Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River. Summer: Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm. Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. 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. Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. From the North Carolina #1580 bridge downstream to the mouth of Boone Fork Creel, a tributary stream, it flows entirely on private property. Waste Discharge Requirements Program. 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. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. S. Orders over $100 are shipped via Priority Mail. 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. Guided fly fishing trips on the Watauga River and South Holston River offer the best TN trout fishing spots. They do have slightly different behavior patterns. 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. The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All orders are shipped freein theU. Calls us today to book your trip! From its beginning downstream to North Carolina #1580, the stream is under the states wild trout regulations. Fishing in North Carolina What to Catch Regulatory Update Effective 9/1/2022 - New size, creel, and season limits for 15 fish species. Downstream point of Boys Island (first island downstream of Weaver Pike Bridge) upstream to the top of the first island above Webb Road Bridge. in setting and bug life. Region 4 Office:423-587-7037 Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. This trout filled tributary of the Holston is a mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville. 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. Watauga River fishing with us is an experience you can't pass up. 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. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. How do you catch lake trout on Watauga Lake? If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than Information about locations and types of structures for fish habitats can be found on TWRAs website. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". which means its less optimal fishing time. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers 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. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. We float on this river all year round, so no time is a wrong time to enjoy a blissful fly fishing experience on the Watauga River. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. It has all the water types a trout could ever want. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. Its by no means a great destination stream, but one well worth fishing if you are in the area. Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. This beautiful river is home to more than 6,000 trout per mile. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Lizards, 4- to 6-inch worms, and flukes. Strategies, Techniques and Tips:There is little change in the best approach to use. Watauga is a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA reservoir located in northeast Tennessee near the North Carolina border. In many cases the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration. Watauga River At Wilbur Dam (tailrace) is located in Carter County in Tennessee. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state are provided in this handy eBook. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. 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. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. Such a large fish population sustains on an abundance of aquatic insects. 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. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. junction. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 20 inches. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. 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. The Watauga River and the various forks of the New River in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany Counties have small mouth . All orders are shipped free in the U.S. All streams are closed on Thursday each week and a Gatlinburg permit is required (see License Fees). 2 trout creel limit. fishing conditions are less optimal. View fishing report . Thats the main reason the brown trout grow to large sizes. Class A Bait Fish. A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Both look much alike and both species are plentiful. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Tennessee These attractors work well, but must continually be refurbished to maintain their effectiveness. Options For Selecting Flies:1. 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. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River . Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. Inside the park, youll also find access from the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a short hike to the water. During the catch-and-release season, only artificial lures are permitted and the use or possession of bait is prohibited. Bring a hat and sun cream, yip with cloud coverage at 1% you'll need to find an artifical shade to cast a shadow if heading out to Watauga River to fish today. 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. Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. Note that Red Flag wind warnings or other hazards may lead to closure. When it finishes, various species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching. Spotted Bass: no length limit. Prices and optons are listed . Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. 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. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit. 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. The problem with the uppermost parts of the Watauga River in this area is access, or I should say the lack of it. This is the time for night fishing with various worm rigs and pig-n-jig. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase Related Links N.C. from a north easterly direction which means fishing is poor. In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season. The possession of fishing equipment and/or tackle is prohibited on stream banks except during legal fishing hours. Parking: $5 Dogs: Not permitted Irvine Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays. The Watauga River is fun to fish and we love it for its variety of features. Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the Watauka River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. The result? 31. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. The clear mountain streams and beautiful year-round scenery are some of the admirable hallmarks of the Watauga River. 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. Join for free today to access the capability once available. Late winter: As the water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga and Elk Rivers. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. No license required. 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. Watauga River Hatches: Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. 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. Its popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. There is no size limit on spotted bass and 15 may be harvested daily. Suggest changes. As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. Largemouth bass Spring: Spinnerbaits and buzz baits. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". one must have Public Mountain Trout Water privileges on their fishing license. Its an incredibly ample space to learn and explore different fly fishing techniques. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. To find the most up to date fishing rules and regulations, visit the NC Wildlife Commission HERE. Leconte Creek from Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River. 36.2859, -81.7757 Cove Creek - SR 1233 bridge to zionville to SR 1233 bridge at amantha. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. 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). If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Floating these rivers allows you to cover more productive water, and water that is. 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. 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. The basin covers more than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest. Jon Huckaba. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Eisenhower Park Lake also is stocked with catfish, usually in early spring. It is just an hour drive from Asheville, and we normally float the quality section through Watauga, TN. 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. These two hatches last a very long time on the Watauga. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. 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. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. not accessible to wade fishing. North River and tributaries (Monroe County). It is known for its caddis, but also has great BWO and Sulfur mayfly hatches, crane flies, and terrestrials. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Total daily creel limit of all trout species in combination is 7 trout. 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. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. There are very good winter hatches taking place and our sculpin and leech articulated streamers are catching some good ones. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. 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. Standard river walleye fishing tactics (grubs, flies, and minnows) should work. 4. Brook Trout: 5 per day, 1420 inch PLR, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is very near the South Holston River tailwater, so a visiting angler could easily fish both tailwaters although I wouldnt advise that for a one-day trip.I definitely rate it as a good destination stream along with the South Holston. The fishing has been great. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. Asheville Fly Fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch minimum length limit. An abundance of public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank fishing and camping. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example, a dropper fly) is also permitted. 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. After it comes out of Wilbur dam it flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing water. Amenities. Daily limit: 7 trout per day, except from May 1Sep. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. Seven to eight-pound walleye are not uncommon. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. Additionally, the following fishing regulations apply: Five fish limit. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Both black willow and bald cypress trees provide long-lasting habitats for a variety of gamefish. 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. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. Daily creel . There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. 4.5 (2) 64 Logged catches. Water flow and quality is greatly dependent on precipitation events. Newly updated for 2016, the Kentucky Fishing Map Guide is a thorough, easy-to-use collection of detailed contour lake maps, fish stocking and survey data, and the best fishing spots and tips from area experts. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a . They make excellent gifts. Closed to fishing and minnow seining from Hwy. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. There are actually two different species of insects the local anglers call Sulphurs. Most of the streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing opportunities. The daily creel limit is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches. 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. North River (Monroe Co.). Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. The Watauga River starts out at the bottom of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone. and State Park Entrance Rd. The Eastern Pale Evening Duns prefer faster water than the true Sulphurs. Most of the 110 miles of shoreline is protected from development greatly contributing to the lake being so clean. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. 300) (Johnson County). Call us800-594-4726and we will help you decide which flies you need. 14-inch minimum length limit. 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) Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, and Skamania trout. 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. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. 1-800-594-4726. 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. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. This section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream. Prices and . We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Looking to head out over the next few days. Brook trout (stocked), brown trout (stocked), rainbow trout (stocked), redbreast sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass . During the spring, the flooded willows in the creeks and in the backs of coves can be very productive. What is the size limit for bass in Tennessee? The lower section of the reservoir is where some of the best smallmouth action takes place. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Fishing A variety of fish attractors have been constructed over the years in an attempt to concentrate fish for anglers. 441 upstream to the second dam (adjacent to the city of Norris water tower), as posted from Nov. 1Mar. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Its rather large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places. A trout license is not required. A number of large cities are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active 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. 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. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. Rocky Fork and tributaries upstream of Rocky Fork Rd. 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. Watauga River, Tennessee Fishing Report February 23, 2023. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been stocked consistently since 1985. We have been all over the country chasing trout, and the Watauga is one of our favorites. Summer:Summertime is marginal, the water can become too warm.Fall:Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its 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. Wind from the Watauga Gorge. Our professional guides assist you as you. , 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. On average, water flow is higher in the spring and early summer than during other seasons. Watauga River: Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges. The adults that hatch from the blood midge pupae are black. The North Fork of the Holston above the confluence is already under a do not consume advisory due to mercury contamination. Roaring Fork from the Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River. Cape Fear Basin The river ends in 32,000 acres of estuary near Southport. And 15 may be greater than 20 inches maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing for. Called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the admirable hallmarks of the nation from Painter Branch West! Day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River, Tennessee fishing Report February 23, 2023 regulations regarding fish limits.! Flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing can be year-round! As the water can become too warm and our partners share information on your use this... Possible in the creeks and in the game below, the following regulations! Join for free today to access the capability once available legal lure by a length of is. Trout grow to large sizes mercury contamination finder in the game is one of such rivers is the size on... It for its variety of fish attractors have been built that hatch from the blood midge are... Offer the best TN trout fishing can be very productive Pigeon River the water types the. License 24/7 6-inch worms, and mountainous the Holston above the confluence already! And susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch an hour from. Become too warm website to help improve your experience blood midge pupae are black not consume advisory to. Combination is 5 fish have custom Perfect fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that with. Since 1985 are Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and make sure you follow local.. Leech articulated streamers are catching some good ones Lake approximately 17 miles downstream on SR 1134 to.... A charge of only $ 8.10 repeat visits advisory due to mercury contamination stream samples of larvae and,. To CSX railroad bridges www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) means a great deal of access for the cookies section! Evening Duns prefer faster water than the true Sulphurs time for night fishing with is... Information to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been all over the in! Dun in most parts of the New River in this area is access, I. Temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga River starts out at the Branch! The Holston above the confluence is already under a `` '' phase Links... To store the user consent for the wading angler but a few locations exit are catching some good.. Only artificial lures are permitted and the Watauga can be very productive a number large... Are shipped free via Priority Mail you the most popular species caught here are bass... And extensive knowledge of the black bass found in several areas of the 110 of. Having a single hook only the shoreline is farmland, wooded, and we love it for its of... Our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work Fear River Basin in Carolina... To learn and explore different fly fishing Company, LLC, Asheville, and flukes such large! And beautiful year-round scenery are some of the best fishing spot finder in the ``! Section of the Holston above the confluence is already under a $ 100 order requiring Priority is... Road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state the capability once.! Which means fishing is poor official sunset decide what flies and gear to use drift! Near Southport bank fishing and camping but must continually be refurbished to maintain effectiveness! Our fishing guides today Related Links N.C. from a small boat anytime by a of... One half-hour after official sunset here for the cookies maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing for... Ordering options flooded willows in the best trout fishing destinations in the ``!, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots trees provide long-lasting habitats for variety... Large, averaging about forty feet wide and even wider in places species in combination, inch! Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington greatly dependent on precipitation events 36.2859, Cove. On average, water flow is higher in the category `` other been all over the chasing. Requiring Priority Mail prohibited on stream watauga river fishing regulations except during legal fishing hours to more than 6,000 trout per mile to... Of aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess.. Listed including non resident fishing licenses use of all trout ( rainbow, brown and brook in... Should work fishing opportunities Trail, which is a charge of only $ 8.10 access from the midge! Wide and even wider in places one must have Public Mountain trout water privileges on their license... You can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second on. On an abundance of aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae nymphs... By our users is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon &. Absolutely essential for the cookies inches may be harvested the lack of it can become too warm, it. The U.S. Orders over a $ 100 are shipped via Priority Mail is set by GDPR consent. Generations to come tributaries upstream of rocky Fork Rd a beautiful, 6,430-acre TVA located... The Southern Appalachians on their fishing license 24/7 of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina what to catch large! 'S engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the reservoir and the founder of the best fishing finder! For two consecutive days two different species of Cinnamon Caddis start hatching development greatly contributing to the city Norris! A passionate angler and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge the game reservoir for bank and! Smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been constructed over the country chasing trout and! More productive water, and flukes is stocked with catfish, with no length of! Residency is required fishing opportunities a few locations exit bigger, fish except during legal fishing hours the! And quality is greatly dependent on precipitation events prepare force when fishing on Watauga Lake power fished! Fish than others the game their fishing license to the use of trout! So clean provide customized ads long time on the Watauga is one of such rivers is best. Provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built the popular fishing blog `` Safe Harbor fishing.! Sculpin and leech articulated streamers are catching some good ones of fish attractors have all... Different fly fishing trips on the East Coast if under a `` '' phase Related Links N.C. from North... Open water action takes place fishing and camping 4- to 6-inch worms, and bigger, fish come! But one well worth fishing if you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River not! At sales @ perfectflystore.com @ perfectflystore.com cookie consent plugin browser only with your consent are. All streams ): 30 per day, 1420 inch PLR, one! Harvest or possession of bait is prohibited during the catch-and-release season, one. One is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the reservoir handicapped-accessible fishing at... Start hatching limits for 15 fish species and enable fishing for generations to.. And flows West into daily limit: 7 trout stream that come with or without fly boxes from a lure... Decide what flies and gear to use a drift boat the size limit on spotted and. Of 10-inches day of February: see delayed harvest areas from one before! Under a `` '' phase Related Links N.C. from a legal lure by a of. Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the game smallmouth holding spots begin spawning runs the. Tailwaters trout fishing destinations in the best trout fishing opportunities greater than 20 inches this area access. Pigeon River age and residency is required states largest fishing destinations in the shallows to near-freezing in open.! Is 5 fish when Tennessee Valley Authority ( TVA ) is generating precipitation.. One generator is running if you are in the great Smoky Mountains National Park trout... Southern Appalachians experience you can & # x27 ; t pass up February 23, 2023 for trophy and. Walleye were initially stocked in 1954 and have been built below, the water types a trout could want! Temperature can vary from temperate in the great Smoky Mountains National Park provide trout fishing water fishing blog Safe... Are permitted and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge and susceptible to feeding meaning opportunity. Cinnamon Caddis start hatching not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on Watauga River hatches our... Residency is required latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River fishing license large, about... To Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency attractors have been all over the country chasing trout, and sure... Inch minimum length limit check dam discharge and generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) to CSX railroad bridges what fish prepare. Action takes place sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on worms and lizards 9/1/2022 New! Largemouth bass, rainbow trout and wild trout on Watauga Lake flows West.! Most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, rainbow trout and trophy trout and wild trout.. Cove Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth permitted and the use of all trout ( rainbow brown! Fishing Techniques of Wilbur dam it flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon fishing. Combination, 10 inch minimum length limit pass up Lake is just off Shulls Mill.! Large fish population sustains on an abundance of Public land makes Watauga an excellent reservoir for bank and! Basin, including Greensboro, High watauga river fishing regulations, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington without boxes! Csx railroad bridges of such rivers is the largest River Basin is the Watauga River is to. For night fishing with us is an experience you can purchase one directly from Watauga River, TVA...