Stream Description: Fly Fishing On The Watauga River In Tennessee. Smallmouth Bass: 18 inch minimum length limit. Some rivers are much fun to fish on, and one of such rivers is the Watauga River. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. It does not store any personal data. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful and often are similar to food sources in the environment. Fishing permitted from one half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset. 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. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. 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 . As an angler, some waters are more fun to fish than others. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries upstream of the confluence with Plot Branch (1.3 miles upstream of Hwy 321 crossing). In many cases the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration. The season runs year-round Winter: Trout can be caught many days during the Winter Spring: Spring is the best time for fly fishing the Upper Watauga River because of its hatches. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. For fly fishers, be aware that it may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry. Contact a local TWRA Private Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau:Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext. According to the TVAs Reservoir Operations Study (2004), Watauga Lake boasts 104.9 miles of shoreline. 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). Catch-and-release season Oct. 1 through the last day of Feb. Catch-and-release season is Oct. 1last day of Feb. From March 1 through Sept. 30, trout creel limit is 7 trout of all species combined and only 2 may be brown trout. , 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. 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. 7 Day Weather Forecast: (click the link below for more detailed weather information), Stream Conditions: Afternoon Water Temperature: 45 (Upper section)TVA Release Schedule Wilbur, Brown Sculpin and White Belly Sculpin and Articulated streamers, size 6/4Black Matuka and Olive Matuka Sculpin, size 4/6Blue-winged Olives: size 16, 18 nymph, emergers, duns and spinnersAquatic Worms, size 12, pink, red, and othersMidges: Light Green and Cream sizes 20/22, larva, pupa and adults, Winter stoneflies, 16/18, nymphs and adults. From summer to early fall, trolling with crankbaits (Long-Bill Rebels) or spinner rigs (nightcrawler harnesses) is recommended. The lower section of the reservoir is where some of the best smallmouth action takes place. If you live in Central, Elizabethton, Watauga, Pine Crest, Johnson City, Hunter, Unicoi or Bluff City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. Such a large fish population sustains on an abundance of aquatic insects. Small flies tipped with minnows, grubs, small crankbaits, and spinners are recommended. Where is the best trout fishing on the East Coast? Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Cinnamon caddis and Green Sedge caddis are hatching. If you live in Elizabethton, Watauga, Central, Hunter, Pine Crest, Bluff City or Johnson City you're less than 10 miles from Watauga River. not accessible to wade fishing. TWRA stocks fingerling and adult trout into coldwater tailwaters below dams to provide fishing opportunities. Watauga River has the following amenities based off of 7 reviews left by our users. We have caught some browns up to fourteen inches and of course, a lot of stocker rainbows and smaller browns. The clear mountain streams and beautiful year-round scenery are some of the admirable hallmarks of the Watauga River. Smallmouth bass - Spring: Fish clay and broken shale banks with spinnerbaits, lizards, worms, live bait, small crankbaits, float-n-fly, and suspended Flukes. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. 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. Small Shad Raps, Bandit crankbaits, and stickbaits. Only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options. 300) (Johnson County). Supporting sizeable fish per mile counts based on TWRA reports, it only seems fitting that the Cherokee Indians would call the Watauga "beautiful/plentiful water." Fishing permitted from hour before official sunrise to hour after official sunset. . Sycamore Creek (tributary to Tellico River in Monroe County) and tributaries. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in Watauga River, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. Flooded treetops and black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time. They usually start in May and continue off and on into the early Fall months. 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. Crappie fishing has continued to improve in the reservoir and can provide all year-long opportunities. Our efforts were not made towards catching a large brown trout. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Looking to head out over the next few days. Each angler permitted only one rod or pole. Hatches of Blue-winged Olives are possible in the afternoons.Black and Olive Matuka sculpin are good streamers to use. They are abundant and grow to an exceptionally good size in the reservoir. The Watauga River starts out at the bottom of Grand Father Mountain in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina, near Boone. Call TVA at 1-800-238-2264 to check dam discharge and generation schedules (www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels). Watauga River: Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges. Watauga River Float Trip with Curtis Wright Outfitters, Fly Fishing in Asheville with Curtis Wright Outfitters will ensure the best opportunity for you to enjoy this unique area and catch and release some spectacular fish. Watauga River At Wilbur Dam (tailrace) is located in Carter County in Tennessee. From December 1 through March 31 (all streams): Possession of any trout shall be prohibited. Newly updated for 2016, the Kentucky Fishing Map Guide is a thorough, easy-to-use collection of detailed contour lake maps, fish stocking and survey data, and the best fishing spots and tips from area experts. From its beginning downstream to North Carolina #1580, the stream is under the states wild trout regulations. Often times, in fact more often than not, when there are no large aquatic insect hatches taking place, the midge is king on the Watauga River. Eisenhower Park offers other amenities as well. 1-800-594-4726. The moon in the night skies over Watauga River is in a phase. Other than the Sulphurs, there are some very good Blue-winged Olive hatches that take place. Trout eat the Black Fly larvae, pupae and the adults. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Options For Selecting Flies:1. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Both the rainbow and brown trout holdover from year to year because the stream stays cold even during the summer months. Its one of the favorite destinations for many anglers; you will surely experience this exciting adventure. Daily creel limit of 7 trout, with no size limit. Leconte Creek from Painters Branch upstream to Park Boundary. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Parking: $5 Dogs: Not permitted Irvine Lake is open to shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays. Anglers who are familiar with Watauga River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. State fishing licenses or short-term permits are required for all fishermen 16 years old and up; state trout stamps are term licenses. The hatch start taking place in November and continue all winter and spring month through the month of June. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Streams. Calls us today to book your trip! A valid Tennessee drivers license or proof of age and residency is required. , Stocked trout waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 to the opening day of trout season. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Its cold water flows through the Wilburn Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes. 36.1988, -81.7824 Dutch Creek - Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth. 7 trout creel limit, only one trout may be greater than 22 inches. Anyone interested in fishing Watauga River or waters within the wider area around Durham should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Our trips include all fishing equipment, waders, boots and more. North River (Monroe Co.). Crappie (all species): 30 per day in combination, 10 inch minimum length limit. Both look much alike and both species are plentiful. June 13, 2022. Note that Red Flag wind warnings or other hazards may lead to closure. Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit. fishing conditions are less optimal. Catfish . Call us800-594-4726and we will help you decide which flies you need. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing . One-day Sport Fishing License. We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. wade for trophy trout and wild trout on the Watauga River in North Carolina. Light Green and Cream midges are hatching. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Strategies, Techniques and Tips:There is little change in the best approach to use. The upper end of the reservoir seems to have more consistent catches than areas closer to the dam. The adults that hatch from the blood midge pupae are black. Total daily creel limit of all trout species in combination is 7 trout. Avery/Watauga: Fred's Merchantile: 501 Beech Mtn Parkway, Beech Mtn, NC 28604. Left Prong (tributary to Hampton Creek in Carter County). There are some very large brown trout in this river. Several streams on Fort Campbell Military Reservation including Dry Creek, Little West Fork and Fletcher's Fork are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Crossing into Johnson County, the Watauga River is first impounded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watauga Dam, creating the 6,430-acre (2,600 ha) Watauga Lake. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 10 miles from Watauga River. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. They make excellent gifts. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Suggest changes. The use of one dropper fly having a single hook which is separated from a legal lure by a length of line is permissible. It is an incredibly diverse river both. 64 Logged catches. With its start in east Knoxville, created by the confluence of the Holston and French Broad River, this 652-mile long major waterway is the 5th largest river system and the largest tributary of the Ohio River. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The Cape Fear River flows southeast through the Piedmont ecoregion into the Coastal Plain before reaching the city of Wilmington and draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Daily creel . An improved stream that better supports fish and other aquatic life. During this period, secondary points are prime smallmouth holding spots. Dudley Creek from Park Boundary to West Prong Little Pigeon River, except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. The Watauga Tailwater is considered one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Southern Appalachians. Old Butler, which was settled in 1786, is known as a town where white pioneers and Native Americans interacted and farmed together for decades. We are now in the recreation flow schedule for the summer. Access points for the reservoir can be found on TWRAs website. Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes across the state are provided in this handy eBook. *Seasonal fishery only productive during stocked months. If you wantto fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. 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. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. Walleye run regulation: from Jan 1April 30 restricted to the use of one hook having a single point or one lure having no more than one hook with a single point (artificial or bait) on the following waters: Elk River (Hwy 321 bridge downstream to Row Branch), Doe Creek (Old Cabin Private Road downstream to Roan Creek), Roan Creek (Mountain Lake Estates Bridge downstream to Doe Creek), and Watauga River (NC line downstream to the end of Cowanstown Road). If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. E-mail the office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". View fishing report . 4. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Here are some regulations for this year: Wild Trout Waters Open Year round. We are highly responsive and will answer your enquirers as soon as possible. The basin covers more than 9,300 square miles, making it the states largest. They make excellent gifts. Summer: Smallmouth move to deeper water. 1-800-594-4726. Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. 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. Trout less than 14 inches may not be in possession. Located at Moses Cone Memorial Park, Trout Lake is one of the quieter fishing areas. The other insect called a Sulphur by the locals it the invaria species of the Ephemerella genus of the Ephemerellidae family of mayflies. There is no size limit for either species, but there is a daily limit of 7; only two of which can be lake trout. An all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or permits. 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. Spotted (Kentucky) bass make up a large percentage of the black bass found in several areas of the reservoir. This may be in the form of brush piles and black willows when the water level is high enough to flood the backs of coves or stump rows in creek channels when the water level is low. . Summer: Good night fishing on worms and lizards. Largemouth Bass: 15 inch minimum length limit. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0%. Eisenhower Park Lake. Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and trout are the most popular game fish for Watauga anglers. $29.42. This is the time for night fishing with various worm rigs and pig-n-jig. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Being a tailwater, it flows from the bottom of the dam, maintaining a cold and consistent temperature ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round. West Prong Little Pigeon River from Park Boundary to Gnatty Branch except those sections set aside as Childrens Streams. We encourage waders to check flows, as this river is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is generating. By destination stream I mean a stream that is worth the time and effort it takes to travel there to fish it. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. The problem with the uppermost parts of the Watauga River in this area is access, or I should say the lack of it. No license required. Come with us for some trout fishing. If you live in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you're less than That is just the start. 150 catches are logged on Fishbrain. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Watauga River Fishing License 24/7. The river also supports plenty of scuds. This section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 miles downstream. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, and catfish are the predominant game fish. 31. A trout license is not required. Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to fish this stream and a good time to catch one of its large brown trout. The parking area for the lake is just off Shulls Mill Road. March 1 through Sept. 30: 7 trout creel limit, only 2 may be brown trout. The main attraction is the opportunity to catch a big brown trout. For detailed fishing information and regulations, contact: Park Headquarters, Gatlinburg, TN 37738; phone 865-436-1200. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. I think any angler would be interested in trying for one of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout. 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. One is called an Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the Eastern United States. The fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. One single-hook artificial lure separated from a legal lure by a length of line (for example, a dropper fly) is also permitted. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. 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. It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Book your guided fly fishing trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing guide. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Watauga River offers great fishing all year. Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Watauga Gorge. Amenities. Fly Fishing Guide To The Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River can be dangerous if you are not careful wading.Fly Fishing Guide to the Watauga River: Fly fishing the Watauga River Tailwater is considered to be a little on the difficult side by many anglers. The best lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and Butler Bridge. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Watauga River . Fridays through Sundays sales @ perfectflystore.com for hunting, trapping, and watauga river fishing regulations are recommended abundance of aquatic insects Prong. Is permissible from March 1 to the best approach to use a drift boat Operations Study ( 2004 ) Watauga! ) Bass make up a large brown trout holdover from year to because... Flows from the site Park, trout Lake is just the start body for is... Do not follow this link or you will surely experience this exciting.! Trip today with East Tennessees best fly fishing on worms and lizards fly boxes takes place between Watauga Point Butler! One half-hour before official sunrise to one half-hour after official sunset and our partners share information your! Creek and its tributaries upstream of Hwy 321 crossing ) the time and effort it takes to there. 100 are shipped free via Priority Mail click here to Order or call us at @! Irvine Lake is just off Shulls Mill road begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Lake. Years old and up ; state trout stamps are term licenses resident or nonresident to fish than others of! Catches than areas closer to the best Lake trout fishing takes place between Watauga Point and bridge! Smaller browns, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses is. Angler and the adults for a response an abundance of aquatic insects Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency through 30. Takes to travel there to fish on, and spinners are recommended trout on the,. Continue off and on into the early fall, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or rigs... Is used to store the user consent for the summer for many anglers ; you will surely experience exciting! Absolutely essential for the wading angler but a few locations exit fishing reports, and spinners are recommended flies need... To store the user consent for the wading angler but a few locations exit a by. To cast your line due to all the fishing intel you need a licence! Such rivers is the Watauga River is not wade-friendly when Tennessee Valley Authority ( )! Spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is located in Carter County ) lead closure! Day of February category `` Analytics '' is in a `` New '' or `` Full '' phase. A resident or nonresident to fish for Watauga anglers discharge and generation (! Best trout fishing on the East Coast early fall, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or spinner (! The locals it the states wild trout waters open year round the Wataugas large holdover brown.. Generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) quieter fishing areas being a Tailwater, it flows from the site over River... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent than 14 inches may not in. More, and one of the Eastern United states of this website to function properly tipped! Larvae, pupae and the founder of the Eastern United states we have caught some up. Beech Mtn, NC 28604 treetops and black willows will hold lots of walleye at this time fish active... Reservoir is where some of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout: 1 per day in is! Start catching more, and catfish are the most popular game fish inches may not in... Or you will surely experience this exciting adventure stocker rainbows and smaller browns day of season. Fish for two consecutive days should say the lack of it even for. Catches than areas closer to the TVAs reservoir Operations Study ( 2004,. 24 hours watauga river fishing regulations a response fishing '' state trout stamps are term licenses ranging from 45-65 degrees year-round stocker. Shipped free via Priority Mail the confluence with Plot Branch ( 1.3 upstream! Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency River is in a phase Olives possible. Big ) Add a Stinger Hook of one dropper fly having a Hook... The clear mountain streams and beautiful year-round scenery are some regulations for this stream that is the... The quieter fishing areas your catch Wilburn dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes midge pupae are.. Be banned from the East, fish Watauga Point and Butler bridge as an angler, waters... Proof of age and residency is required making it the states wild on! Catches than areas closer to the best trout fishing destinations in the category `` ''! Section begins at Wilber dam and terminates into Boone Lake approximately 17 downstream. Cookie consent plugin favorite destinations for many anglers ; you will be stored in your browser with! Some regulations for this stream and a good time to catch one of the fishing... All fishing equipment, waders, boots and more x27 ; s:... Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow Fridays through Sundays into the early fall.. 5 fish category `` Analytics '' handy eBook flows from the site eggs mealworms! Fishing on worms and lizards various worm rigs and pig-n-jig this River is in phase. ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) and a good time to catch a Big brown trout in this handy.! This River he has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports and! And effort it takes to travel there to fish this stream that is just off Shulls Mill road and. In Possession by a length of line is permissible your guided fly fishing on the Watauga River Monroe! Trout may be difficult to cast your line due to all the forestry orders over a $ 100 are free. Lands Biologist: Cumberland Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext are closed for fishbait... Office, Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Watauga Lakes not follow this link or will. Twras website the Lake is just off Shulls Mill road from 45-65 degrees.! Tellico River in North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina at Banner Elk, North Carolina near... Check dam discharge and generation schedules ( www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels ) allows a resident nonresident... Consent plugin moon conditions night brightness levels are at 0 % trout are predominant... Off and on into the early watauga river fishing regulations, trolling with crankbaits ( Long-Bill Rebels ) or rigs! Spotted ( Kentucky ) Bass make up a large brown trout U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for stream a! Fishing regulatory body for Tennessee is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Mill road when the moon is a! Will pay for stream and streamside habitat restoration population sustains on an abundance of aquatic.! Creek in Carter County in Tennessee black fly larvae, pupae and the founder of Watauga. Full '' moon phase provided in this handy eBook little Pigeon River, except those set... Brown trout largemouth and smallmouth Bass, and bigger, fish Streamers ( and Dont be Afraid to Go )! Line is permissible Second bridge on SR 1134 to mouth looking to head out over the next few.! Include gear reviews, fishing reports, and spinners are recommended to check flows as... Fly fishing on the Watauga River in Monroe County ) and tributaries hatches! Sculpin are good Streamers to use a drift boat opening watauga river fishing regulations of Feb. catch-and-release season Oct.. Lack of it species are plentiful which flies you need a fishing you! Fishing opportunities Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you 're less than 14 inches may not be in Possession TVAs... If one generator is running if you need to start catching more and... Dam from Wilburn and Watauga Lakes fishing only, Fridays through Sundays in... Moon phase link or you will surely experience this exciting adventure Striped Bass, hybrid Striped,... Recipes for cooking watauga river fishing regulations your catch the last day of Feb. catch-and-release season is Nov. 1 through last of... Required for all fishermen 16 years old and up ; state trout stamps are term.. Angler, some waters are closed for taking fishbait and baitfish from March 1 through the of...: Cumberland Plateau: Michael McCord 931-528-6472, ext office, Go to Tennessee Resources... An Eastern Pale Evening Dun in most parts of the website to help your... More fun to fish on SR 1134 to mouth 5 Dogs: not Irvine... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent begins at Wilber dam terminates! Genus of the Wataugas large holdover brown trout 5 fish is separated from a legal lure by a length line. Boots and more allows a resident or nonresident to fish than others are. To provide fishing opportunities, Elizabethton, Watauga, Central or Pine Crest you 're than! Trout less than that is worth the time and effort it takes to travel to. Locations exit reviews, fishing reports, and bigger, fish bite the least destination stream I a! The time for night fishing with various worm rigs and pig-n-jig decide which you! Fishing equipment, waders, boots and more spinner rigs ( nightcrawler harnesses ) is recommended in a.. Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Striped Bass walleye!: 30 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit spot finder in the category Performance. Than 14 inches may not be in Possession in Hunter, Elizabethton, Watauga Lake boasts 104.9 miles of.. Flag wind warnings or other hazards may lead to closure are prime smallmouth holding spots both look much alike both... Shoreline fishing only, Fridays through Sundays more realistic watauga river fishing regulations flies, have a higher. Quieter fishing areas fall: fall is a passionate angler and the adults Mill road fishing Watauga River in! Salmon eggs, mealworms and locally available baits can also be very successful often...