I met up with Mark and his wife Mary Beth from Georgia for float on the Watauga River. The weather was very warm on Sunday with a few clouds on occasion. Sulphurs came off very good through the late morning and early afternoon. There was a range in size from bigger yellow winged/bodied sulphurs in a #14 to smaller pale bodied 18′s. When the fish were rising down river they we’re perfectly happing to take in our offering of a #18 hair wing comparadun on a good drift. We spent a good portion of the day nymph fishing as well. The split case nymph continues to be a great producer on the river. It was a fair day of fishing but a great day as far as the company was concerned. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a nicer couple out on the water. Mark had a very nice fish brown on down river that came unbuttoned. There were quite a few boats out on the water. No monster fish but all in a pretty good day.
The river can be quite busy this time of year on the South Holston River or the Watauga. If booking a trip during the week is a possiblility for you, you’ll experience a much less crowded day on the river.
Both Rivers are in full swing and fishing very good with dry fly action as well. Book your summer excursion now as it’s right around the corner.
Guide-Josh McFadden
