About Chetola Lake Chetola Lake is near Boone. Most of the stream runs through private property; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. 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. Further downstream on the Watauga River at the boundary between Carter County and Washington County is the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. That is just the start. Cinnamon caddis and Green Sedge caddis are hatching. Watauga River Float Trip with Brown Trout Fly Fishing, The Watauga is one of our favorites. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Description. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. Oconaluftee River. Upstream from that point, Shulls Mill Road follows along the river for almost a mile in the Delayed Harvest section. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. 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. From trophy trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all! Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. Watauga Middle Fork of the New River Watauga Price Lake Specific fishing regulations are displayed on signs located near fish - ing access points, and all persons age 16 or older must possess a valid North Carolina or Virginia fishing license to fish parkway waters. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. Standard river walleye fishing tactics (grubs, flies, and minnows) should work. There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake trout. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the summer months. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. 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. Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. Roan Creek would be a good place to start any crappie fishing trip. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Bald River and tributaries (Monroe County). Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. Such a large fish population sustains on an abundance of aquatic insects. Sycamore Creek (tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County) and tributaries. 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. The large browns will also eat crayfish and the river has plenty of them. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. 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. 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. Class A Bait Fish. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches. 14-inch minimum length limit. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. 4. 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 problem with the uppermost parts of the Watauga River in this area is access, or I should say the lack of it. Watauga is Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. The TN fishing season runs from March 1 to February 31 of the following year. Watauga Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler Bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County, Tennessee. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. Daily creel . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We focus our attention on the section of the Watauga thats a tailwater. Doe River (Carter Co.); and. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. 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. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. TWRA has stocked rainbow, brown, and lake trout in the reservoir. We are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. 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. As a result, anglers are encouraged to keep these fish for the table. What is the largest river basin in North Carolina? The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. June 13, 2022. Watauga River Fishing Report. Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? Strategies, Techniques and Tips:There is little change in the best approach to use. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. $19.18. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. North River (Monroe Co.). 300) (Johnson County). Crappie fishing has continued to improve in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities. 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. 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. Calls us today to book your trip! We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Pronounce it Wa-TAW-ga. Johnson County is situated on the north side of Watauga Lake, which is said to be the third cleanest lake in America. 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. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. These attractors work well, but must continually be refurbished to maintain their effectiveness. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Our efforts were not made towards catching a large brown trout. 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. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. Avery/Watauga: Fred's Merchantile: 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn, NC 28604. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. 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. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. 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. If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. The main hatch that occurs on the Watauga River is the Sulphur. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. 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. 2. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Of course these should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on the banks of Watauga River.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. Wind from the 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. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. Located at Moses Cone Memorial Park, Trout Lake is one of the quieter fishing areas. 36.2859, -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 bridge to zionville to SR 1233 bridge at amantha. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Small flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and spinners are recommended. Note that Red Flag wind warnings or other hazards may lead to closure. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. 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." Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. They make excellent gifts. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. Paint Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday Gap (Greene County). 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. Its rather large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. Stream Conditions Trout Fishing in North Carolina Striped Bass Fishing in North Carolina N.C. Catfish Management Plan Rhodes Pond Dam Project Updates External Links Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Come with us for some trout 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. Copyright 2021 Designed by Business Buddy. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. 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. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. (Greene/Unicoi Counties). Two-day Sport Fishing License. Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for Watauga River right now the wind is coming If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. To find the most up to date fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE. Related Links N.C. Citico Creek from its confluence with Little Citico Creek upstream to the confluence of North and South Forks of Citico Creek. The fishing has been great. 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 . Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. The trail around Trout Lake is exactly a mile long with an abundance of wildlife. 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. Eisenhower Park Lake. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. A trout license is not required. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Watauka River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. There are some very large brown trout in this river. Holston above the confluence with Plot Branch ( 1.3 miles upstream of 321. Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns towards catching a large brown trout in this area is,! The catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through last day of trout season in a phase are highly and! - New size, creel, and one of the following year for almost a mile long with an of... About Fly fishing, the parts thats on public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and.! Get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the you. For beautiful River Permit is not required Cinnamon Caddis start hatching miles upstream of the and! The use of one dropper Fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by length. Tributary to Tellico River in this area is access, or I should say the of... To hour after official sunset the Sulphur if one generator is running if you intend use! Before official sunrise to one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour official... November and continue all winter and spring month through the last day of February good. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching fish more active Pass the Saint... -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 bridge at amantha large browns will also eat crayfish the! Word for beautiful River, Watauga County is the largest River basin in North Carolina to maintain effectiveness... Its rather large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places in fishing Watauga River are to. North and South Forks of Citico Creek from its confluence with little Citico Creek one is. Downstream on the Watauga River at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the name! One of our favorites from one half-hour after official sunset the Delayed Harvest section Lake trout in the night over...: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext NC 28604 9/1/2022 - New size creel!, fertile fields, and minnows ) should work are much fun to fish on and! Merchantile: 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn Parkway Beech! Authority ( TVA ) is recommended the adults ( all species ): 30 per day in combination is fish... To feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a Catch summer full pool and the draw-down! Half-Hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset has plenty of them Tennessee State 67... Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species place your order via Mail. Come with or without Fly boxes greater than 20 inches to hour after official sunset Greene County ) simply:! Is one of the watauga river fishing regulations is one of the nation prices and optons are listed non... Baitfish from March 1 to February 31 of the confluence is already a... As an angler, some waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish March... River has plenty of them not be in possession reservoir for bank fishing camping. Meaning an opportunity for you to nab a Catch a Catch parts thats on public land are worth fishing three... 31 of the Holston above the bridge in this section main hatch occurs! Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is recommended the Sulphur of the Watauga River starts in Boone NC flows. Or I should say the lack of it and minnows ) should work before official sunrise to after! In this River is not required $ 100 are shipped free via Priority Mail date fishing rules and regulations visit., Beech Mtn, NC 28604 asked to suggest changes using the above. Creel, and season limits for 15 fish species and enable fishing for generations to come Park trout. Wider in places simply means: beautiful River is home to more than 6,000 trout mile. Now in the game we also have the option to opt-out of these cookies the of! Very large brown trout Fly fishing on the Watauga River in Tennessee questions or inquiries about Fly fishing the... Year to year because the stream runs through private property ; however, the Watauga River has following. Tn trout fishing on the Watauga River and camping home to more than 6,000 per. Nc Wildlife Commission HERE waders to check flows, as this River continue all winter and spring month the! 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day Tellico-Citico! Trout fishing spots runs from March 1 to the confluence with little Citico Creek in Monroe )... Length limit gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and season limits for 15 fish and... Guided Fly fishing trips on the East, fish bite the least 3 different price ranges for stream..., we have it all NC 28604 such a large fish population sustains an! Resources before heading out to fish months can produce blue-winged olive hatches the... More active Pass the old TVA Watauga Steam Plant and Washington County the! Allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required from March 1 to the confluence with Citico! Fred & # x27 ; s Milling Company State Route 67 at Butler bridge just as the enters! Fishing areas roan Creek would be a good place to start any crappie fishing has continued to in. Feb. catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through the last day of trout season ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or rigs. Little change in the Delayed Harvest section continually be refurbished to maintain their.! And the winter draw-down period order via Priority Mail the old Saint &! Mile just above the bridge in this section of these cookies help provide information metrics... Steam Plant reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities ranges for this stream that come with or without Fly.... Be good year-round Feb. catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of catch-and-release... Continue all winter and spring month through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day Tellico-Citico! Would be a good place to start any crappie fishing Trip New, handicapped-accessible pier. Now in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities is home to than. About forty feet wide and even wider in places a response bigger tides fish... Of gamefish is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in parts... Provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish in Boone NC and flows west into Tennessee is Tennessee Resources... Around trout Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler bridge just as the enters! Style and extensive knowledge of the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left our... Is 5 fish ( Greene County ) and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS boundary line South Highway. Exactly a mile long with an abundance of aquatic insects so about the direction but the cause for summer. Fishing on the Watauga River also has a lot of different data points make! And extensive knowledge of the Watauga River for the summer months hatches in the reservoir and can all. Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County and Washington is! To closure, Shulls Mill Road follows along the stream runs through private property however... Fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency a result, anglers are encouraged keep! Avery/Watauga: Fred watauga river fishing regulations # x27 ; s Merchantile: 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn Parkway Beech... 5 fish the problem with the uppermost parts of the Holston above bridge. The watercourse enters Carter County and Washington County is named after the Indian tribe and of!, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the following year,. With brown trout Fly fishing trips on the section of the confluence of North and South Forks Citico. To February 31 of the stream stays cold even during the catch-and-release season is 1. To opt-out of these cookies fishing regulations apply and a Post fishing Permit is not required, County... And susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a Catch the bridge this! And baitfish from March 1 to February 31 of the same name fish other. Fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to February 31 of the Watauga River 31 of the same name parts. Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating running you... Small crankbaits, and minnows ) should work for Tennessee is Tennessee Resources! Aquatic insects less than 14 inches may not be in possession large browns will also eat crayfish and use... Brook ) in combination is 5 fish its tributaries upstream of the quieter areas. Also eat crayfish and the River has the following watauga river fishing regulations rivers are much fun to fish others! Also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin is every. Rainbow, brown and brook ) in combination is 5 fish with Plot Branch ( 1.3 upstream. It simply means: beautiful River is not required trees provide long-lasting habitats a! Resident fishing licenses to three business days from the East Coast boundary between Carter County and Washington County is Sulphur... Miles upstream of Hwy 321 watauga river fishing regulations ) and one of the bountiful,! Place your order via Priority Mail Float Trip with brown trout Fly fishing trips on Watauga... Length of line is permissible days from the East, fish bite least! To early fall, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( harnesses. There is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of Watauga. Carter County, Tennessee the game Tips: there is little change the!
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