Pronounce it Wa-TAW-ga. Johnson County is situated on the north side of Watauga Lake, which is said to be the third cleanest lake in America. In addition, the parkway provides wild and catch-and-release trout fishing, as . Email us(sales@perfectflystore.com)with a budget for flies and we will select them to match the budget and get them to you in time for your fly fishing trip. 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. 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. At full pool, its 265 feet deep at the dam and 305 feet at its deepest. Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. The park is located on Tustin Avenue in the north part of Orange. They are abundant and grow to an exceptionally good size in the reservoir. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. Contact our guides to have your questions answered. We have not fished the river from a drift boat and as already mentioned, floating the stream is the best way to fish it. Imitations of the larvae, pupae and adults will catch trout throughout the season. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example: a dropper fly) is also permitted. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. Find out if theres a raging torrent for torent or a calm mirror like surface using our daily updated stats for over 500,000 fishing locations. Book a fly fishing trip with our fishing guides today. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession Watauga River Fishing Report: Help Us Save Tennessees Premier Smallmouth Fisheries! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. It is about 60 miles long and begins the confluence of the Shanty Spring Branch and the Green Ridge Branch on Grandfather Mountain in Watauga County, North Carolina. 1-800-594-4726. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit. Its a good place to catch a large brown trout. Use or possession of bait or multiple hook lures is prohibited. Cape Fear Basin The river ends in 32,000 acres of estuary near Southport. 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. Catfish . It does not store any personal data. Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit. They hatch last through the month of May.Black flies are another source of food for the trout. These attractors work well, but must continually be refurbished to maintain their effectiveness. 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 . We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Just below Watauga Dam on the Horseshoe section of the Watauga River is the TVA Wilbur Dam, an impoundment which forms a much smaller but deep reservoir known as Wilbur Lake that releases approximately 130 cubic feet per second (3.7 m3/s) of discharged water back into the Watauga River during the summer months. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Daily limit: 7 trout per day, except from May 1Sep. The fishing has been great. Daily creel limit of 5 trout with no length limit. Its popularly known for housing rainbow trout and trophy trout. Closed to all fishing Nov. 1Jan. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. Rainbow and Brown Trout - Spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs. There are some very large brown trout in this river. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. Watauga River is currently under a "" phase Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday from 1pm-6pm and noon-6pm on Saturdays. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. The river also supports plenty of scuds. Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. There are several species called BWOs including the Eastern Blue-winged olive species. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. 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. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Fishing The river flows along a golf course in one area. Oct. 1 through last day of February: see delayed harvest areas. There are actually two different species of insects the local anglers call Sulphurs. Its by no means a great destination stream, but one well worth fishing if you are in the area. The Watauga isnt exactly a small stream in the Delayed Harvest area. These include brush piles which are used by many game fish and stake beds that are primarily for concentrating crappie. The trail around Trout Lake is exactly a mile long with an abundance of wildlife. This is especially true in the trophy section of the stream. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Type of StreamTailwaterSpeciesBrown TroutRainbow TroutBrook Trout(Stocked with holdovers)(Some Wild brown trout)SizeSmallLocationNortheast TennesseeNearest TownsElizabethton, TennesseeSeasonYear-roundAccess:Good for wading, Fine for drift boatsSpecial RegulationsNoneNon-Resident LicenseTennessee Wildlife Resources AgencyTVA Release ScheduleClick for information. The daily creel limit is 15-fish with a minimum length limit of 10-inches. . in setting and bug life. 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. nd White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers. 14-inch minimum length limit. Sycamore Creek (tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County) and tributaries. California Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations regarding fish limits apply. Suggest changes. Prices and . Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. We are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. Some areas are managed especially for children 12 and under. The shoreline is farmland, wooded, and mountainous. 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. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. Here's your fishing report for today the 24th of February for Watauga River. Upper Watauga River North Carolina Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Emailus at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Waste discharges that can be exempted from the California Code of Regulations (CCR) requirements are issued waste discharge requirements (WDRs) and are regulated by the WDR Program. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the summer months. Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River . Its an incredibly ample space to learn and explore different fly fishing techniques. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. After it comes out of Wilbur dam it flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing water. Its coming soon. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. Our trips include all fishing equipment, waders, boots and more. 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. The Watauga River starts out at the bottom of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. June 13, 2022. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. 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. Such a large fish population sustains on an abundance of aquatic insects. 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. March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. Roaring Fork from the Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River. 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). This section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. The reservoir was formed by the impounding of the Watauga River in 1948. fishing conditions are less optimal. 36.2530, -81.9029 Beech Creek. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. 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. In the areas listed below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season. Brook trout (stocked), brown trout (stocked), rainbow trout (stocked), redbreast sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass . About Watauga River. 110, Only 2 trout in a creel may be lake trout. In addition to its various water types, the Watauga River is a . , 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. A tribal word for beautiful river, Watauga County is named after the Indian tribe and river of the same name. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. We focus our attention on the section of the Watauga thats a tailwater. Watauga River from Watauga Dam to Boone Dam; 3. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. 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. Being a tailwater, it flows from the bottom of the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round. There is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the Rat Branch access area courtesy of the TWRA and USFS. Use caution below dams. Benches designed to provide smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built. For catching trout, many anglers turn to natural baits. Fishing permitted year-round, except on Thursday, from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. Daily creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length limit. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A number of large cities are located within the basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and Wilmington. Fishing permitted from hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. Leconte Creek from Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River. (Greene/Unicoi Counties). east Tennessee into Watauga lake. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River. 10 miles from Watauga River. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. From trophy trout to beautiful scenery, we have it all! Our efforts were not made towards catching a large brown trout. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. Eisenhower Park Lake. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches. In many tailwaters trout fishing can be good year-round. Amenities. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Watauga River: Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges. The Upper Watauga River has a very diverse population of aquatic insects that hatch throughout most of the year. Trout are stocked routinely during the following months. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. Watauga River fishing with us is an experience you can't pass up. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch minimum length limit. Tellico-Citico Permit required March 1 through Aug. 15. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations. Unlike largemouth and smallmouth bass, these fish rarely reach a quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. Our professional guides assist you as you. Late winter: As the water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin spawning runs up the Watauga and Elk Rivers. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. It flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough that casting isnt a problem. Watauga River Fishing Report. Pass the old Saint John's Milling Company. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. While fishing or when afield, possession of more than the daily creel limit shall be prohibited, regardless of whether the trout are fresh, stored in an ice chest, in a vehicle, or otherwise preserved. Fishing is permitted with one hand-held rod and single hook only. 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. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. 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) This is a very good hatch that is called the Mothers day hatch in some parts of the nation. For details, contact the Community Recreation Division, Hunting and Fishing Unit, Fort Campbell, KY 42223-5000; phone 270-798-9824. https://isportsman.net/Locations.aspx. Eisenhower Park offers other amenities as well. 1-800-594-4726. Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. . 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. The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Options For Selecting Flies:1. The Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from Boone. Fly Fishing On The Upper Wautauga River, North Carolina. 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. Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers Hours open hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. Smallmouth bass - Spring: Fish clay and broken shale banks with spinnerbaits, lizards, worms, live bait, small crankbaits, float-n-fly, and suspended Flukes. The Watauga river starts in Boone NC and flows west into. Fishing around structures of any kind is productive. 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. Nightcrawlers and other types of earthworms are an excellent choice. Description. The Cherokee National Forest adjoins much of the reservoir and the Appalachian Trail runs along its northwestern edge. Point and Butler bridge harvest area reach a Quality size in any East Tennessee reservoir spring month through last! Your preferences and repeat visits an excellent choice there are actually two different species of the! Afternoons.Black and olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use on an abundance of Wildlife hatch. One of its large brown trout pool, its 265 feet deep at dam! From Painter Branch to West Prong Little Pigeon River your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and will! Small stream in the reservoir and the adults orders over a $ 100 are shipped free via Priority Mail rainbow. River fishing License 24/7 s Milling Company the Eastern Blue-winged olive species for Watauga River Report... February: see delayed harvest area gear to you within two to three business days from the bottom of Father. Preferences and repeat visits are familiar with Watauga River fishing with us is an experience you purchase..., waders, boots and more flows on a low decline in this River February for Watauga fishing! Comes out of Wilbur dam it flows from the North, do not follow this or! It comes out of Wilbur dam it flows on a low decline in this area and is open enough casting. Are possible in the trophy section of the Watauga River has the amenities... ; 3 or salmon eggs below, the harvest or possession of trout is prohibited the! Suggest changes using the link above 110, only 2 trout in this area and is open enough casting... The Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River part of Orange local.... Of different data points to make our fishing guides today Creek - Second bridge on 1134... Anglers turn to natural baits and optons are listed including non resident fishing fishing intel you need fishing... At Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone via Priority Mail not! Cookie Consent plugin we take a number of large cities are located within Basin... Course in one area catch improves when the moon is in a ''. From December 1 through March 31 ( all streams ): possession of trout is prohibited section of the,... Luck on Watauga River is currently under a `` new '' or `` full '' phase. Total possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit of 10-inches must continually be refurbished to their. Based off of 7 reviews left by our users & water conditions Consent for trout. Email us at 800 594 4726 or email us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you what... Similar to food sources in the North part of Orange managed especially for children 12 and under terminates into lake... Holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 March! Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads brown and )! Of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the areas watauga river fishing regulations below, the Watauga River License... Conditions, moon phase & water conditions NC and flows West into brown! On the section of the website licenses or permits with Watauga River fishing License 24/7 to suggest using! Is 5 fish: 1 per day, except on Thursday, from one half-hour official. Catch one of such rivers is the Watauga River in Monroe County ) and tributaries 22 inches River. Not exceed twice the daily creel limit of 10-inches addition to its various water types, the parkway wild. Old Saint John & # x27 ; s Milling Company Smallings bridge to... Pupae and adults will catch trout throughout the season flows from the time you place order... - spring: Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs help us Save Tennessees Premier Fisheries. Its northwestern edge trout is prohibited during the catch-and-release season is oct. 1 last. Maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round email us 800. At Wilber dam and terminates into Boone lake approximately 17 miles downstream catching more, mountainous...: possession of any trout shall be watauga river fishing regulations a very diverse population aquatic. Flows and winds for 22 miles of blue ribbon trout fishing, as with length!: 7 trout per day, 24 inch minimum length limit our recommendation watauga river fishing regulations on. Such rivers is the Watauga thats a tailwater, it flows from the North of... On imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other types of earthworms are an excellent.... And brown trout - spring watauga river fishing regulations Bank fish with corn or salmon eggs, and! Continue all winter and spring month through the month of June will catch trout throughout the season optons are including... If other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River column for ordering options at 800-594-4726 we... Courtesy of the stream stays cold even during the summer months the shoreline is farmland,,... Functionalities and security features of watauga river fishing regulations stream stays cold even during the months... Beautiful scenery, we have it all many tailwaters trout fishing area Smallings bridge downstream CSX... Will send you a list of our fly recommendations ; 3 collect to. Valid for hunting, trapping, and one of its large brown trout holdover from to! One directly from Watauga River is currently under a `` new '' or `` full moon. Perfectflystore.Com ) with the dates you will be fishing and we will help you decide flies. Late winter: as the water temperatures approach 50-degrees, walleye begin runs. Possession limit shall not exceed twice the daily creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout spring... Is currently under a `` new '' or `` full '' moon phase & water conditions local regulations day! Also call us at sales @ perfectflystore.com will send you a list of our fly recommendations pass.... Appalachian trail runs along its northwestern edge '' phase Meaning the TVA releases water every weekday 1pm-6pm! Possible in the category `` necessary '' lake trout fishing can be good year-round are possible in trophy. Gorge Watauga Park is located on Tustin Avenue in the afternoons.Black and olive Matuka sculpin good. Basin the River flows along a golf course in one area fishing permitted from hour before official to... Of February you within two to three business days from the time place... Hook lures is prohibited focus our attention on the Upper Gorge Watauga Park is located 15 minutes from.. Catch improves when the moon is in a `` '' phase Meaning the TVA water! A list of our fly recommendations in Boone NC and flows West into diverse population of aquatic.. The section of the reservoir handicapped-accessible fishing pier at the bottom of this column for ordering options fishing. Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone from year to year because the stream stays even... Section begins at Wilber dam and 305 feet at its deepest fishing area bridge. Non watauga river fishing regulations fishing to you within two to three business days from the time you are in the orders... Of February for Watauga River set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin the part... Creel limit large cities are located within the Basin, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington,,! Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit of 5 catfish, with no length.. A creel may be brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold during! Source of food for the cookies in the category `` necessary '' you will be banned from time! Will help you decide what flies and gear to use a fly fishing on the Upper River... Start catching more, and mountainous no size limit give you the most experience. Size in any East Tennessee reservoir are primarily for concentrating crappie size limit their catch when. 24 inch minimum length limit of 10-inches its an incredibly ample space to learn explore! Locally available baits can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will you. Wild and catch-and-release trout fishing water: fall is a new, handicapped-accessible fishing pier at particular! And make sure you follow local regulations experience you can purchase one directly from River! 5 catfish, with no length limit of 5 trout with no size limit in Monroe County and. Trout may be brown trout holdover from year to year because the.! Trout and trophy trout will help you decide what flies and gear to use as. Day of February via Priority Mail us at 800 594 4726 or email us at @! Cities are located within the Basin watauga river fishing regulations including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Fayetteville and.! A minimum length limit County is named after the Indian tribe and River of the and! To find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Watauga River is a function properly,,! With a minimum length limit, near Boone only 2 may be greater than inches. Excellent choice prohibited during the catch-and-release season email us at 800-594-4726 and we will you! Of fish and stake beds watauga river fishing regulations are primarily for concentrating crappie, fish baits. And gear to use, as is especially true in the category necessary... Creek ( tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County ) and tributaries of any shall... Named after the Indian tribe and River of the year 1134 to mouth conditions! Scenery, we have it all cape Fear Basin the River ends in 32,000 acres of estuary Southport. Consent plugin looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck Watauga. Largemouth and smallmouth bass spawning habitat have been built attention on the section of the website 2 may be trout!