South Holston River Lodge

Lodging Details
The South Holston River Lodge has been hosting anglers since 2009, providing an all-inclusive, year-round lodging experience. The lodge has four cabins on the property, which provide their guest’s seclusion. Each cabin features a porch that overlooks the river and all amenities to provide a comfortable stay.


Caddis Cabin

The Caddis Cabin features 1 queen bed, 1 full bed, and a twin bed in the loft. The cabin also features a full bathroom and a fully furnished kitchenette. Other amenities include a heating/cooling unit, wireless internet, and a lounging area with a flat-screen tv.

Blue Wing Olive Cabin

The “BWO” is a two-story cabin that has two private upstairs bedrooms with a shared bath. The larger bedroom has two queen-size beds and the second room has a full bed and a set of twin bunk beds. Both rooms offer heating/cooling units as well as cable and internet access. The downstairs is the dining facility for the South Holston River Lodge.



Mayfly

The Mayfly Cabin is a three-story cabin that was originally a farmhouse that was built in 1912. The cabin features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The foyer area offers storage space and comfortable lounging accommodations – furnished with four mission-style recliners, a gas fireplace, and a flat-screen tv. The main level also has a full-sized kitchen and a downstairs bathroom. The upstairs features two bedrooms with two full beds along with a full bath. The pool table, ping-pong table, jukebox, and card table are located on the ground floor. There’s a balcony on the second floor that overlooks the river.

Midge
This is a one-bedroom cabin that is situated on the hillside of the property. The cabin is right next to the South Holston. It has one full bath, a queen-sized bed, flat-screen tv, and wireless access.

Food and Beverages

The South Holston River Lodge offers multiple options for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast each morning. The lunch and dinner menu change daily. During cold months, guests will receive a thermos at lunchtime containing hot soup. Appetizers are served each evening, followed by a family sit down style dinner. Each dinner includes a soup or salad, entrée, and dessert. All alcoholic (minus spirits) and non-alcoholic beverages are provided as well. They can accommodate any special dietary restrictions and preferences by making arrangements beforehand.

Non-Angling Activities and Options

There are numerous hiking/biking trails as well as parks around the lodge. Another popular area attraction is Bristol Caverns which were formed millions of years ago. If you want to experience a real taste of the south, then a visit to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum or Bristol Motor Speedway is a must!

Internet / Communications

Wi-Fi access and land phone lines are available in each cabin. Cell phone reception is limited onsite as well as in the surrounding area.

General Information

The South Holston Dam discharges cold, clear water year-round, producing exceptional fly fishing opportunities roughly fifteen river miles below the dam. The “So Ho” is arguably one of the most productive trout fisheries in the eastern United States. There have been some behemoth-sized fish caught in the South Holston, but most fish range from 12-20 inches. During the cooler months, anglers can target rising fish on blue-winged olives on cloudy days. What the river is most famous for is its hatches of an orange mayfly known as a sulphur. Starting in May and lasting until September, sulphurs can hatch in droves, bringing fish up throughout the river system. It is not uncommon to have 30-40 fish days on dry flies during this time. Fishing comparaduns, sparkle duns, and emergers are a great way to pick fish off on the surface during the hatch. Unlike many of the other rivers in the Southeast, trout will pod up to feed on the surface. When there isn’t a hatch, anglers can catch fish utilizing general nymphing methods. Casting streamers on a sink tip or intermediate lines can produce some trophy-sized fish. The South Holston is characterized by a limestone riverbed and relatively smooth flowing water that features numerous eddies and riffles. On the lower reaches of the South Holston, anglers can target bass on the fly before the river enters Boone Lake. The nearby Watauga River also provides great fishing opportunities for trout, with a comparable trout population to the South Holston. The major difference between the Watauga and the South Holston is that the Watauga River features several more rapids and areas of a higher gradient.

Boats and Equipment
Anglers will fish out of traditional-style drift boats. All you have to bring is your waders, polarized sunglasses, and a fishing license. The guides will take care of fly rods and reels, fly lines, tippet, leaders, and flies. If you have a fly rod or flies that you’d like to fish, you are encouraged to bring them!