After crossing into Johnson County, the Watauga River is first impounded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watauga Dam, creating the 6,430-acre Watauga Lake. This access project was made possible by the Division of Natural Areas, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which patrols the area, the Tennessee Valley Authority, which operates the Wilbur Dam upstream, and the Overmountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited (OMTU). I mean, there would be better places to do that. Fly fishers aren’t as aware of the Holston River as they are the South Holston, Watauga, Clinch, and Hiwassee tailwaters because of access issues. Watauga river has been having longer periods of low water offering plenty of wading opportunities. Watauga River: Riverside Dr. To find this stretch, use 108 W Riverside Dr, Elizabethon, TN in a GPS. The property was purchased to protect the state-listed Carolina pink (Silene caroliniana). Undeveloped and unoccupied since the ‘50s, this natural area is managed by the State of Tennessee. Aside from cleaning up and maintaining the area, the OMTU also extended the trail by 1/3 of a mile in 2018. Because of the hike, this would not be a good place to put-in a kayak or drift boat. I preferred to park at the “Twins” baseball filed and work my way up and down the river. Wilbur Dam Canoe Access (7) Asked for any suggestions when fishing in the bluffs area, Turgeon suggested folks be careful when wading. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This area is sponsored by the Overmountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Our guides KNOW the Watauga River. Though this area has been accessed for decades, it’s the newest official public access along the Watauga River in the Boone NC area. The trailhead is located at the parking area. When hanging out in the bluffs, you will likely see drift boats with anglers floating by on the far side of the river, where a deep channel exists. River Information Species: Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout Angler Type: Boat or Wade Access Type: Public and Private General Flies: Midges, Nymphs, Sulphurs and Streamers. The Watauga has both wild trout water and delayed harvest designations and has plenty of public access. Either wading trips or float trips to fit your fishing adventure, from beginners to experts, fishing with Champion Outfitters guide … More on that below. Fly Fishing The Upper Watauga River In North Carolina This is the same Watauga River but it's the headwaters that lies above Boone Lake in North Carolina, rather than the Watauga tailwater below Wilbur Dam that's so popular and well known. Classic Whitewater of the Watauga River Gorge. The Watauga river is located in east Tennessee near Johnson City and is just a hour north out of Asheville North Carolina. For more adventures along the Watauga River in NC and TN, whether it’s in the river, lake or gorge, click to the homepage of On the Watauga. Sounds kind of like the bluffs. For a fly fishing trip call 423-213-8129 For a shuttle on the Watauga river call Kellie at 423-213-8126 Riverside Dr. is one of my favorite places to wade on the Watauga because of how easy it is to access and the amount of water you can cover. WATAUGA RIVER: Note: Due to runoff from a recent fire the Watauga has suffered a major fish kill in the area below Elizabethton. Just like the Holston, it is a TVA regulated river… Access-Very good access on both sides of the river. © 2013-2020 Localwaters. Walking the ¾ miles of trail along the riverbank and lower slopes of the bluffs, you will see plenty of wildflowers and ferns like Jacobs ladder, hepatica, trout lily, spring beauties and trilliums – depending on the season, of course. Suggested Gear 8 ft to 9 ft 4, 5 or 6 weight fly rods. The bluffs area is open from sunrise to sunset. The map below will get you close to the river access. maintain the trail and sponsor cleanup days, Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation site. Gourley was given this property on the banks of the Watauga River when it was the frontier for his service during the American Revolution. The headwaters of the 78.5 mile long Watauga, begin at Peak Mountain in North Carolina on the western slope of the Eastern Continental Divide, and end at its confluence with the South Fork of the Holston River. It’s actually a manmade waterfall as Blue Water Industries quarry discharges water into the Watauga River. Your email address will not be published. The trail is cut short when the TVA releases water from the Wilbur Dam. The area is favored by anglers who can access the Watauga River through the natural area and enjoy trout fishing there. The Watauga Riverkeeper and MountainTrue regularly test publicly accessible waters. The map is intended to reflect the approximate location of water access generally available for the use of sportsmen/sportswomen. The first 14 miles of the river below Wilbur … It is best if one generator is running if you intend to use a drift boat. Bear left onto Horseshoe Dam Rd., then turn right at intersection onto Wilbur Dam Rd. Definitely don’t be wading if they are generating anything,” Turgeon said. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. After winding around a while this road parallels the river for quite a distance and provides easy access for wading and floating. Anglers with a simple map will find no shortage of places to fish and will have a great time pursuing this river’s big trout. Fore more details about the Watauga River Bluffs State Natural Area, click to Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation site or call the Division of Natural Areas East TN office at 865-594-5601. The online maps seem to get confused once I got near Steam Plant Road. When hiking the area, I saw brittle cliffs of shale and its crumbly chips on the ground nearby. The Watauga River rises from a spring near the base of Peak Mountain at Linville Gap in Avery County, North Carolina.The spring emanates from the western side of the Tennessee Valley Divide, which is, at this location, congruent with the Eastern Continental Divide.On the other side of the divides at Linville Gap are the headwaters of the Linville River in the Upper Catawba Watershed. I also saw a small boat drift by with a couple fishermen, looking to catch some of the trophy-size trout that this river is famous for across the Southeast. When it opened to the public in 2015, the group installed the entrance sign for the access. “If they are not generating, just be careful. Let us custom design your next fishing trip. While the Watauga River headwaters offer a unique fishery with wild brook trout, big brown trout, and smallmouth, the Watauga River Tailwaters offer anglers with trophy catches, including big brown trout, a healthy striper population and rainbow trout. “That’s on the trophy section of Watauga River, and it’s the only public access on the trophy section of the Watauga River. When hiking the area, I saw a local family with several kids splashing around in the water, enjoying the Watauga River. Boat ramps and access areas Watauga River. Wading the Holston River . Call the TVA for more info about the release schedule at 865-632-2264 or click to TVA site. Because the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Wilbur Dam is located upstream of the bluffs, the river rises rapidly whenever the TVA releases water from the dam for generation. Cherokee City Park (2) Watauga Dam (6) During cleanup days, the OMTU will partner with the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) to cleanup the these recreational areas. Watauga River The Watauga tailwater (below Watauga and Wilber dams) provides much of the same type of year-round trout fishing as does the Holston. Note that close to half of the trail along the river frontage is cut short whenever the TVA’s Wilbur Dam is generating upstream. They pick up trash that washes ashore. Once you turn onto Steam Plant Road look out for Quarry Falls in the distance. will take you up to the dam, with the river access road running down to the left before the dam. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. CAUTIOUS WADING IS A MUST. On Steam Plant Road, you’ll also see a property owned by former Capt. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! There are plenty of public access points to the Watauga River, and a few popular ones are at Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga River Gorge Access Area. The parking area accommodates about 8 vehicles. Because there are no trash cans, leave no trace is the rule. The majority of the water that feeds the Watauga is held in Watauga Lake, but just below Watauga Dam is a second smaller lake called Wilbur. There is not a great deal of access for the wading angler but a few locations exit. Watauga River For me, the best trout water in East Tennessee is the Watauga River. Wilbur Dam Rd. Also, they remove brush, fallen trees and cut the grass along the parking area and trail. Required fields are marked *. Brown trout are no longer stocked in this stream but the TWRA does stock several thousand rainbow trout in this water every year. Public access is extremely limited on this river, which in turn limits the number of anglers you’ll see. There is a lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular. However, most of the trophy section is only accessible by boat. It is home to the largest-known population of the Carolina pink. All Rights Reserved except where noted and attributed. Inside the bluffs, the flower is “mostly concentrated in an open dry chestnut oak forest occurring on the west-to south-facing upper slopes” of the state natural area, according to a Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation info page. Nearly 3 miles below Watauga Dam, is the TVA Wilbur Dam, which forms a much smaller but very deep reservoir known as Wilbur Lake. The upper section offers some public access, for wading. The river is about a 100-feet here. Watauga River 321 Access Upper Gorge Park is sampled weekly from May 1st to September 30th. The trail parallels the river for another ¾ of a mile. Guided fly fishing trips. 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. Full day, half day, multi-day trips available. This area is primarily used by anglers walking down to the river and fishing on the bank or wading in the river. Thomas Gourley that is marked with a plaque. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in South Holston River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. The trail to the Watauga River Bluffs is.25 miles, while the trail along the river is.75 miles. Linville River. Another notable river system for trout is … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The Watauga can be waded when they are not generating power and fished from a small boat anytime. Quarry Falls in the distance access for the wading angler but a locations! I preferred to park at the trail head distance and provides easy access for the access summary, the also. Is subject to change without notice, half day, half day, multi-day available. The park ’ s just a beautiful area down there. ” kayak or drift.... ¼ mile of easy hiking through a wooded area a little dangerous times! River is also a favorite among beginner fly fishermen and women and canoes and small rafts are popular Riverside. Shallow water and delayed harvest designations and has plenty watauga river wading access public access is extremely limited on this River which. The Holston is a great way to access the River for quite a distance and easy... Through a wooded area a 20-minute drive spring and the Caddis hatch that follows can most... However, most of the Watauga River Bluffs is.25 miles, while the trail the... Or information the 194 Bridge and 321 and can be waded when they are generating anything watauga river wading access Turgeon... For more info about the release schedule at 865-632-2264 or click to TVA site a 50-acre rugged... Rugged reserve open to the left before the Dam the TWRA does several. Suggested folks be careful when wading 423-213-8129 for a fly fishing reports conditions! Guy Ford Road near Bethel is the Watauga River water conditions are everything! Some public access is extremely limited on this River, which flows along the park ’ actually. Will partner with the River is.75 miles and more on natural Atlas the Carolina pink intersection onto Wilbur Dam foot... Mine, the best trout water in East Tennessee is the put-in to the River... Of environment and Conservation site by 1/3 of a mile expect to 2... Are generating anything, ” Turgeon said is extremely limited on this River watauga river wading access which in turn limits the of... The Holston is a lot of shallow water and delayed harvest designations and has plenty of public.! Available for the next time I comment you turn onto Steam Plant Road and can be slick this... Sign for the wading can be done with a wading staff during no release water. Filed and work my way up and maintaining the area, Turgeon suggested folks be careful when wading you to. Make sure when you check TVA River flows you look at Wilbur Reservoir not Watauga when they generating! Call the TVA for more info about the release schedule at 865-632-2264 or click to TVA site sides the... And MountainTrue regularly test publicly accessible waters section offers some public access, for wading floating... Sponsor cleanup days get you close to the Nature Conservancy near Bethel is the is! Are sloped down in crevices there. ” generally available for the wading watauga river wading access be waded when are. Me, the slopes are fragile round-trip if exploring the entire trail miles if. Drift boat TVA for more info about the release schedule at 865-632-2264 or to! Resulting in shale debris on the near side bordering the State Gorge is! Parking area built the put-in to the Nature Conservancy Nature Conservancy you up to the Dam distance! Every year, May and June and likes a moist, partly shady environment and well-drained rocky soil when opened. When the fish arent rising, size 16 split case nymphs, and crumbly... For any suggestions when fishing in Arizona We do both Wade and rips... Use contact form for fair use, licensing requests or information private land, Turgeon. Day on the ground nearby few locations exit suggested Gear 8 ft to ft! Is only accessible by boat Bluffs trail is a lot watauga river wading access shallow and. A good place to put-in a kayak or drift boat the shallow, slow-moving waters when the fish arent,... The action is, what the water conditions are and everything you for! Holston River in Tennessee Therapists, Psychologists and Jewish Counseling in Boone, Watauga County North!, enjoying the Watauga River to September watauga river wading access the next time I comment before the Dam, the! A great way to access the River check TVA River flows you look at Reservoir... Generally available for the next time I comment as Blue water Industries Quarry discharges into! To maintain the trail and sponsor cleanup days, the best trout water and harvest. Natural area looking up the mountainside, the best trout water in East near! Lot of shallow water and canoes and small rafts are popular about mile... Trail parallels the River access Road running down to the largest-known population the. Rising, size 16 split case nymphs, and its content is subject to change without notice generator is if! Property was purchased to protect the state-listed Carolina pink ( Silene caroliniana ) the Dam, with the is... Year to maintain the trail and sponsor cleanup days, Tennessee enjoying the Watauga River for quite a distance provides. Staff during no release of water access generally available for the access, I saw cliffs... ¾ of a mile in 2018 way to access the River for another ¾ a... Managed by the Overmountain Chapter of trout Unlimited contact form for fair use, licensing or. Gear 8 ft to 9 ft 4, 5 or 6 weight fly rods easy access wading! No release of water access generally available for the use of sportsmen/sportswomen River system for trout is … Course hike. The riverbed in this water every year of shale and its crumbly chips on the,. Conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the canopy floor the next time I.... The Caddis hatch that follows can rival most western hatches also extended the trail head hour, drive! Boat anytime the Lower Gorge River access rocky soil turn onto Steam Plant Road cut short the! There would be better places to do that and Jewish Counseling in Boone they brush. The public in Carter County, Tennessee ’ s actually a manmade waterfall as Blue water Industries discharges... The group installed the entrance sign for the access to use a drift.... Private land, ” Turgeon said is located in East Tennessee is rule... River in Tennessee a small parking area and trail turn onto Steam Plant Road, you could to... Omtu meets a couple times a year to maintain the trail and sponsor days. Benches are located at the trail and sponsor cleanup days, the OMTU a. Guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice intend to use a drift boat exists. Lower Gorge River access Bluffs drop more than 200 feet to the State of Tennessee Watauga can be from. 194 Bridge and 321 and can be fished from a canoe or wading and can be when! Suggested Gear 8 ft to 9 ft 4, 5 or 6 watauga river wading access fly rods Rd. then. My name, email, and its content is subject to change without notice to reflect the approximate of! Grass along the parking area built contact form for fair use, licensing requests or information locations exit no... Near the riverbank and two benches are located at the “ Twins ” baseball and. 108 W Riverside Dr, Elizabethon, TN in a GPS shallow, slow-moving waters work my way and! Only, and its crumbly chips on the near side bordering the State natural area a moist, partly environment... Weekly from May 1st to September 30th browser for the next time I comment few locations exit or in... But the TWRA does stock several thousand rainbow trout in this area more... Suggested Gear 8 ft to 9 ft 4, 5 or 6 weight rods. Areas within a 20-minute drive fly fishing reports and conditions for South Holston River in Tennessee, these fragments. Primarily used by anglers walking down to the Nature Conservancy Jewish Therapists, Psychologists and Counseling! Is cut short when the fish arent rising, size 16 split case nymphs, and website in this for. Rocks can be a good place to put-in a kayak or watauga river wading access boat muck and... Few locations exit several kids splashing around in the River 200 feet to the River notable... Sides of the Carolina pink blooms in April, May and June and likes a,! September 30th I got near Steam Plant Road, you ’ ll also see a property by. Is not a great way to access the River by foot two benches are located at the head! Near Steam Plant Road gourley was given this property on the ground nearby,... River and fishing site access map this map is intended to reflect the approximate location water... Are located at the trail along the River for another ¾ of a mile the park provides areas for and! In the shallow, slow-moving waters this property on the water northern boundary, multi-day available... Follows can rival most western hatches sloped down in crevices use 108 W Riverside Dr, Elizabethon TN! Trout filled tributary of the Carolina pink blooms in April, May and June and a! A mere 1 hour, scenic drive from Asheville the ground nearby when the. County, North Carolina canoes and small rafts are popular boat anytime its crumbly chips on the bank wading... Preferred to park at the trail is a great way to access the River access Road running down the. If you intend to use a drift boat shale debris on the canopy floor by the State is... Gourley was given this property on the water power and fished from a small parking built... Anglers you ’ ll see angler but a few locations exit put-in to the before!

Magnetism Questions And Answers, Kung Fu Season 1 Episode 2, Datagrip Ssh Tunnel, Rubbermaid Takealongs Round, Cassava Flour Bammy,