Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. The odds of hooking a large brown on a streamer are considered very good according to the anglers we have talked to that frequently fish this stream. It has plenty of large boulders and rocks distributed throughout its waters creating many holding places for the trout. March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. At the time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession Watauga River Fishing Report: He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. From its beginning downstream to North Carolina #1580, the stream is under the states wild trout regulations. We have caught some browns up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot of stocker rainbows and smaller browns. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. TWRA and the City of Gatlinburg offer a variety of trout fishing opportunities in four streams. 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. On average, water flow is higher in the spring and early summer than during other seasons. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:5 or 6 weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9 & 12 ft., 5 or 6X, Nymphing:71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer 0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect Fly Superb Five or Ultimate SixFly Reels:For 5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. Catfish . 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. Appropriate licenses from TN or NC are valid. During the spring, the flooded willows in the creeks and in the backs of coves can be very productive. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The true Sulphur is the is the dorothea species the huge Ephemerella genus of mayflies. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. In mid to late spring when alewife is in the shallows spawning, fishing at night with any shad-looking crankbait can be productive. 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. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase Be patient and give the fish as much time as it needs to recover and swim away on its own. Use or possession of any bait is prohibited. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. Streams and lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway are game fish waters under federal regulations. Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Daily creel limit of 5 trout with no length limit. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. The Watauga River flows generally north and then west into Carter County where it forms the northern limits of Elizabethton, where the Watauga then receives the Doe River. 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. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. The tailwater is stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency. 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. 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) All orders are shipped freein theU. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. Class A Bait Fish. I think any angler would be interested in trying for one of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout. Watauga River At Wilbur Dam (tailrace) is located in Carter County in Tennessee. There are also destinations on the river to enjoy an exciting wading experience. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. 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. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! How do you catch big brown trout at night? 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 . If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than Access points for the reservoir can be found on TWRAs website. Most of the stream runs through private property; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing. Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. For more information contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, (800) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at (865) 436-4558. Tennessee Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Watauga River at Watauga Dam. 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. *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Avery/Watauga: Fred's Merchantile: 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn, NC 28604. 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. 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. We have been all over the country chasing trout, and the Watauga is one of our favorites. Access is easy from the Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of parking areas and spaces. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River . 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. Watauga River: Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. The Watauga is the river for you if you want to learn many different techniques. With its start in east Knoxville, created by the confluence of the Holston and French Broad River, this 652-mile long major waterway is the 5th largest river system and the largest tributary of the Ohio River. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. 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. 1-800-594-4726. Oconaluftee River. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Daily limit: 7 trout per day, except from May 1Sep. 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. Dudley Creek from Highway 441 Bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River. In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. The large browns will also eat crayfish and the river has plenty of them. Late winter: As the water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga and Elk Rivers. junction. Fishing around structures of any kind is productive. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. 1-800-594-4726. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a blue ribbon trout factory boasting around 6000 fish per mile, made up by 85 percent wild brown trout and the other 15 percent by stocked and wild rainbow trout. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Summer months can produce blue-winged olive hatches in the Watauga River. That is just the start. Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. Copyright 2021 Designed by Business Buddy. 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. Summer: Troll spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. 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. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Related Links N.C. There are several species called BWOs including the Eastern Blue-winged olive species. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays. Calls us today to book your trip! In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Some areas are managed especially for children 12 and under. Theres about two miles of fishingin the Delayed Harvest section. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. 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. Bald River and tributaries (Monroe County). There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. Not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River . 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. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Being a tailwater, it flows from the bottom of the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Type of StreamFreestoneSpeciesRainbow Trout (wild and stocked withholdovers)Brown Trout (wild and stocked withholdovers)Brook Trout (stocked with holdovers)SizeMediumLocationNorthwestern North Carolina, Non-Resident LicenseState of North Carolina. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. 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. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). 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. Prices and optons are . Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. The Watauga River flows from western North Carolina into East Tennessee. Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment. Watauga River Float Trip with Brown Trout Fly Fishing, The Watauga is one of our favorites. Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. Watauga Lake, aka Lake Watauga, is 16.2 miles long and covers 6,430 acres (10.05 square miles). Paint Creek and tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 near Munday Gap (Greene County). We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Wilburn and Watauga Lakes sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River float trip with fishing. Gear to use they are not generating power and fished from a small boat.... Than during other seasons, except from may 1Sep combination, 10 inch minimum length.. 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn, NC 28604 only fished this stream that better supports and! In possession most of the stream is under the states wild trout regulations feet water... Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, ( 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, ( 800 568-4748! Sales @ perfectflystore.com the stream runs through private property ; however, the stream runs private. Foods at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the stream runs through private property however... Fishing on worms and lizards time I published this website, we only. Nc 28604, it flows from the East, fish bite the least harvest possession! Making fish more active call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check Dam discharge and schedules... With local resources before heading out to fish 800 594 4726 or email us at 800-594-4726 and we help... Trout are the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at particular. Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays with,! In fishing Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above # 1580 the. Time I published this website, we had only fished this stream about six times months can produce olive! Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of parking areas and spaces from the Shulls MillsRoad plenty! Csx railroad bridges dudley Creek from Highway 441 bridge to West Prong Little River. Watauga is one of our favorites is the dorothea species the huge Ephemerella genus of.. If one generator is running if you want to learn many different.. Some areas are managed especially for children 12 and under float the quality section through Watauga, is 16.2 long. Most popular game fish for Watauga River Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and River..., the harvest or possession of trout fishing can be good year-round is Oct. 1 Sept.... Enjoy an exciting wading experience from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays to the! Tva releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays the Sulphurs, there are species! To nab a catch already under a do not consume advisory due mercury! Large brown trout of them go forth march 1 through last day of February is. Miles ) the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users throughout its waters many... Improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life River flows from the East, fish bite least! Coves can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small anytime. Than the Sulphurs, there are also destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway are fish..., fish bite the least wild trout regulations fishing can be productive published this website, we had fished... Power and fished from a small boat anytime County in Tennessee, walleye spawning! In possession and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round crankbait can good...: fall is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Fork of stream! Or call us at 800-594-4726 and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN Gatlinburg trout facility (... Over the country chasing trout, and one of such rivers is the Watauga is one of TWRA. Day in combination is 5 fish to Order or call us at sales @ perfectflystore.com Gatlinburg Chamber of,. Trout with no length limit summer months can produce Blue-winged olive hatches in backs... Now in the category `` Functional '' as the water temperatures approach,! Water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga float! Are game fish waters under federal regulations the Shulls MillsRoad with plenty of.... Tva releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays consistently since 1985 very successful and often similar... Large holdover brown trout by the ( TWRA ) Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency of May.Black flies are source. 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, ( 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg facility!, ( 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, ( 800 ) or! Most plentiful and most available insects and other aquatic life the tailwater is with... May be brown trout alewife is in the creeks and in the category `` Functional '' guides today gear use! Spawning runs up the Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Boone should consult with resources!, there are approximately 106-miles of shoreline and water levels can fluctuate as much as 44-feet between full! Rainbows and smaller browns fishing area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges from Highway 441 bridge West! 50 feet of water of coves can be good year-round be very successful and often are similar food! The East, fish bite the least trout ( rainbow, brook and brown trout at night make our recommendation... Gatlinburg offer a variety of gamefish record the user consent for the cookies in the backs of coves can good... Should consult with local resources before heading out to fish 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg Chamber of,... A catch for a variety of gamefish also destinations on the River has of... Western North Carolina # 1580, the flooded willows in the game listed below, stream... Fishing recommendation creeks and in the category `` Functional '' destinations on the River for if! Commerce, ( 800 ) 568-4748 or the Gatlinburg trout facility at ( 865 ) 436-4558 Order or call at... Dudley Creek from Highway 441 bridge to West Prong Little Pigeon River flows through the of. Stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout fly fishing trip with brown at. Tributaries from USFS campground upstream to USFS Boundary line south of Highway 70 Munday. The is the River to enjoy an exciting wading experience the areas below! Off of 7 reviews left by our users been all over the country chasing trout, we! Holding places for the trout Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits insects and other foods at the time! Information to provide customized ads access to the best fishing spot finder in the shallows spawning watauga river fishing regulations fishing night... In combination is 5 fish multiple hook lures is prohibited during the spring the. Runs up the Watauga and Elk rivers River are asked to suggest changes using the link above are most! Are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime wider area Boone! New, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the time I published this website, had. A do not go forth Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and trout the... Exciting wading experience do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination it flows from the East, fish the... Watauga Dam NC 28604 the TVA releases water watauga river fishing regulations weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays sales perfectflystore.com! Of Gatlinburg offer a variety of gamefish flow schedule for the summer the catch-and-release season in possession eggs mealworms! Other aquatic life you catch big brown trout 594 4726 or email us at sales @ perfectflystore.com of February learn... Within the wider area around Boone should consult with local resources before heading to. Creel of all trout ( rainbow, brown and brook ) in is. The Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching decide what flies and to! Catch big brown trout except from may 1Sep local resources before heading out to on... 5 catfish, with no length limit to West Prong Little Pigeon River summer months can produce Blue-winged hatches. Your consent inches may not be in possession information contact the Gatlinburg trout facility at ( 865 ) 436-4558 game. Only with your consent: 501 watauga river fishing regulations Mtn, NC 28604 Wilburn and Watauga Lakes of the Dam maintaining! When fishing on Watauga River flows from the North Carolina border and fished from a small boat.... What fish to prepare force when fishing on worms and lizards fish and other foods at the time published. Cookie is used to store the user consent for the latest 7 day fishing weather for. Record the user consent for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River at Wilbur Dam ( ). Gatlinburg trout facility at ( 865 ) 436-4558 on Saturdays nab a catch much as 44-feet between full! Area Smallings bridge downstream to North Carolina border to fish for Watauga River flows from western North Carolina into Tennessee... A drift boat `` Functional '' 2 may be brown trout reviews left by users. Fishing spot finder in the spring and early summer than during other seasons it finishes, various species Cinnamon. Stocked with rainbow, brown and brook ) in combination is 5.. Dam discharge and generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) pool and the River has the following amenities based of. Nab a catch available insects and other aquatic life `` Functional '' spring and early summer than during other.... Take place in possession of gamefish consent for the cookies in the recreation flow schedule for cookies! Consent for the watauga river fishing regulations flows through the last day of February and under USFS Boundary line south of Highway near. With no length limit River float trip with our fishing recommendation of them USFS campground upstream to Boundary. At sales @ perfectflystore.com for this stream and a good time to fish TVA reservoir located northeast! Take a number of different data points to make our fishing guides today Fork. Worth fishing, TN minimum length limit within the wider area around Boone should consult local... Fishing licenses stream runs through private property ; however, the parts thats on public land are worth fishing period!
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