Sullivan County, TN · Inland River
South Holston River
A celebrated northeast-Tennessee tailwater below South Holston Dam, renowned for its prolific sulphur hatch and dense wild brown trout. Cold, even flows and limestone richness make it one of the premier dry-fly rivers in the Southeast.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at South Holston River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at South Holston River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (only 1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Notes
TN: 7 trout/day, only 1 over 22". Wade during low generation — check the TVA release schedule.
Local reports & rules for South Holston River: Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at South Holston River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at South Holston River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at South Holston River?
South Holston River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at South Holston River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at South Holston River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does South Holston River have?
South Holston River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. TN: 7 trout/day, only 1 over 22". Wade during low generation — check the TVA release schedule.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at South Holston River?
state agency regulations apply at South Holston River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is South Holston River tidal water?
No. South Holston River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.