South Holston River
Bristol · Weaver Creek · Dam Tailwater
NE Tennessee, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 03476500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Peak sulphur season continues on the South Holston with consistent 52-58°F tailwater temps creating ideal emergence conditions. High pressure through Friday brings stable weather before weekend moisture moves in. Focus morning sessions during minimum generation windows — TVA schedule remains unpredictable but early hours typically offer the most wadeable conditions. Size #16-18 Parachute Sulphurs and Comparaduns are the ticket during midday emergence windows.
- Conditions: Classic tailwater stability with constant cold releases. Check TVA generation schedule daily — early mornings offer best wading during minimum flows.
- Hatches: Prime sulphur emergence continues. Size #16-18 Parachute Sulphurs and Comparaduns during midday activity. Terrestrials gaining importance.
- Water Temp: Steady 52-58°F tailwater releases provide cool refuge as air temps climb toward upper 80s this week.
- Best Window: Early morning minimum generation periods through 10am, then midday sulphur emergence 11am-2pm during stable flows.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak May–Oct (sulphur)
The South Holston River below South Holston Dam in Tennessee is a world-class tailwater producing extraordinary fishing year-round. Its massive sulphur hatch — unusual in its density and duration for a tailwater — is the defining character of this river. Brown trout are the primary quarry, with large fish rising freely during evening sulphur hatches from May through October.
The South Holston's sulphur hatch from May through October produces evening rising fish as thick and consistent as virtually any tailwater in the eastern United States.
January Outlook
The South Holston tailwater below the TVA dam is one of the most productive winter trout fisheries in the eastern US. Year-round sulphur hatches and consistent midge activity produce fish even in January. Low TVA generation periods create ideal wading conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Sulphur Emerger #18
- Soft Hackle
- Scud
Tips
Winter on the South Holston is genuinely excellent — the dam releases keep water temperatures cold but stable year-round. Fish the sulphur emerger patterns during low-generation periods. January crowds are nonexistent. Check TVA release schedule before each trip.
Water Notes
Regulated by TVA Bull Run Steam Plant. 100–800 cfs depending on generation. Water 48–54°F constant. Wade only during low generation — water rises rapidly without warning.
February Outlook
February sulphur and midge fishing on the South Holston. The tailwater's consistent temperature keeps fish active through winter. The classic Weaver Creek section is most productive at low generation.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Emerger
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
- Scud
Tips
The South Holston's year-round sulphur hatch is remarkable — small sulphurs (#16-20) emerge even in February on this tailwater. Fish the flat sections below Weaver Creek during minimum generation. TVA generation schedule is everything here.
Water Notes
100–800 cfs TVA-regulated. Water 48–54°F. Year-round sulphur activity. Check TVA water release schedule.
March Outlook
Spring on the South Holston brings improved weather and consistent sulphur hatches. BWO activity begins alongside the year-round sulphur pattern. One of the finest spring tailwaters in the eastern US.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur #16-18
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle Emerger
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
March is excellent on the South Holston — the sulphur hatch intensifies as days lengthen and air temperatures climb. Fish the slow flat sections during minimum generation windows. The section from the dam to Weaver Creek produces the most consistent fish.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs at minimum generation. Water 50–56°F. Spring sulphur hatches building. BWO on overcast afternoons.
April Outlook
April is prime season on the South Holston. Sulphur hatches intensify and the first major caddis activity begins. The tailwater provides ideal conditions during TVA's spring generation schedule.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun #16
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Winged Olive
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
April on the South Holston is outstanding — the sulphur hatch from 10am-2pm and the caddis in the evening produce exceptional dry fly action. Fish the fly-fishing-only section carefully. 5X-6X tippet mandatory.
Water Notes
100–800 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Prime spring conditions. Check TVA release schedule daily.
May Outlook
The South Holston reaches peak season in May. Sulphur hatches are prolific and caddis activity is consistent. The river's wild brown trout are in prime condition.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur #16-18
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle
Tips
May is the South Holston's finest month. The evening sulphur spinner fall from 7-9pm produces some of the most technical and rewarding surface fishing in the eastern US. Fish require 5X-6X tippet and precise presentations.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs at minimum generation. Water 54–60°F. Outstanding spring tailwater conditions.
June Outlook
Summer arrives on the South Holston with continued sulphur activity and increasing terrestrial fishing. The tailwater's constant cold releases provide a cool-water refuge as summer temperatures climb.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry #16-18
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant
- Beetle
Tips
The South Holston in June is productive but generation patterns can be unpredictable. Check the TVA schedule carefully. Fish the early morning minimum generation periods for the most consistent wading and fly fishing.
Water Notes
100–800+ cfs. Water 52–58°F (tailwater). Air temps 75–88°F. Generation schedule critical — check TVA daily.
July Outlook
Summer on the South Holston. Generation patterns from TVA become more variable in summer as power demand increases. Fish the minimum generation windows early morning. Sulphurs and terrestrials produce.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Emerger
- Ant #16-18
- Beetle
- Zebra Midge
Tips
July requires discipline about TVA generation schedules. Early morning minimum generation periods are the best wading windows. The tailwater temperature keeps fish active — 52-58°F even in July is exceptional. Terrestrials are important near the bank vegetation.
Water Notes
Variable 100–2,000+ cfs depending on TVA generation. Water 52–58°F. Check TVA release schedule — never wade without knowing the generation schedule.
August Outlook
August continues summer patterns on the South Holston. The tailwater's cold releases are increasingly valuable as surrounding freestone streams stress. Fish the minimum generation windows for best conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Emerger
- Ant
- Beetle
- Zebra Midge
Tips
The South Holston in August is one of the best options in the region as freestone streams warm. The cold tailwater maintains 52-58°F water year-round. Check TVA before every trip — generation can change hourly.
Water Notes
Variable TVA generation. Water 52–58°F constant. Air temps 85–95°F. Dawn minimum generation periods best.
September Outlook
Fall arrives on the South Holston with excellent fishing conditions. Sulphur hatches continue and BWO hatches begin. Brown trout become pre-spawn aggressive. One of the finest months on this classic tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Sulphur #16-18
- Streamer
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September is exceptional on the South Holston — sulphurs continue and the BWO hatch begins producing action on overcast afternoons. Pre-spawn brown trout become aggressive. The fly-fishing-only water is at its annual best.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs at typical fall generation. Water 52–58°F. Outstanding fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October is brown trout pre-spawn season on the South Holston. Trophy fish become aggressive and large streamers produce the biggest browns of the year alongside continued sulphur and BWO activity.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer (olive/black/white)
- Blue Winged Olive
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
October is the prime month for trophy brown trout on the South Holston. The fly-fishing-only section holds exceptional fish — some over 20 inches. Fish streamers early morning and switch to dry flies during the afternoon BWO window.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Outstanding fall conditions. Pre-spawn brown trout in peak aggressive mode.
November Outlook
November post-spawn on the South Holston. The sulphur hatch continues year-round on this extraordinary tailwater. Midge fishing joins the sulphur program as temperatures drop.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Emerger
- Zebra Midge
- Blue Winged Olive
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
November on the South Holston is excellent — the year-round sulphur hatch is remarkable and late BWO action continues. Post-spawn brown trout feed aggressively to rebuild. Crowds thin considerably after October.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Year-round sulphur hatch continues. Late BWO on mild afternoons.
December Outlook
December returns the South Holston to winter character — the sulphur hatch continues (one of fly fishing's most remarkable year-round hatches), midges produce consistent action, and the tailwater's cold-stable releases make it the finest winter trout option in the eastern US.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Emerger #18
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
- Scud
Tips
December on the South Holston is excellent — the combination of year-round sulphur activity and cold-stable tailwater temperatures makes this arguably the finest winter trout fishing in the east. Check TVA generation schedule. Fish the flat sections during minimum generation.
Water Notes
100–600 cfs TVA-regulated. Water 48–54°F constant. Year-round sulphur and midge activity. A remarkable winter fishery.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Ephemerella invaria |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct | #14–18 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #18–22 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Bristol, TN area. TVA manages generation schedules — check TVA water information before wading. Multiple TWRA public access points. Tennessee fishing license plus trout license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Watauga River Guides
Regulations & License
Fishing in Tennessee requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Tennessee fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
South Holston River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
South Holston River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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