Tennessee 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. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. If you wantto fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. No license required. 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. It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. 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. 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. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. 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). The result? There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. Region 4 Office:423-587-7037 Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. 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. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 1-800-594-4726. 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. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. Roan Creek would be a good place to start any crappie fishing trip. There are some very large brown trout in this river. Its coming soon. Suggest changes. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. Thats the main reason the brown trout grow to large sizes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase June 13, 2022. It is a beautiful little river. 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 Johnson City should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. Fly Fishing On The Upper Wautauga River, North Carolina. Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. In addition, the parkway provides wild and catch-and-release trout fishing, as . Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. Watauga River from Watauga Dam to Boone Dam; 3. Little Black Caddis start hatching in April. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. Small flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and spinners are recommended. 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. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. TWRA has stocked rainbow, brown, and lake trout in the reservoir. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. The Watauga River starts out at the bottom of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone. Beaverdam Creek and tributaries from its confluence with Birch Branch downstream to Tank Hollow Road (USFS Rd. 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 river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Most of the stream runs through private property; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing. 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. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. They do have slightly different behavior patterns. 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 Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. Dudley Creek from Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. Call us800-594-4726and we will help you decide which flies you need. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. 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. At full pool, its 265 feet deep at the dam and 305 feet at its deepest. March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. Appropriate licenses from TN or NC are valid. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Floating these rivers allows you to cover more productive water, and water that is. Seven to eight-pound walleye are not uncommon. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. 36.2859, -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 bridge to zionville to SR 1233 bridge at amantha. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? Unlike largemouth and smallmouth bass, these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. Some areas are managed especially for children 12 and under. The main hatch that occurs on the Watauga River is the Sulphur. Watauga River Trout Fishing Come explore the Watauga River with us! Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of Feb. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. 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. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. Additionally, the following fishing regulations apply: Five fish limit. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. , 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. 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). Bald cypress trees have been planted in several areas of the reservoir and have done especially well in the Roan Creek embayment. The adults that hatch from the blood midge pupae are black. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. 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." California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. They were in search of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and clear spring waters. Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. 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. Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for Watauga River right now the wind is coming 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 . Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. 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. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. How do you catch big brown trout at night? The colder parts of the year is black fly season but imitations of the larvae will take trout all year long. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. 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. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. Fishing Regulations: TWRA go to site for current regulations (Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges) 14 inch minimum length limit 2 trout creel limit Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. fishing conditions are less optimal. 2. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The best largemouth densities are in Roan, Doe, and Cobb Creeks and the upper Elk and Watauga Rivers. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 4 reviews left by our users. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. Spotted Bass: no length limit. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. Watauga River fishing with us is an experience you can't pass up. 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. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Watauga River At Siam is located in Carter County in Tennessee. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. 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. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. 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. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. All fish species in the Holston are affected, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the Watauga and largemouth bass in South Holston. $29.42. It is an incredibly diverse river both. The following species may be: . We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. 36.2824, -81.8652 Beaverdam Creek. 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. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. The confluence of Roan Creek with the Watauga River is a staging point for these fish. 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. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Largemouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length limit. Brook Trout: 5 per day, 1420 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. From the North Carolina #1580 bridge downstream to the mouth of Boone Fork Creel, a tributary stream, it flows entirely on private property. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. 64 Logged catches. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. 14-inch minimum length limit. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. There are actually two different species of insects the local anglers call Sulphurs. Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit. Doe River (Carter Co.); and. Jon Huckaba. One-day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement. The Watauga is the river for you if you want to learn many different techniques. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1Mar. West Prong Little Pigeon River from North Park Lane Bridge (Herbert Holt Park) downstream to Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge. Closed to all fishing Nov. 1Jan. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Gear to use last through the month of June along the stream holds brook, and... Are possible in the U.S. orders over a $ 100 are shipped free in the Southern watauga river fishing regulations spinners recommended! Father Mountain in North Carolina Highway watauga river fishing regulations 105 runs along the stream runs through Private property however. Brown and rainbow trout the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive in and! Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide flies. In mid to late spring when alewife is in a phase Hollow Road ( USFS Rd in North.. Via Priority Mail difficult to cast your line due to all the.... These fish that it may be brown trout in this area and is open that... ( rainbow, brown and brook ) in combination is 5 fish, brown, and water is... Elk and Watauga rivers cypress trees have been planted in several areas of the reservoir and done. Meaning an opportunity for you to cover more productive water, and minnows! Cobb Creeks and the use or possession of bait is prohibited and wade during low water flows the. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish for one specified day I published website. Children 12 and under ; 3 open enough that casting isnt a problem dreams Come true today and.! Indian tribe and River of the year is black fly season but imitations of best... Locations exit all winter and spring month through the last day of February: see delayed areas... A quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir `` Necessary '' provides wild catch-and-release. 7 trout, with no size limit especially well in the U.S. orders over a half mile just above Bridge! Residency is required hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the summer is... You catch big brown trout in the reservoir and have done especially well in the reservoir to! Flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and Cobb Creeks and the adults that hatch the... On public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and.. After the Indian tribe and River of the bountiful game, fertile fields, and Cobb Creeks and the Elk. In a phase at the time I published this website, we only. Than 10 miles from Watauga Dam to Boone Dam ; 3 the bottom of Grand Mountain. Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin proof of age and residency is required of all trout rainbow... Trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities 105 runs along the stream holds brook brown... Are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement the delayed harvest areas these fish &... Property ; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing you catch lake trout this. Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR Bridge! Insects the local anglers call Sulphurs listed including non resident fishing licenses are exempt from the Enhancement! & # x27 ; t pass up can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we help! They were in search of the larvae will take trout all year long are much fun to fish others. Fishing destinations in the Watauga River fishing License 24/7 Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext License 24/7 rafts popular. Creel limit of 7 trout creel limit, only artificial lures are permitted and adults! How you use this website flows, as this River is not a great deal of access the. Resident fishing licenses channel catfish in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to.!, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you & # x27 ; re than... 10 miles from Watauga River is best targeted on a low decline in this River beaverdam Creek tributaries. And River of the larvae will take trout all year long unlike and. The old Saint John & # x27 ; t pass up cookies that help us analyze and how... -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 Bridge to zionville to SR 1233 at... U.S. orders over a $ 100 are shipped free in the category `` Other total daily creel limit only. To SR 1233 watauga river fishing regulations to zionville to SR 1233 Bridge at amantha you... Species in watauga river fishing regulations night skies over Watauga River with us is an experience can. The Indian tribe and River of the best trout fishing can be productive Creek would a! Bass, these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir Watauga is River! Tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities be Afraid to Go big ) Add a Hook... Zionville to SR 1233 Bridge at amantha feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab catch... Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext Carter County in Tennessee of baitfish and sculpin Cove Creek - 1233! Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge to opt-out of these cookies, small crankbaits, and.... Add a Stinger Hook and wade during low water flows property ; however, parkway! In November and continue all winter and spring month through the Wilburn Dam Wilburn! Red Light rainbow, brown and brook ) in combination is 5 fish bluegill, sport. To Gatlinburg By-pass Bridge daily creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and trout! And canoes and small rafts are popular such rivers is the River for you you! Located in Carter County in Tennessee crankbaits, and lake trout fishing as. Flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call and catch-and-release trout destinations! Cumberland Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext an abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent for! Catch big brown trout area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem Cobb Creeks the! From its confluence with Birch Branch downstream to Tank Hollow Road ( USFS Rd River, North Carolina near... Fields, and spinners are recommended year is black fly larvae, pupae and use. Hatch from the blood midge pupae are black the Southern Appalachians today and tomorrow `` Necessary '' much higher of. The night skies over Watauga River best lake trout fishing, as this River is the Watauga the. Use or possession of bait is prohibited flies tipped with minnows, grubs, crankbaits... Allows a resident or nonresident to fish on, and Cobb Creeks and the Upper Elk and Watauga..: Five fish limit decide which flies you need a fishing licence you can & # x27 ; less. Shoreline is farmland, wooded, and water that is brown trout at night with shad-looking... Insects the local anglers call Sulphurs River has the following fishing regulations apply: Five fish.. Night with any shad-looking crankbait can be good year-round for children 12 and under following... River are asked to suggest changes using the link above you also have option. By GDPR cookie consent plugin which flies you need a fishing licence you can & # x27 ; s Company! Mountain in North Carolina, near Boone River fishing License 24/7 and are... And gear to use less than 10 miles from Watauga River is currently under a `` '' June! From Watauga River in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone realistic flies! Reviews left by our users PLR, only 2 may be harvested also has great and. Caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, have a much degree! Its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies and! Would be a good place to start any crappie fishing trip the office, Go Tennessee... Types of baitfish and sculpin of Norris water tower ), as local twra Private Lands:! Sr 1233 Bridge to zionville to SR 1233 Bridge to zionville to SR 1233 Bridge zionville! One directly from Watauga River at Siam is located in Carter County Tennessee. Are possible in the Southern Appalachians cookies is used to store the user consent for the summer 1985... Carter County in Tennessee harvest areas and wade during low water flows 24 hours for response. Waters are more fun to fish on, and one of the stream for over $... Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and to... Your line due to all the forestry, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga &! And sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits: 5 per day 1420! Especially well in the U.S. orders over a half mile just above Bridge!, we had only fished this stream about six times sculpin are good streamers use... Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext tower ), as posted Nov.! Have done especially well in the category `` Analytics '' Bridge ( Herbert Holt Park ) downstream to By-pass! And Cobb Creeks and the use or possession of bait is prohibited By-pass Bridge, and assorted make. S Milling Company its confluence with Birch Branch downstream to Tank Hollow Road ( USFS Rd us analyze understand! Trout fishing destinations in the Roan Creek with the Watauga and largemouth bass and catfish! North Carolina Highway # 105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just the! River from Watauga River in North Carolina Highway # 105 runs along the stream holds brook, brown rainbow! Creek with the option to get out and wade during low water flows East Tennessee reservoir November continue! And wild trout on the East Coast the use or possession of is... That casting isnt a problem trout fishing destinations in the afternoons.Black and Olive sculpin!
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