Fly Fish the Watauga River

Several months ago Calvary Outfitters, a local faith based fly fishing group, decided to take a few days off and go fish the Watauga River in Upper East TN. I was lucky enough to tag along to enjoy some fine Fall fishing. Our hope was that this year's results would be very similar to the results of last years trip.

On the first day we dumped the drift boat off a grassy area of the river bank. No real ramp was needed and after running a quick shuttle we pushed off. Brent was along and graciously let me have the front casting brace while he rowed me and Barry. Brent put us both on fish practically right away as I tried to take full advantage of the fresh water at the front of the boat.

Some of the sections that produced nice trout last year were awfully slow this year. But, some sections that weren't so good last year were hot this trip. There were very few rising fish, so we went to deep water nymph rigs to dredge up the fish. The rainbows and browns did not disappoint us as they came to the usual offerings 

We stuck our share of fish and toward the end of the day, Barry had made his way to the front casting brace while Brent made his nest in the rear brace. Our trip last year revealed several good spots on the river and I eased the drifter into good area of rocks that were laying against a steep bank. Barry laid a good cast into a narrow feeding lane and was soon hooked up. He was on a good brown that was down in the water-column and not giving up. Barry fought the brown for a bit and finally got ahead of the fish. Soon the fish was in the net and then released to be caught another day.

After that fish we kept drowning the nymphs and sticking some lips working at bringing fish to the net. The river was starting to crowd a little with other anglers and we were getting hungry. So we rowed to the ramp and loaded the boat. Then we went to Pals because when we are in the area it is hard to pass up that local favorite. We ended the evening with the Calvary Outfitters by the fire as everyone made plans for the next day of fishing...

To see the latest fishing report click here and for more booking information see our Homepage.  If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river just email or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water.