The warmer than normal weather is bringing better than normal early spring fishing. The Holston River near Kingsport and Church Hill Tennessee is fishing good. The smallies are feeding hard on baitfish. Twitch stripping minnow imitating patterns is getting it done. Turkey hunting season kicks into gear this weekend, and the hens are moving about and the toms are strutting trying to get their attention.

The Watauga Tailwater is the only trout river we can float right now, the South Holston is only getting two one hour pulses each day. The Watauga Tailwater in Elizabethton is fishing better this week, we are seeing more of the tan Caddis, small black Caddis, small black Stoneflies, Craneflies, BWO’s and Midges. This means so shortage of things for the fish to eat. I had a really good float trip with a couple of brothers I took out about five years ago. They truly love to fly fish and this passion came from their Dad. They spoke about all day about the memories from trips with their Dad. Here is a copy of an email they sent to me and some of their friends.

Quote  ”John and I had a float trip on the Watauga River with renown local guide Randy Ratliff. It was the greatest fly fishing day either of us have ever had! We both caught (and released) over 20 fish. John had a brown at 17″ and a rainbow trout at 18″, and I caught my biggest yet on a fly rod, a beautiful 19″, 3.5 lb Brown!”

Here are the pictures of their bigger fish for the day.

Give me a call 423-360-1468 or contact me through the website to get your day on any of these great rivers and tailwaters. Looking forward to taking you on your fishing trip and showing these great fishing waters.