The South Holston River known locally as the SOHO, is a tailwater trout river located in the Northeastern corner of Tennessee near the North Carolina border. 
What do we mean by tailwater? Tailwater is the water below a dam or other hydroelectric facility that is subject to changes in flow. The water is released at various rates and scheduled times in accordance with policies established by the US Government, but controlled by the local hydroelectric authorities. The short term South Holston River water release schedule is published online, though anglers should always be prepared for sudden changes in the river's flow while on the river.
The South Holston (SOHO) flows out of the South Holston Lake. which is a 7,580-acre impoundment created by the 264 foot high dam operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Springtime brings the monster browns up river from lake Boone and that provides some excellent fishing. Springtime also brings about a big sufphur hatch about mid April and some Blue Winged Olives. Size 16-20 BWO and sulfur nymphs, small olive scud patterns, and tiny midge larva mostly sizes 20 and smaller.Your best for dry fly activity will be from 2pm till dark. Be sure to fish your dries on 6 x tippet with 12 ft leaders. Down and across presentation is usually best. It is an especiallly good time for dry flies.
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Access to the lower portions of the river is north of Bluff City, along poorly marked TN 44 and Big Springs Road. Access to the upper portions near the dam is along Emmett Road, which is accessed by taking Beidleman Creek Road off of TN 44.
This scheduled release of water causes the river to offer two very different types of water. When there is no release of water, the river will be low and produce excellent results when wading. When the water is being released, the best way to fish for trout will be in a boat, raft, or canoe. Of course, fishing along the bank where accessible is always an option. When water is being released, it can be timed and you will know when it will reach your destination down stream because it travels at a predictable rate.
For example, to get to a point 2 miles down from the dam on the South Holston, it will take approximately 1.25 hours, so if the water is released starting at 9:00 AM, you can safely wade the stream until 10:00 AM. You should always pay careful attention to the release schedules and the release rates as the rapidly rising water levels can provide a real hazard to any angler. It is a good idea for any angler to wear a PFD when fishing tailwaters.
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Preferred Outfitter: South Holston River Fly Shop
Tennessee State Regulations
South Holston River Hatch Chart
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