The Watauga River is producing the numbers seen a few years ago. Lots of nice fish are running upstream on the Watauge and staging up in the Trophy Section and beyond. Giant male brown trout are starting to create redds (spawning beds) in the slow water tailouts. Wonderful midge and blonde caddis hatches are taking place mid morning on the Watauga River, and blue duns are pouring off the Watauga river in the afternoon. This river is currently a dry fly fisherman's paradise. While our average size is not what the S. Holston has to offer, the numbers of trout being caught on almost every trip is outstanding. The Watauga Trophy Section offers a spectacular float this time of year with vibrant leaf colors splattered across the cliffs.
This report offered October 18, 2010 by Justin Shroyer of the Trophy Water Guide Service.