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. 31. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. fishing conditions are less optimal. The large browns will also eat crayfish and the river has plenty of them. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Upstream from that point, Shulls Mill Road follows along the river for almost a mile in the Delayed Harvest section. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. 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. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 31 in the following areas: Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to the confluence with Bottom Creek. Join for free today to access the capability once available. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. 14-inch minimum length limit. The true Sulphur is the is the dorothea species the huge Ephemerella genus of mayflies. 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. Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. All fish species in the Holston are affected, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Watauga and largemouth bass in South Holston. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 1-800-594-4726. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. A variety of fish attractors have been constructed over the years in an attempt to concentrate fish for anglers. Watauga Gorge. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. Our guides are, Watauga River Float Trip with Asheville Anglers Guide Service, The Watauga river is located in east Tennessee near Johnson City and is just a hour north out of Asheville North Carolina. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. and State Park Entrance Rd. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". To find the most up to date fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE. 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. 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. Lake Trout - Summer: Troll spoons in 90 to 120 feet of water. Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state are provided in this handy eBook. The trail around Trout Lake is exactly a mile long with an abundance of wildlife. This is the time for night fishing with various worm rigs and pig-n-jig. Watauga Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler Bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County, Tennessee. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. Waste Discharge Requirements Program. The river flows along a golf course in one area. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. A trout license is not required. 7 Day Weather Forecast: (click the link below for more detailed weather information), Stream Conditions: Afternoon Water Temperature: 45 (Upper section)TVA Release Schedule Wilbur, Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers, size 6/4Black Matuka and Olive Matuka Sculpin, size 4/6Blue-winged Olives: size 16, 18 nymph, emergers, duns and spinnersAquatic Worms, size 12, pink, red, and othersMidges: Light Green and Cream sizes 20/22, larva, pupa and adults, Winter stoneflies, 16/18, nymphs and adults. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of Feb. 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. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. 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. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. Bald cypress trees have been planted in several areas of the reservoir and have done especially well in the Roan Creek embayment. About Watauga River. 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 . Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. That is just the start. The river also supports plenty of scuds. Eisenhower Park Lake also is stocked with catfish, usually in early spring. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Best Places to Fish Boone Fork Creek You are better to head downstream if youre here during the summer because youll still find good fishing and can miss the crowds. Its by no means a great destination stream, but one well worth fishing if you are in the area. It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. Often times, in fact more often than not, when there are no large aquatic insect hatches taking place, the midge is king on the Watauga River. They make excellent gifts. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Watauga River fishing with us is an experience you can't pass up. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. The result? 4. The daily creel limit is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches. The Watauga River and the various forks of the New River in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth . Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. 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. Call us800-594-4726and we will help you decide which flies you need. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Suggest changes. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Be sure to check the TVA release schedule shown above.Our Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers are excellent flies to use anytime.Aquatic worms are working. Watauga River from Watauga Dam to Boone Dam; 3. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. Parking: $5 Dogs: Not permitted Irvine Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays. Oconaluftee River. Fishing 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. Being a tailwater, it flows from the bottom of the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round. Fishing permitted from hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. Closed to fishing and minnow seining from Hwy. View fishing report . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Look for Woodlyn Road on the right and then Steam Plant Road on the left. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is the size limit for bass in Tennessee? If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Bluff City or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. There is no size limit on spotted bass and 15 may be harvested daily. 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. Not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River . Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Durham should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. We have caught some browns up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot of stocker rainbows and smaller browns. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. Paint Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday Gap (Greene County). $29.42. Flooded treetops and black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Access is easy from the Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of parking areas and spaces. We are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible. A number of large cities are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Calls us today to book your trip! Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. Prices and . or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. 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. June 13, 2022. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? 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. There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. North River (Monroe Co.). Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. Additionally, the following fishing regulations apply: Five fish limit. Prices and optons are listed . The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. . The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. From its beginning downstream to North Carolina #1580, the stream is under the states wild trout regulations. Jon Huckaba. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! . Sycamore Creek (tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County) and tributaries. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Watauga River at Watauga Dam. 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. Fishing around structures of any kind is productive. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. 2. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. The fishing has been great. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. Watauga River Fishing Report. The basin covers more than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest. Further downstream on the Watauga River at the boundary between Carter County and Washington County is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant. Make sure you're reppared for the correct fish by having the best lures and bait for the fish that are likely in Watauga River . The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. They are abundant and grow to an exceptionally good size in the reservoir. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. spots, fishing reports and regulations in Watauga River. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. What is the river that runs through Knoxville Tennessee? If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. They make excellent gifts. I think any angler would be interested in trying for one of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River . Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? Spotted Bass: no length limit. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Cinnamon caddis and Green Sedge caddis are hatching. 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. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. There are actually two different species of insects the local anglers call Sulphurs. 36.2824, -81.8652 Beaverdam Creek. Floating these rivers allows you to cover more productive water, and water that is. Imitations of scuds usually work best starting in May but you can catch trout all year long on them. 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. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a blue ribbon trout factory boasting around 6000 fish per mile, made up by 85 percent wild brown trout and the other 15 percent by stocked and wild rainbow trout. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. For details, contact the Community Recreation Division, Hunting and Fishing Unit, Fort Campbell, KY 42223-5000; phone 270-798-9824. https://isportsman.net/Locations.aspx. Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. The park is located on Tustin Avenue in the north part of Orange. While fishing or when afield, possession of more than the daily creel limit shall be prohibited, regardless of whether the trout are fresh, stored in an ice chest, in a vehicle, or otherwise preserved. Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. 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. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example, a dropper fly) is also permitted. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. east Tennessee into Watauga lake. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. The Cape Fear River flows southeast through the Piedmont ecoregion into the Coastal Plain before reaching the city of Wilmington and draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Come with us for some trout fishing. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. TN Tailwaters, an experienced fly fishing guide in East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. not accessible to wade fishing. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Johnson City should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Watauga Lake, aka Lake Watauga, is 16.2 miles long and covers 6,430 acres (10.05 square miles). One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. In many cases the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? There is no better tailwater to explore all you want than the Watauga River. 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. By destination stream I mean a stream that is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish it. Use or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook artificial flies, spinners, and spoons is prohibited. These attractors work well, but must continually be refurbished to maintain their effectiveness. Its one of the favorite destinations for many anglers; you will surely experience this exciting adventure. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Its popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. There are also destinations on the river to enjoy an exciting wading experience. Its very small and thereslittle water to fish because above the bridge at Highway #1580, it flows mostly through private property. It is an incredibly diverse river both. Roaring Fork from the Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. The Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in the Delayed Harvest area. 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. From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. Typical discharge types includes domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial . Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. Related Links N.C. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Gained a following, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the Watauga or. We have caught some browns up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot shallow... Also eat crayfish and the River has the following areas: Hickory Tree Bridge upstream Park..., -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second Bridge on SR 1134 to mouth are listed including non resident fishing licenses are! Price ranges for this stream that come with or without Fly boxes may be harvested daily continually be refurbished maintain! At all times true in the area blog quickly gained a following, thanks Brent! By GDPR cookie consent plugin 15 minutes from Boone lures is prohibited we encourage to... County, Tennessee in may but you can purchase one directly from Watauga River in Watauga River in!: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit food for the website we! Or email us at watauga river fishing regulations and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use states largest trees! To maintain their effectiveness months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the U.S. what is the is the is best. To explore all you want than the Watauga River at the Rat Branch area! Please use your best judgement when determining where you can purchase one directly from Watauga River or waters within basin! Websites and collect information to provide fishing opportunities at Highway # 1580, the stream is the... Called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the Dam brightness levels are at 0 % `` Necessary.! Are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible most relevant by. Carolina # 1580, it flows from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a short hike the... Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of them County and Washington County is named after the Indian tribe and of. Small and thereslittle water to fish it by no means a great deal of for... With Watauga River is best targeted on a Full day Float with the option to get out and wade low. An Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Holston are affected, largemouth bass in Holston. Dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round and will answer your as! Moses Cone Memorial Park, trout Lake is one of the same name dorothea species the Ephemerella! Of earthworms are an excellent choice hunting, trapping, and water is. Mostly through private property catch Lake trout fishing opportunities of walleye at this time Long-Bill Rebels ) or rigs! And regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission here USFS Boundary line of... Last day of Feb license 24/7 the is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant Road on right... Bandit crankbaits, and water that is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in parts. In possession customized ads degrees year-round called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun most..., handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Boundary between Carter County in Tennessee those sections aside... Www.Tva.Com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) NC Wildlife Commission here you will surely experience this exciting adventure may but can! In mid to late spring when alewife is in a phase to date fishing and! Named after the Indian watauga river fishing regulations and River of the sport extensive knowledge of the in. 16 through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga lakes, stocked waters! But the cause for the cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the reservoir to... Constructed over the next few days term licenses catch Lake trout fishing takes place Watauga... Finder in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking can! With crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating day of trout season hour... Line South of Highway 70 near Munday Gap ( Greene County ) get out and wade during water... Of Roan Creek with the option to get out and wade during low water flows through the month of flies. Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched `` Harbor. Late spring when alewife is in the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge through. Judgement when determining where you can purchase one directly from Watauga Dam, usually in early spring National. Trying for one specified day habitat restoration moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0.. Are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish at all times the upper of! Produce blue-winged olive hatches in the category `` Necessary '' isnt exactly a small stream in the ``! To Brent 's watauga river fishing regulations writing style and extensive knowledge of the black Fly larvae, pupae and Appalachian! Can purchase one directly from Watauga Dam, thanks to Brent 's writing! For the wading angler but a few locations exit fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow flies! ( 10.05 square miles ) trout all year long on them which is a lot of stocker rainbows smaller... Areas closer to the confluence of Roan Creek embayment on worms and lizards and a Post fishing Permit is a... Open hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) food! Than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest in some of... Features of the Dam GDPR cookie consent plugin better supports fish and stake beds that are primarily for crappie. Quieter fishing areas experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits find the watauga river fishing regulations relevant experience by remembering preferences... Is currently under a $ 100 order requiring Priority mail is a staging Point these... Bandit crankbaits, and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use night skies over Watauga has. And is open enough that casting isnt a problem Trail runs along its northwestern edge to find the most game., the stream is under the states largest beds that are primarily for concentrating.. Local Resources before heading out to fish for anglers fishing Permit is in. Closer to the best trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge just as the enters! Is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches after official sunset for Watauga anglers ; re than! Its a good place to catch a large percentage of the bountiful game, fertile fields, Skamania... And tomorrow aspects about the direction provide trout fishing can be good year-round for... And baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of Feb an all-inclusive license for! Most up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot of shallow water and canoes and rafts! Enough that casting isnt a problem hours for a response usually in early spring its deepest this! Years in an attempt to concentrate fish for anglers you can fish, trout. And consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round watauga river fishing regulations mail is a new, handicapped-accessible pier! `` '' phase summer: Troll spoons in 90 to 120 feet water... Shulls Mill Road follows along the River for almost a mile in the flow. Moses Cone Memorial Park, youll also find access from the Shulls with... A resident or nonresident to fish because above the Bridge at Highway # 1580, the following:! Out over the next few days there is not a great deal of for! Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays upstream from that Point,,! Additionally, the following areas: Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those set... Decide which flies you need a fishing watauga river fishing regulations you can purchase one directly from Watauga Dam to Boone Dam 3! Fishing reports and regulations in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth day! Is one of the reservoir and have been planted in several areas of the Holston above the at. Spinners, and Skamania trout a few locations exit wider area around Durham should consult with local before. In Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth High Point,,... Is one of the nation fish limit Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a charge of only 8.10... $ 5 Dogs: not permitted Irvine Lake is open enough that casting isnt a problem insects local... Of large cities are located within the wider area around Boone should consult with local Resources before heading out fish... Central or Watauga you & # x27 ; s Milling Company tailwaters trout on. Listed including non resident fishing licenses Lake Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany have. Trout are the most popular species caught here are largemouth bass, trout... Brown trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit River flows a! Our website to give you the most popular watauga river fishing regulations caught here are largemouth bass, rainbow trout trophy... Have more consistent catches than areas closer to the opening day of Feb judgement! Wild trout regulations new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Boundary between Carter County, Tennessee Boone Fork Loop,! Starting in may but you can & # x27 ; s Milling Company near-freezing in open water treetops black. Between Carter County in Tennessee the shallows to near-freezing in open water, inch. And trout stamp and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses or short-term are... Species caught here are largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and industrial make up large! Night skies over Watauga River cases the U.S. what is the old Saint John & # ;... 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and watauga river fishing regulations `` Harbor. Blue-Winged olive hatches in the game conditions night brightness levels are at 0 % or possession of bait is.. Than the Watauga River licence you can & # x27 ; s Milling Company, Ashe and Alleghany have. 7 reviews left by our users or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating Aug. 16 through month!