South Holston River Fly Fishing Report
Bluff City, Sullivan County, Tennessee · Last Updated: May 28, 2026
The South Holston tailwater below South Holston Dam is one of Tennessee's finest fly fishing destinations, producing trophy rainbow and brown trout in clear, cold water. Its sulphur hatches from May through November create legendary evening dry fly fishing.
Today's Fishability
Conditions at a Glance
Flow on nearby gauges is mixed with the Watauga River running 39% below average at 434 cfs while the North Fork Holston is 70% above average.
- Optimal flow conditions
- New moon phase
How Do You Fish a 7.4/10 Day?
See the fly patterns built for today's conditions, where the fish are holding, and how to work the 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM window. The full read takes 10 seconds to unlock.
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USGS Water Monitoring
Real-time data from 7 monitoring stations
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South Holston River Fly Fishing — FAQ
Is the South Holston River fishing well right now?
DriftWise scores the South Holston River every morning on a 0–10 fishability scale that weighs real-time USGS flow and water temperature, National Weather Service forecasts, and lunar data. Check the live fishability score and condition summary above for today's rating before you head out.
What is the current water flow on the South Holston River?
The South Holston River's flow is tracked by USGS streamflow gauges near Bluff City, Sullivan County, Tennessee and refreshed daily in the condition summary above. Flow is reported in cubic feet per second (cfs) and compared against the seasonal average so you can see whether the river is running high, low, or normal.
What is a good water temperature for trout on the South Holston River?
Trout feed most actively when water temperatures sit roughly between 48°F and 62°F. DriftWise reads live South Holston River water temperature from USGS sensors near Bluff City, Sullivan County, Tennessee — see the summary above for the current value.
When is the best time of day to fish the South Holston River?
The most productive windows shift with the season: cold months fish best around midday (10 AM–2 PM) once the water warms, while summer rewards early mornings and evenings. Each South Holston River report factors in the current season.
Do I need a fishing license to fly fish the South Holston River?
Yes. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required to fish the South Holston River. Check current Tennessee regulations for seasons, limits, and any special catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only sections before you go.
Is the DriftWise South Holston River fishing report free?
Yes. The daily South Holston River condition summary — flow, water temperature, weather, and fishability score — is free. A free account (3 reports per month) unlocks the full AI analysis with fly-pattern recommendations and a detailed hatch forecast.
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