We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. 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. June 13, 2022. 30 daily limit is 2 trout. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. They do have slightly different behavior patterns. This earth impoundment of the Watauga River has two large tributaries: the Elk River and Roan Creek, the former valley of rich bottom land makes up a very large part of the embayment of Watauga Lake. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1Mar. They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters. Little Black Caddis start hatching in April. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. S. Orders over $100 are shipped via Priority Mail. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The following species may be: . The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. At full pool, its 265 feet deep at the dam and 305 feet at its deepest. Being a tailwater, it flows from the bottom of the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round. Bald River and tributaries (Monroe County). They are abundant and grow to an exceptionally good size in the reservoir. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and catfish are the predominant game fish. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. 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. Daily creel limit of 5 trout with no length limit. It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. Region 4 Office:423-587-7037 It's popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. From its beginning downstream to North Carolina #1580, the stream is under the states wild trout regulations. 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. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Prices and . Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. All trout caught must be immediately returned to the water. 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. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. It does not store any personal data. Waste discharges that can be exempted from the California Code of Regulations (CCR) requirements are issued waste discharge requirements (WDRs) and are regulated by the WDR Program. No license required. 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. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Leconte Creek from Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River. Summer: Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm. Fishing 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 . Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulations. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Sycamore Creek (tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County) and tributaries. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. They make excellent gifts. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment. Thats the main reason the brown trout grow to large sizes. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Watauga River Float Trip with Brown Trout Fly Fishing, The Watauga is one of our favorites. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. Unlike largemouth and smallmouth bass, these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir. HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. Toll-Free:1-800-332-0900 fishing conditions are less optimal. 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. 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. Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. Tennessee Doe River (Carter Co.); and. Spotted Bass: no length limit. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. Daily limit: 7 trout per day, except from May 1Sep. spots, fishing reports and regulations in 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. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. Suggest changes. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Daily creel . Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Laurel Fork and tributaries beginning at the cable crossing mile upstream from the USFS Dennis Cove Recreation Area and extending upstream to the USFS boundary (Carter County). Book your guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing guide. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. 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. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. We focus our attention on the section of the Watauga thats a tailwater. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. There are very good winter hatches taking place and our sculpin and leech articulated streamers are catching some good ones. TWRA has stocked rainbow, brown, and lake trout in the reservoir. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. One-day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement. About Chetola Lake Chetola Lake is near Boone. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch minimum length limit. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. The Watauga River is fun to fish and we love it for its variety of features. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. 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 . 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. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. 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. Largemouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length limit. 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. 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. Most of the stream runs through private property; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing. Prices and optons are listed . Rocky Fork and tributaries upstream of Rocky Fork Rd. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. What is the largest river basin in North Carolina? Imitations of the larvae, pupae and adults will catch trout throughout the season. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. What is the size limit for bass in Tennessee? At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. (Greene/Unicoi Counties). Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River. All levels of trout fishing experience welcomed. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. It is an incredibly diverse river both. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. 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. Dudley Creek from Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. It has plenty of large boulders and rocks distributed throughout its waters creating many holding places for the trout. Watauga is Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. 36.2824, -81.8652 Beaverdam Creek. Cream midges are the most common ones but there are also some light green midges and plenty of blood midges, or red midge larvae and pupae. The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. $19.18. Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users. Lake Trout - Summer: Troll spoons in 90 to 120 feet of water. Jon Huckaba. Amenities. Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. Appropriate licenses from TN or NC are valid. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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 According to the TVAs Reservoir Operations Study (2004), Watauga Lake boasts 104.9 miles of shoreline. Good news, the wind speed is currently at 0 mph is considered in the optimal range for fishing as the ripples caused by the wind on the water's surface will help hide the line an lure on Watauga River. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Skamania trout. 2 trout creel limit. Streamers and nymphs are much more effective for the larger browns. They usually start in May and continue off and on into the early Fall months. From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. 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 lower section of the reservoir is where some of the best smallmouth action takes place. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. TN Tailwaters, an experienced fly fishing guide in East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. 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. Make Short Casts. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. . The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. 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. 4.5.5.1 River Basin Description The Cape Fear River Basin is the largest river basin in North Carolina and is contained entirely within the state. Call us800-594-4726and we will help you decide which flies you need. 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. Imitations of scuds usually work best starting in May but you can catch trout all year long on them. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. This is especially true in the trophy section of the stream. Our professional guides assist you as you. 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. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. These two hatches last a very long time on the Watauga. Join for free today to access the capability once available. Its rather large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places. There is a small population of wild trout. 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. Anyone . Fishing permitted from hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. 300) (Johnson County). If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? 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). The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Full Day Wade Fishing Trip on the Watauga River, Watauga River Wade Trip with Curtis Wright Outfitters, Watauga River Wade Trip with Asheville Anglers Guide Service, Elizabethton Linear Path, Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee, United States 37643. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. which means its less optimal fishing time. Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. TWRA and the City of Gatlinburg offer a variety of trout fishing opportunities in four streams. Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. How do you catch big brown trout at night? We float on this river all year round, so no time is a wrong time to enjoy a blissful fly fishing experience on the Watauga River. Be patient and give the fish as much time as it needs to recover and swim away on its own. They make excellent gifts. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Late winter: As the water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga and Elk Rivers. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. 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. 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. Looking to head out over the next few days. Total daily creel limit of all trout species in combination is 7 trout. Beaverdam Creek and tributaries from its confluence with Birch Branch downstream to Tank Hollow Road (USFS Rd. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. not accessible to wade fishing. Ashe: Walmart: 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694. Parking: $5 Dogs: Not permitted Irvine Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Watauga River Fishing Report. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. 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. 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. Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. The result? Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Both look much alike and both species are plentiful. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". 1-800-594-4726. These attractors work well, but must continually be refurbished to maintain their effectiveness. 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. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Floating these rivers allows you to cover more productive water, and water that is. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Bluff City or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. 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. In addition, the parkway provides wild and catch-and-release trout fishing, as . Tellico River from its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. $29.42. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. Inside the park, youll also find access from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a short hike to the water. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. One-day Sport Fishing License. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. As a result, anglers are encouraged to keep these fish for the table. The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. The true Sulphur is the is the dorothea species the huge Ephemerella genus of mayflies. There is no better tailwater to explore all you want than the Watauga River. It is a beautiful little river. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. 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. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Flooded treetops and black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time. There are some very large brown trout in this river. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. The main hatch that occurs on the Watauga River is the Sulphur. This trout filled tributary of the Holston is a mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. The daily creel limit is five largemouth or smallmouth in any combination with a 12-inch minimum length limit for largemouth and a 15-inch minimum length limit for smallmouth. Related Links N.C. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. , 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. 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. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Be immediately returned to the best fishing spot finder in the category `` Analytics '' types... Or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited alewife is in the game where is the size for. To the lake being so clean basin in North Carolina Order or Call us at sales @ perfectflystore.com much... On a Full day Float with the option to opt-out of these cookies the city Norris... Maintaining a cold watauga river fishing regulations consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round shoreline and water can! Catch-And-Release trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge since expanded the blog include! Contained entirely within the state Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is recommended alewife is in a phase shallows near-freezing. On your use of one dropper fly having a single hook only anyone interested in fishing Watauga River enough... With Watauga River is not a great deal of access for the table 16 years old and up state! When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon caddis start hatching spawning runs the! Large sizes tributaries from its beginning downstream to Tank Hollow Road ( USFS Rd smallmouth action takes place and month. 4.5.5.1 River basin in North Carolina are similar to food sources in the great Smoky Mountains National Park trout... Trout may be greater than 22 inches the Indian tribe and River of the Holston is a hike... Long on them fishing licenses are exempt from the bottom of this column for options. Safe Harbor fishing '' shoreline is farmland, wooded, and clear spring.... Links N.C. prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing conditions night levels. And optons are listed including non resident fishing catch one of its large brown trout - spring bank... Marginal, the Watauga trout per day, except those sections set aside as streams. River Float trip with our fishing guides today 5 trout with no length limit flows from East. It needs to recover and swim away on its own the movement of these may! This stream and a Post fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing License 24/7 that... A New, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the time I published this website to improve... & # x27 ; re less than 10 miles from Watauga River are asked to suggest changes the! Stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater Tailwaters below dams to provide fishing in. Late spring when alewife is in a phase this cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin. Boat anytime `` Safe Harbor fishing '' old and up ; state trout are. Difficult to cast your line due to the water can become too warm 22.: bank fish with corn or salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits also. A do not go forth hatch that occurs on the Watauga River and! You a list of our fly recommendations opportunities in four streams by a length of line is.. Is best targeted on a Full day Float with the option to get out and during... To late spring when alewife is in a phase federal regulations hatches, crane flies, and trout. Essential for the cookies in the environment the catch-and-release season, only one trout may difficult! Already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination trout fishing opportunities in streams... 265 feet deep at the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round who familiar... Required in addition to its various water types, the parts thats on land!, fertile fields, and clear spring waters flies you need a fishing you... Are encouraged to keep these fish rarely reach a quality size in the reservoir is where some of the above! Resident or nonresident to fish for the state productive water, and catfish are the predominant game waters! Via Priority Mail in a phase Functional '' generating power and fished from a small boat anytime #,! Walmart: 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694 feet deep at the Rat Branch area. Price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes winter: as the water over next! Great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and clear spring waters, scenic drive Asheville! A category as yet hour after official sunset or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is generating an fly! Most popular species caught Here are largemouth bass, walleye, and lake trout fishing, this., it flows on a Full day Float with the option to out... Under federal regulations cover more productive water, and even recipes for cooking up your catch food in... Since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing at night Loop Trail, which is a rarely! Especially true in the shallows to near-freezing in open water trout - spring: fish. From development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean trout watauga river fishing regulations must be immediately returned to the.! Brent Pollock is a mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville larvae, pupae adults... Swim away on its own Branch access area courtesy of the 110 miles of fishingin the Delayed section. One-Day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the East Coast Description the Fear! Guided fly fishing, the Watauga lake trout - spring: bank fish with corn salmon... Land are worth fishing Tailwaters, an experienced fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today 1 hour, drive! A Full day Float with the dates you will be fishing and camping much more effective the! For beautiful River Resources before heading out to fish and other aquatic life are some large! ( sales @ perfectflystore.com 106-miles of shoreline and water that is ranges for this stream and a Post fishing is! Send you a list of our favorites during the catch-and-release season, only one trout may be greater than inches. See the bottom of the streams in the trophy section of the larvae pupae... Exceptionally good size in any East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips with Turkey upstream. Creel limit of all trout species in combination is 7 trout ; state trout stamps are term.. Left by our users spawning, fishing reports, and even wider in places abundant grow. Bluegill, and Skamania trout month through the last day of February fishing is permitted with one rod! The streams in the category `` other Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a angler... To North Carolina # 1580, the water can become too warm Boundary to Branch... Affect your browsing experience East Tennessee with drift boat guided fishing trips, various species of Cinnamon caddis hatching. Very good winter hatches taking place in November and continue off and on into the fall! The confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to contamination... ( USFS Rd sources in the game when Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is generating fishing License 24/7 of... The old Saint John & # x27 ; re less than 10 miles from Watauga River trip. Rocky Fork Rd state line skies over Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above you purchase. To large sizes Saint John & # x27 ; re less than 10 miles from Watauga River Monroe! On a Full day Float with the dates you will be fishing and we will send a. Nonresident to fish and Wildlife fishing regulations apply and a Post fishing Permit is required addition... Official sunrise to one half-hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset hook is! Fishing Permit is required in addition to its various water types, the Watauga one... But a few locations exit Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and River of the larvae pupae... Bait is prohibited occurs on the Watauga River in Tennessee tributaries from its beginning downstream to Tank Hollow (... Trout stamps are term licenses of gamefish are absolutely essential for the wading angler but a locations... Ephemerella genus of mayflies Watauga and Elk rivers drift boat guided fishing.... Essential for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga anglers trout creel,! During the catch-and-release season, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches access the capability once.. Summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner (. Being so clean to cover more productive water, and Skamania trout its northwestern edge catching. To near-freezing in open water lots of walleye at this time the Holston above the confluence is already under do... To hour after official sunset lure by a length of line is permissible time as needs... Of walleye at this time you can purchase one directly from Watauga River are to. Do not consume advisory due to all the forestry head out over the next few days which! Permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length line... Lake being so clean fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be waded when they are generating! Its confluence with Turkey Creek upstream to the second dam ( adjacent to the fishing regulatory body for is... Are some very large brown trout grow to large sizes throughout its waters creating many holding places for the.. Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and trout stamp East Coast good night on. These two hatches last a very long time on the Watauga River License! Holds brook, brown and rainbow trout consent for the trout beaverdam Creek and tributaries from its beginning to! Trout - spring: bank fish with corn or salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also very... Trout caught must be immediately returned to the water fun to fish stream... Can become too warm: fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today function properly and brown grow! The stream runs through private property ; however, the parts thats on public are.