South Fork Holston River
One of the best tailwaters in the Southeast, known for wild brown trout and sulphur hatches that last for months.
- 140 miRiver length
- 1Game fish
- 81Access points
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South Fork Holston River
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About the South Fork Holston
The South Holston, often called the SoHo, is a tailwater below South Holston Dam near Bristol. Its trout water runs about 14 miles through farm country to Boone Lake. Cold, rich water from the bottom of the lake grows a lot of bugs and a lot of trout.
The river is best known for its wild brown trout. There are also stocked and wild rainbows. Fish here see plenty of anglers, so they can be picky.
The sulphur hatch is the big draw. It often starts in spring and keeps going well into fall. Midges and blue winged olives fill in the colder months.
Flows come from TVA releases. With no generation, the river is very wadeable. When the dam runs, the water comes up fast and drift boats take over. A weir just below the dam adds oxygen to the water.
Some areas close for a few months each winter to protect spawning browns. Check the current TWRA regulations for dates and the slot limit.
See the month-by-month South Fork Holston River hatch chart →
South F Holston River near Damascus, VA
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Nearby gages
- Middle F Holston River near Meadowview, VA13.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 03475000
- Clinch River at Cleveland, VA25.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03524000
- Middle F Holston River at Seven Mile Ford, VA26.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 03474000
- South Fork New River near Jefferson, NC36.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03161000
- Nolichucky River at Embreeville, TN37.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 03465500
- Clinch River at Speers Ferry, VA40.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 03527000
- Cranes Nest River near Clintwood, VA43.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 03208950
- Big Limestone Creek near Limestone, TN44.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 03466208
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the French Broad-Holston watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the South Fork Holston
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Check the TVA release schedule
Look up South Holston Dam releases before every trip. Plan to wade on no-generation windows and leave as soon as the water starts rising.
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Bring lots of sulphurs
Carry sulphur nymphs, emergers and dries in a couple of sizes. Fish key in on the stage that is hatching.
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Go light and long
The water is clear and the fish see a lot of flies. Long leaders and light tippet help.
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Respect the spawning closures
Parts of the river close for the brown trout spawn in winter. Stay off the marked redd areas and check TWRA for dates.
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Try midges in winter
When the bugs slow down, small midge larvae and pupa under an indicator keep catching fish.
Every access point on the South Fork Holston, in your pocket.
- 81 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
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Rivers near the South Fork Holston
South Fork Holston River FAQ
Where is the South Holston River?
It flows from South Holston Dam near Bristol, Tennessee, about 14 miles down to Boone Lake.
When is the sulphur hatch on the South Holston?
Sulphurs often start in spring and keep hatching into fall. Exact timing changes each year with water temperature and releases.
Can you wade the South Holston?
Yes, when the dam is not generating. Check the TVA schedule before you go. The river rises fast once releases start.
What fish live in the South Holston?
Wild brown trout, plus stocked and wild rainbows. It is one of the best wild brown trout rivers in the Southeast.
Are there closures on the South Holston?
Yes. Some areas close each winter to protect spawning brown trout. Check the current TWRA regulations for dates and the slot limit.
What flies work on the South Holston?
Sulphur patterns in the warm months, and midges and blue winged olives in the cold months. Small nymphs under an indicator work all year.
