Watauga River Tennessee

The headwaters of the Watauga River are found on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain in Watauga County, North Carolina. The river then flows across the Tennessee state line at Johnson County. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Watauga River at Watauga Dam.The tailwater is stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout by the Tennessee Wildlife resources Agency. The rainbow and brown can flourish through the entire year due to the water temperature remaining about 60 degrees even during the summer months. Consequently, as with any tailrace, some very large brown trout can be found in this river. The main attraction is the opportunity to catch a big brown trout especially in the 5 miles designated Trophy Water.

The Watauga can be waded the entire year by utilizing both public and private access points. Water releases from both dam structures and often affects the water levels as well as the clarity of the water. 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 sudden changes in the depth.

Of course, a drift boat trip will offer many advantages and is practical all year long. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. The upper section of the river contains some Class II and III rapids so there are not as many anglers on that portion. There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular on this portion of the river.

Seasons:
The fly-fishing season is year-round on the Watauga River.
Winter:
The Watauga River fishes good throughout the winter months especially in the delayed harvest portion of the river. Midges represent the bulk of the aquatic insect food supply, but there are hatches of Blue Winged Olives and Black Stoneflies as well.
Spring:
Springtime brings about a nice sulphur hatch and some good dry fly fishing. April thru the first part of June will see the Black Caddis hatch which is one of the most productive .
Summer:

The stream produces trout throughout the summer months. Terrestrials imitations become the main dry flies used during the Summer.
Fall:
Autumn provides the next best time to fish the Watauga Tailwater. The weather and discharges are usually very stable and dependable. Blue Winged Olives and Caddis are popular flies for the season and later going to Wooly Buggers, Stoneflies, etc.

How to Fish to the Watauga River:
Fly fishing the Watauga Tailwater is often thought of as being somewhat tricky by some trout fishermen. The trout can afford to be picky preferring sulphers, but there are some good hatches of Blue Winged Olives, Caddis flies and Stoneflies. With mayflies rounding out the trout’s diet. If there no hatches taking place, larvae, pupae and adult midge imitations are excellent and will reward the angler. Also, the black flies, black ants and hoppers are another source of food for the Wautauga River trout especially in the summer months. Of course scuds, baitfish and sculpin are available all year long.

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Watauga River Pictures