Guest | Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | South Holston River Lodge
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Frequently asked questions

You've got questions, we've got answers

Here’s a list of our frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers. At South Holston River Lodge, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make your trip as stress free as possible so you can focus on more important things, like fishing. We also created a Pre-Trip Planner for the same reasons, you can access it below. 

Yes, we provide all the equipment needed for successful days on the water.

A standard 9 foot 5 weight rod is the workhouse for our fisheries.

Check in, 3pm-5pm, Check out, 10am.


Yes, you might need them. We suggest you bring them if you have them. If you do not, no problem, we have waders at the lodge for you to use. Waders are useful in the boat for weather protection.

Yes, but limited in certain areas of the property. However, you may use the house phone in your cabin with free long-distance if your service is weak. In addition, turning on the Wifi calling option on your cell phone will help with service.

TRI CITIES REGIONAL AIRPORT (TRI) We also offer a complimentary shuttle service for arrival & departure flights.

Absolutely not, we welcome anglers of all levels of experience from beginner to expert.

Recommended guide gratuity per full day of fishing is $150.00 per boat. For Lodge staff, we recommend $50 per night per angler, to be given at the end of your stay. Please note: we cannot process gratuities on credit cards. 

This depends if you are a resident of Tennessee and your number of days fishing. TN residents purchase a combo Hunt/Fish License & then add the resident trout stamp. Non-TN residents have the option of a 3-day, 10 day, or annual license.

FYI – non-residents must purchase the all-species license to be legal to fish for trout. Click here to get your TN fishing license.

Sure, if water conditions are favorable. If TVA is generating water there are NO wading opportunities, too much water & too dangerous. FYI – you will catch more fish from the boat than on foot. Learn more about Lake Levels here.

Unfortunately we do not. We are animal lovers here at the lodge, but have had some bad experiences. In addition, this helps provide a safe environment for our guests with allergies. We appreciate your understanding with this issue.

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What seasons DO You Have?

It matters to the fish, trust us

We have four distinct seasons here in East Tennessee & each season offers occasional changing fishing methods. We offer dry fly action when conditions allow, fishing under an indicator with nymphs or midges & streamer fishing can be effective during certain times of the year. South Holston River Lodge offers full & half day guided fly-fishing for Trout year-round. 

Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass & Muskie can be fished during certain times of the year when the conditions allow.

November-February​
The South Holston & Watauga rivers both fish excellent during these months. This is your best chance to reel in a fish of a lifetime during this 4 month window.  The big Brown Trout are migrating from Boone Reservoir in search of their annual spawning grounds. Egg patterns, black flies, olive nymphs and streamers can produce a fine fish.
March-May
These are great months for nymphing under an indicator & having a chance at one of our great blue wing olive hatches as well as our renowned Caddis hatch on the Watauga river. The Olives are in full swing & you will start to see a few Sulphurs as we get closer to May, great fishing on both the South Holston & Watauga rivers.
JUNE-AUGUST​
Our resident Sulphur Mayflies start to make a regular appearance during this time. Consistent hatches of these buttery bugs are found throughout the river. This is the best time for hatches you can set your watch to. The beetle fishing really ramps up as we get closer to June with a combination of Japanese beetles & cicadas. This is also prime time for our smallmouth fishing in our region. You can have some of the best topwater days for smallmouth during this time of year.
SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER​
The nymph bite is outstanding during this time & we still have some surface activity. As we get closer to October the fall foliage makes this a perfect time to visit the South Holston River Lodge & soak up the remaining days of fall.
Guest with Brown | Frequently asked Questions | FAQ | South Holston River Lodge
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GOT MORE QUESTIONS?

Don't be shy, Just ask

We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have about South Holston River Lodge, our tailwaters, seasons, gourmet food, anything you can think of, we’re glad to help. Contact us below.