Fly Fishing South Holston Headwaters in Virginia can be very rewarding. In Part 1, we gave some basic information about the stream and directions. Today we will discuss the prolific aquatic insects that exist in the stream. Knowing about the insects will be a big aid in selecting which flies will be the most productive.
The South Fork of the Holston River, is actually more of a small stream then a river at this point. It is fed by several small springs that contribute to its high pH. A stream with a high pH will be very fertile and be home to a multitude of aquatic insects. Just about every species of mayflies that can exist in the South can be found there. For example, there are hatches of Gray-winged Yellow Quills which are similar to Quill Gordons. While the duns of the Gray-winged Yellow Quills look slightly different than the Quill Gordons dons, their behavior is exactly the same. However, their hatch usually follows the Quill Gordons thereby extending the good fly fishing with them.
Also, the South Fork of the Holston River is home to many large Green Drakes, Hendricksons, Sulfers and Pale Evening Duns. As you may know, in the portion of the river below the dam, known as the South Holston Tailwater, there are some spectacular hatches of Sulfers.
Species of at least six of the nine families of stoneflies have been found in the headwaters as well. In addition to stoneflies, numerous species of caddisflies exist in thee stream including several species of net-spinning Cinnamon Caddis, Little Sisters, Little Black Caddis and several species of other cased caddis.
The lakes used by the fish hatchery to raise bass and muskie has untold amounts of Tricos. Some have made the following comment. “The area is not only a fish hatchery, it is an insect hatchery.” Numerous hatches have been found there while visiting the area.
Assuming that they still stock the area, and if you are interested in fishing in the stocked area. Simply park at the fish hatchery and walk around the lakes to the stream which is a few hundred yards away. At the stream you should experience no trouble catching trout. Note that the stocked trout are more gullible than the stream bred trout.
If you want to fish the area above the lake that is not stocked, we suggest you travel past the fish hatchery until the road dead ends and park your car. Walk down to the stream and enter the creek just above the end of the small pond. After entering the stream, it is somewhat of a canyon area and wading a short distance may be necessary before you can have good access to the banks for walking. It is noted that these trout are wild, Therefore, it is suggested that you use the flies available at Troutprostore since they are perfect imitations of the aquatic insects that can be found in the South Holston Headwaters.