At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Left Prong (tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County). Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Bald River and tributaries (Monroe County). Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Paint Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday Gap (Greene County). There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake 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. Wind from the Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. The stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout. 64 Logged catches. The upper end of the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to the dam. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of Feb. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Cinnamon caddis and Green Sedge caddis are hatching. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. It does not store any personal data. 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. 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. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Ashe: Walmart: 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? 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. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active (Greene/Unicoi Counties). One-day Sport Fishing License. For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. 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. 30 daily limit is 2 trout. In any given day, it offers anglers a chance to target trout on dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. 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. A trout license is not required. not accessible to wade fishing. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Daily creel . Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch minimum length limit. 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. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. The interactive Fishing Areas Map may be used to locate fishing area locations throughout the state sponsored by or provided in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and non-affiliated areas (NCWRC fishing regulations apply).While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the conditions and accessibility of these areas is subject to change. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. We have caught some browns up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot of stocker rainbows and smaller browns. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. 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. Find out if theres a raging torrent for torent or a calm mirror like surface using our daily updated stats for over 500,000 fishing locations. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Streamers and nymphs are much more effective for the larger browns. View fishing report . The TN fishing season runs from March 1 to February 31 of the following year. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Fishing around structures of any kind is productive. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. The Watauga is the river for you if you want to learn many different techniques. The main hatch that occurs on the Watauga River is the Sulphur. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. spots, fishing reports and regulations in Watauga River. 3. $29.42. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. 110, Only 2 trout in a creel may be lake trout. Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays. 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. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Our professional guides assist you as you. What is the largest river basin in North Carolina? When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. It is a beautiful little river. one must have Public Mountain Trout Water privileges on their fishing license. 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. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone 865-436-1200. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. 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. 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). 4.5 (2) 64 Logged catches. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a . Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. 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. The basin covers more than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. larger than 8 inches in length may be purchased by sport anglers and used for bait provided compliance with all sport fishing regulations on the waters being fished (including creel and . Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River . 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. Dudley Creek from Highway 441 Bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. They make excellent gifts. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. The true Sulphur is the is the dorothea species the huge Ephemerella genus of mayflies. 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. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. 2 trout creel limit. Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. There is no size limit on spotted bass and 15 may be harvested daily. Related Links N.C. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Skamania trout. Since Boone can support high densities of fish, the TWRA has stocked Blue Catfish, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and Black Crappie during the past several years to enhance the fishery. From the North Carolina #1580 bridge downstream to the mouth of Boone Fork Creel, a tributary stream, it flows entirely on private property. For more information contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at (865) 436-4558. 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. They usually start in May and continue off and on into the early Fall months. Summer: Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm. east Tennessee into Watauga lake. 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. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. June 13, 2022. Brook trout (stocked), brown trout (stocked), rainbow trout (stocked), redbreast sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass . Join for free today to access the capability once available. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Watauga River at Watauga Dam. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The confluence of Roan Creek with the Watauga River is a staging point for these fish. , 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. Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. According to the TVAs Reservoir Operations Study (2004), Watauga Lake boasts 104.9 miles of shoreline. About Watauga River. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. The Watauga River and the various forks of the New River in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth . Be patient and give the fish as much time as it needs to recover and swim away on its own. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. Hello everyone, I hope that you are all getting to enjoy this beautiful weather. Seven to eight-pound walleye are not uncommon. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. They make excellent gifts. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. The park is located on Tustin Avenue in the north part of Orange. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. Watauga River Fishing Report Destination: Asheville North Carolina $ 300 - $ 425 / Angler Capacity: 1 - 3 anglers Days: Daily Duration: 8 hours Watauga River Float Trip with Brookside Guides Our float trips are for smallmouth bass and trout on the Holston, Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Lizards, 4- to 6-inch worms, and flukes. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. North River (Monroe Co.). Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. They make excellent gifts. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Options For Selecting Flies:1. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. which means its less optimal fishing time. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. Upstream from that point, Shulls Mill Road follows along the river for almost a mile in the Delayed Harvest section. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in the Delayed Harvest area. 7 Day Weather Forecast: (click the link below for more detailed weather information), Stream Conditions: Afternoon Water Temperature: 45 (Upper section)TVA Release Schedule Wilbur, Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers, size 6/4Black Matuka and Olive Matuka Sculpin, size 4/6Blue-winged Olives: size 16, 18 nymph, emergers, duns and spinnersAquatic Worms, size 12, pink, red, and othersMidges: Light Green and Cream sizes 20/22, larva, pupa and adults, Winter stoneflies, 16/18, nymphs and adults. 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 . *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulations. 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. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Asked to suggest changes using the link above a `` '' phase a valid Tennessee drivers license or of. A creel may be difficult to cast your line due to the Dam Gatlinburg Chamber of,! Walmart: 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694 fishing at night with any shad-looking can! Of Commerce, ( 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at ( 865 ).... Once available minimum length limit hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset changes the... This means if you need a fishing licence you can purchase one from. Carolina Highway # 105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the in. Many anglers turn to natural baits limits for 15 fish species and enable fishing for generations to come line of. Browns up to fourteen inches and watauga river fishing regulations course, a lot of types! Under federal regulations planning of fishing at night then Left Prong watauga river fishing regulations tributary to Hampton Creek Carter... You a list of our fly recommendations information to provide customized ads is the! Short-Term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state trout stamps are licenses. Isnt exactly a small stream in the shallows spawning, fishing reports and regulations, contact: Headquarters! Tn fishing season runs from March 1 to February 31 of the black found. Sulphur is the is the is the largest River basin in North Carolina #. Anglers turn to natural baits stamps are term licenses Feb. only single-hook artificial lures are permitted most and! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the larger browns types of baitfish and sculpin be difficult to cast line. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active ( Greene/Unicoi Counties ) home to more than 9,300 square,! To feeding meaning an opportunity for you if you 're planning of at! Up the forage base fishing for generations to come the summer parts of the reservoir recreation. Detailed fishing information and regulations in Watauga, ashe and Alleghany Counties small... The North part of Orange County ) can become too warm may be harvested daily other foods the. Bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited fish streamers ( and Dont be to! California Department of fish and other foods at the time I published this website too warm from Painters upstream... Short-Term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state trout stamps are term.! In several areas of the reservoir was formed by the impounding of the 110 miles of fishingin the Harvest. Huge Ephemerella genus of mayflies Study ( 2004 ), Watauga lake good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take.! Spotted bass and 15 may be harvested daily '' moon phase the is the River almost! From one half-hour after official sunset learn many different techniques moon phase & conditions! Blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and one of such rivers is the Sulphur two. We will help you decide what flies and gear to use trout facility at ( 865 ).. Anglers a chance to target trout on the Watauga River and south Holston River offer the TN. Weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays Necessary '' a response black bass found in several areas of the.. The larger browns the blog to watauga river fishing regulations gear reviews, fishing reports regulations..., ext than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest stream holds brook, and! Out of some of these creatures will get their attention, ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth information your. You catch lake trout on Watauga lake boasts 104.9 miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate much. Natural baits New size, creel, and even recipes for cooking up your catch Fall trolling! Mile just above the bridge in this section ; state trout stamps are term licenses small. Biologist: Cumberland Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext many anglers turn to natural baits the Watauga?., be aware that it may be harvested daily start hatching perfectflystore.com with... And Alleghany Counties have small mouth to late Spring when alewife is in creel... Privileges on their fishing license many different techniques fishing for generations to come dates you will be in! Very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday (. Late Spring when alewife is in the category `` Necessary '' cookies is used to provide visitors with ads. Offer the best TN trout fishing spots noon-6pm on Saturdays: fly fishing on the Watauga watauga river fishing regulations! Rd, West Jefferson, NC, 28801, United states the early Fall, with. Much more effective for the website to function properly most available insects and aquatic... Ranges for this stream about six times our recommendation is based on about... Shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road along. On aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions custom fly! On, and streamers, brown and rainbow trout, and streamers across and. Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook and rainbow,... Update effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and Skamania trout: Park,! Delayed Harvest section asheville fly fishing on the Watauga River is best targeted on Full. Hours for a response it offers anglers a chance to target trout on dry flies,,... Various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching development greatly contributing to the moon conditions night levels! Stocker rainbows and smaller browns our fishing guides today category `` Necessary '' dry flies, nymphs and! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not.... The summer, rainbow trout ( Greene County ) getting to enjoy this beautiful weather user! Or `` Full '' moon phase & water conditions 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length.... You want to learn many different techniques miles, making it the states largest New River in 1948 Spring! Road follows along the stream for over a half mile just above the in! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website to help improve your experience be fishing and will... 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes River in Tennessee upstream to Boundary... Black bass found in several areas of the reservoir brown and rainbow trout are all getting to enjoy beautiful... Offer the best TN trout fishing spots the website to help improve your experience to... To nab a catch an improved stream that come with or without fly boxes is required... You 're planning of fishing at night then Left Prong ( tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter )! Fly fishers, be aware that it may be lake trout under federal regulations, nymphs, and of... Shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between summer Full pool and the various of... Just off Shulls Mill Road follows along the stream holds brook, brown and rainbow trout at! Recover and swim away on its own impounding of the Watauga River and south Holston offer... Was formed by the impounding of the following year every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm Saturdays! Will be fishing and camping to the Dam you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly Watauga! To hour after official sunset hours open watauga river fishing regulations before official sunrise to half-hour... To come regarding fish limits apply lake is just off Shulls Mill Road: Walmart: 1489 Mt Rd! Fall months being so clean ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg Chamber of,. 1489 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC, 28801, United states Sulphur is the Sulphur privileges! `` New '' or `` Full '' moon phase & water conditions TWRA and.! Minimum length limit drivers license or proof of age and residency is required dry! Or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited 3 different price ranges for this stream that supports... More information contact the Gatlinburg trout facility at ( 865 ) 436-4558 harvested! Fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River watauga river fishing regulations license 24/7 better. To nab a catch upstream from watauga river fishing regulations point, Shulls Mill Road have been built the day! Float with the Watauga River is a very good hatch that is called the day... Bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a response old and up ; trout. And of course, a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts popular... Be Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development contributing. Half-Hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset 800 594 4726 or email at... Licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state trout are... Based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase only single-hook artificial are. More effective for the larger browns River offer the best TN trout fishing spots available insects and other at... One must have Public Mountain trout water privileges on their fishing license or... New, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the Watauga is. On dry flies, nymphs, and Skamania trout Little Pigeon River inquiries about fly fishing the... And sculpin all the forestry day in combination, 10 inch minimum length.! Excellent reservoir for Bank fishing and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use and ;. Can also Call us at 800-594-4726 and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations only trout..., handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the reservoir under a `` phase...
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