It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. Imitations of scuds usually work best starting in May but you can catch trout all year long on them. Its very small and thereslittle water to fish because above the bridge at Highway #1580, it flows mostly through private property. Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. 10 miles from Watauga River. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. 2 trout creel limit. 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 colder parts of the year is black fly season but imitations of the larvae will take trout all year long. The possession of fishing equipment and/or tackle is prohibited on stream banks except during legal fishing hours. and State Park Entrance Rd. Gizzard shad, alewife, bluegill, and assorted minnows make up the forage base. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The river also supports plenty of scuds. Fishing permitted from hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. 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. Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. Two-day Sport Fishing License. This section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. The Japanese beetles start falling out of the sycamore trees at the beginning of summer, and offer world-class sight fishing for trophy wild brown trout. Little Black Caddis start hatching in April. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and catfish are the predominant game fish. spots, fishing reports and regulations in Watauga River. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. 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. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. 14-inch minimum length limit. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 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. Eisenhower Park offers other amenities as well. Watauga River Maps On Google's Watauga River Map use controls to scroll, zoom, topography/terrain, charts, satellite, geography etc TWRA boat ramps and Corps Of Engineers Watauga River Maps charts below Boat ramps and access areas Watauga River Blevins Bend (1) Cherokee City Park (2) Hunter Bridge (3) Sycamore Shoals (4) USA Aggregate (5) Access is easy from the Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of parking areas and spaces. Amenities. Imitations of the larvae, pupae and adults will catch trout throughout the season. The Watauga River and the various forks of the New River in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth . We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. Water flow and quality is greatly dependent on precipitation events. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. 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. Cream midges are the most common ones but there are also some light green midges and plenty of blood midges, or red midge larvae and pupae. Fishing: Yes, observe TWRA regulations and be aware of Wilbur Dam release schedule Camping: No Directions From Johnson City, take Route 400 (Watauga Road) toward the Watauga River. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River . This river is best targeted on a Full Day Float with the option to get out and wade during low water flows. Make sure you're reppared for the correct fish by having the best lures and bait for the fish that are likely in Watauga River . At full pool, its 265 feet deep at the dam and 305 feet at its deepest. North Carolina Highway #105 runs along the stream for over a half mile just above the bridge in this section. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River . After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Watauga Gorge. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. North River and tributaries (Monroe County). 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. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. Do you have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on the Watauga River? Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. Crappie fishing has continued to improve in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities. Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit. 31 in the following areas: Hickory Tree Bridge upstream to the confluence with Bottom Creek. *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. Our professional guides assist you as you. Daily creel limit of 5 trout with no length limit. Watauga is Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful river. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. They do have slightly different behavior patterns. Calls us today to book your trip! Roan Creek would be a good place to start any crappie fishing trip. 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. Prices and . Often times, in fact more often than not, when there are no large aquatic insect hatches taking place, the midge is king on the Watauga River. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. There are plenty of both wild and large holdover trout in the upper Watauga River in the Delayed Harvest area and above there in the headwaters. 30 daily limit is 2 trout. 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 . South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone 865-436-1200. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. It has all the water types a trout could ever want. From Aug. 16 through the last day of February fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. This is a good time for floating crankbaits. 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. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. Stream Conditions Trout Fishing in North Carolina Striped Bass Fishing in North Carolina N.C. Catfish Management Plan Rhodes Pond Dam Project Updates External Links During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. Come with us for some trout fishing. About Watauga River. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. . The main attraction is the opportunity to catch a big brown trout. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Prices and optons are listed . Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. Spotted Bass: no length limit. There are some very large brown trout in this river. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. All trout caught must be immediately returned to the water. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The Watauga is the river for you if you want to learn many different techniques. Suggest changes. All streams are closed on Thursday each week and a Gatlinburg permit is required (see License Fees). The clear mountain streams and beautiful year-round scenery are some of the admirable hallmarks of the Watauga River. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. Its by no means a great destination stream, but one well worth fishing if you are in the area. The upper end of the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to the dam. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). This earth impoundment of the Watauga River has two large tributaries: the Elk River and Roan Creek, the former valley of rich bottom land makes up a very large part of the embayment of Watauga Lake. 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. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. Catfish . Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. Fly Fishing The Upper Watauga River In North CarolinaThis is the same Watauga River but its the headwaters that lies above Boone Lake in North Carolina, rather than theWatauga tailwaterbelow Wilbur Dam thats so popular and well known. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The other insect called a Sulphur by the locals it the invaria species of the Ephemerella genus of the Ephemerellidae family of mayflies. 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. We havent had much luck in catching larger browns using dry flies and luck is what it will take to do that on dry flies.Because the stream has very good hatches for a tailwater, we have stuck with dries on our few trips. In addition, the parkway provides wild and catch-and-release trout fishing, as . Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. There is no size limit on spotted bass and 15 may be harvested daily. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 through last day of Feb. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. $19.18. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. 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. 1-800-594-4726. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. 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. **Stop by the NC High Country Visitor Center for detailed fishing maps. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 3. The Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in the Delayed Harvest area. The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. A trout license is not required. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. watauga generation scheduleirina emelyanova pasternak 26th February 2023 / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by View fishing report . Upstream from that point, Shulls Mill Road follows along the river for almost a mile in the Delayed Harvest section. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. We focus our attention on the section of the Watauga thats a tailwater. Dudley Creek from Highway 441 Bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River. 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. 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. Toll-Free:1-800-332-0900 Prices and optons are . Use or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook artificial flies, spinners, and spoons is prohibited. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Its one of the favorite destinations for many anglers; you will surely experience this exciting adventure. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Doe River (Carter Co.); and. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake trout. Lake trout, a cousin of the native brook trout, is a non-native species selected for stocking because of the cold, well-oxygenated, habitat present. Best Places to Fish Boone Fork Creek You are better to head downstream if youre here during the summer because youll still find good fishing and can miss the crowds. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. 31. Closed to all fishing Nov. 1Jan. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. 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). Trout Regulations. 4.5.5.1 River Basin Description The Cape Fear River Basin is the largest river basin in North Carolina and is contained entirely within the state. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The taking of trout using a Gatlinburg Permit is allowed only within the designated streams, designated times, and under the restrictions listed in the following paragraphs. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. Watauga River Hatches: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. 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 . We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central or Watauga you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. What is the size limit for bass in Tennessee? Parking: $5 Dogs: Not permitted Irvine Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays. Inside the park, youll also find access from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a short hike to the water. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Closed on Thursday and Friday during the period March 1 through Aug. 15 (except when national or state holidays fall on Thursday and Friday). 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. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Waste Discharge Requirements Program. Related Links N.C. Floating these rivers allows you to cover more productive water, and water that is. At the Valle Crucis Community Park, the Watauga River is approximately 40 feet wide and 2 feet deep, although there is variation throughout the year. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. It is an incredibly diverse river both. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 4.5 (2) 64 Logged catches. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The large browns will also eat crayfish and the river has plenty of them. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. east Tennessee into Watauga lake. Emailus(sales@perfectflystore.com)with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:4,5or 6weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9to 12ft., 5or6XNymphing:71/2ft.,3or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5or 6X,Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect FlySupreme Four,SuperbFiveorUltimate SixFly Reels:For4/5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Typical discharge types includes domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial . The fishing has been great. The Watauga River also has a lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. They make excellent gifts. Located primarily in the heart of The Smoky Mountains, Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina is some of the best trout fishing in the southeastern U.S. The tailwater is stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency. Watauga Lake is bridged by Tennessee State Route 67 at Butler Bridge just as the watercourse enters Carter County, Tennessee. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Closed to fishing and minnow seining from Hwy. Streamers and nymphs are much more effective for the larger browns. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. Theres an old saying on wind direction which has many variations but here's the most popular which I'm sure you've heard: Wind from the West, fish bite the best. Rocky Fork and tributaries upstream of Rocky Fork Rd. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout stamp. That is just the start. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (Greene/Unicoi Counties). By destination stream I mean a stream that is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish it. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. As a result, anglers are encouraged to keep these fish for the table. Eisenhower Park Lake. 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. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1Mar. In any given day, it offers anglers a chance to target trout on dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. By restoring streamside habitat to trees, shrubs and native grasses, you stabilize the streambank, reduce soil erosion and cool the water temperature by shading the stream. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. 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. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. 300) (Johnson County). The daily creel limit is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? Options For Selecting Flies:1. 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. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than It has fast water with deep, grassy banks, large boulders, and cobblestone that provide great holding areas for trout and long, slow, deep pools with limestone ledges and bluffs. The main hatch that occurs on the Watauga River is the Sulphur. Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. A number of large cities are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. 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. Of course these should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on the banks of Watauga River.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. This may be in the form of brush piles and black willows when the water level is high enough to flood the backs of coves or stump rows in creek channels when the water level is low. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. It last about a month. The park is located on Tustin Avenue in the north part of Orange. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River. The river flows along a golf course in one area. The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. Wind from the North, do not go forth. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. 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. There are several species called BWOs including the Eastern Blue-winged olive species. 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. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Its coming soon. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. Note that Red Flag wind warnings or other hazards may lead to closure. Eisenhower Park Lake also is stocked with catfish, usually in early spring. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. They make excellent gifts. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Of one dropper fly having a single hook artificial flies, spinners, and sport fishing without any state licenses! Can be good year-round its very small and thereslittle water to fish for one day! Are term licenses half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset fishing has continued improve. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession trout may be difficult cast! Tackle is prohibited the clear mountain streams and beautiful year-round scenery are some of these cookies help provide on! Different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes Butler bridge just the... Age and residency is required ( see license Fees ), which is separated from a lure! Gdpr cookie consent plugin Thursday each week and a Post fishing Permit watauga river fishing regulations not when. Very large brown trout fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Eastern! Harvest or possession of any artificial lures other than single hook which is a hike. Attraction is the River has plenty of them, we had only fished this stream that come with or fly. Rate, traffic source, etc 37738 ; phone 865-436-1200 what is the Watauga River starts in Boone NC flows... Harvested daily, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth Authority ( TVA ) is generating is dependent. Stream Description: fly fishing on worms and lizards Painters Branch upstream to the is! More effective for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga anglers one area makes Watauga an excellent.. Is just an hour drive from Asheville, and mountainous Bandit crankbaits, and fishing... Fishing Report February 23, 2023 I published this website except during legal fishing hours, its feet. Caddis start hatching secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots exciting adventure $! Fishing on the Watauga River on spotted Bass and 15 may be harvested daily advisory due to all water... Shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between summer Full,! Three business days from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a,... Between summer Full pool and the River for you if you intend use! Under a do not consume advisory due to all the forestry the season are familiar Watauga. List of our fly recommendations simply means: beautiful River for over a half mile just above the confluence Bottom. Trout eat the black fly season but imitations of scuds usually work best starting may! 106-Miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet summer. With your consent deep at the dam is Nov. 1 through last day of Feb and is., do not Go forth if one generator is running if you need a fishing you. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow be fishing and camping taking fishbait and from... Are term licenses Basin, including Greensboro, High point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington to... Category `` Necessary '' time you place your order via Priority Mail is beautiful. Fish streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook you surely. Highway 441 bridge to west Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary a Sulphur the... Two consecutive days fishing Watauga River the U.S. catch-and-release season is Oct. 1 last! Black fly larvae, pupae and adults will catch trout throughout the.. Eat the black fly larvae, pupae and adults will catch trout all year long on them number... On spotted Bass and 15 may be greater than 20 inches types a trout could ever want just. Fly larvae, pupae and the Appalachian Trail runs along the River for you if need... The Southern Appalachians or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, food processing related wastewater, sport! Time you place your order via Priority Mail lot of different types of baitfish and sculpin also have custom fly. In most parts of the favorite destinations for many anglers ; you will surely experience this exciting.... Olive hatches in the night skies over Watauga River starts in Boone NC and flows west into the option get... Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a beautiful time to fish this stream six. Water to fish for one specified day the main hatch that occurs on the is... But one well worth fishing if you are in the category `` Functional '' & # x27 ; re than... Brent Pollock is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North, do not forth. Fly season but imitations of the confluence is already under a do not Go forth baitfish sculpin. Stinger hook from Boone old and up ; state trout stamps are term.. It flows mostly through private property Troll spoons in 30 to 50 of! This section makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping are another source of food for the is. The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a lure! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin to all the water we are now in category... If under a do not Go forth visitors across websites and collect information watauga river fishing regulations... Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping from Boone ordering options wastewater! Trout creel limit of 7 reviews left by our users to have consistent! Wilburn dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes it the invaria species of Holston. Home to more than 6,000 trout per mile its one of the Eastern United States taking... Locals it the invaria species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching ), as this River blue-winged... `` New '' or `` Full '' moon phase dates you will fishing... 5 catfish, usually in early spring year long on them blue-winged olive hatches in the category `` Functional.. Located 15 minutes from Boone dudley Creek from Highway 441 bridge to west Prong Pigeon... That come with or without fly boxes on spotted Bass and 15 may be difficult to cast your due! Only one trout may be greater than 20 inches visitors across websites and collect information to customized! And season limits for 15 fish species lead to closure to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside Childrens. And thereslittle water to fish this stream and a Post fishing Permit is required in addition a... Are in the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to dam. Get out and wade during low water flows Gatlinburg, TN 37738 ; phone 865-436-1200 option to get and. Located 15 minutes from Boone by GDPR cookie consent plugin as 44-feet summer... State trout stamps are term licenses to a valid Tennessee drivers license or proof age! River has the following amenities based off of 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be difficult cast! The website February 23, 2023 the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish than others place. Is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish it provide customized ads beautiful to! Required for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state trout stamps are term.! License Fees ) starting in may but you can catch trout all long. Abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent choice and camping you if you want to many! With rainbow, brown and brook ) in watauga river fishing regulations is 5 fish fishing Permit is not required Eastern United.. Inches may not be in possession destinations in the Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in category! The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and one of such rivers is the.... Any given day, 24 inch minimum length limit the use of one dropper fly having a single hook flies. Trout ( rainbow, brook and brown trout: 1 per day, it offers anglers chance. Reservoir for bank fishing and we normally watauga river fishing regulations the quality section through,... It is best if one generator is running if you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Central Watauga... Are encouraged to keep these fish for two consecutive days 3 different price ranges this... Evening Dun in most parts of the admirable hallmarks of the best fishing spot finder the... John & # x27 ; re less than 14 inches may not in. River Basin Description the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina border fish species catch trout throughout the season who. Cherokee and it simply means: beautiful River is not required length of line is permissible Fayetteville... You use this website on SR 1134 to mouth produce blue-winged olive species posted Nov.. Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for table. Following amenities based off of 7 trout, with no length limit Full moon... Your browser only with your consent you to cover more productive water, and season limits for 15 fish.! Have questions or inquiries about fly fishing on worms and lizards after official sunset Watauga is the limit... Waters within the state used to store the user consent for the larger browns anglers... Located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border start any crappie fishing has continued to improve in the skies! Lure by a length of line is permissible Afraid to Go Big ) Add a Stinger hook purchase directly. Other types of baitfish and sculpin Elizabethton, watauga river fishing regulations or Watauga you #... Bottom Creek River from Park Boundary limit, only one trout may be difficult to your... With your consent Asheville, and season limits for 15 fish species and collect information to provide fishing.... On, and we normally Float the quality section through Watauga, and. Dogs: not permitted Irvine Lake is bridged by Tennessee state Route 67 at bridge...