In the process of researching the South Holston River for a Memorial Day Weekend trout trip.
Can anybody confirm the river is worth the drive?
Also, let me know if you’re interested in going!
Are your hiring a guide for a float trip or are your just going to wade it. I have never been there but all I here is good things. Your best bet is to get a guide and float it
100% worth the drive. all the browns are wild and the bows plentiful. try a soft hackle and be prepared for caddis (obviously), sulphers, and bwo’s or if you’ve simply given up and want to bend the rod…a squirmy wormie. long leaders (12’-14’ will give you the best chances, IMHO
id float it a day or 2 and wade it the next (depending all on generation schedules)
find David Grossman- he’s one of the best oarsman on that river, knows the water intimately, and is hella fun to fish with.
704 506-5486
Got to agree with Scotty…it is well worth drive and I usually take a couple of trips per year. There is a fly shop close to river and they are very helpful.
http://southholstonriverflyshop.com
Like Scotty said…you want long leaders and don’t be afraid to go to 7X. There is almost always a hatch at some point in the day to provide dry fly action. Either BWO or Sulphurs. I usually drop of midge off of that as well. Also, fish downstream to these fish. It is much more productive as the fish see the fly first.
Also…go to “The Store” on Hwy 421 and get the tater tots. You can thank me later 
I’d like to to hire a guide and float it for a day or two if I can afford it.
On the other hand, I have a 14 foot Native Ultimate Yak…do you think I could yak it?
-CW
I wouldn’t yak it but that is just me. When they are generating, that water is moving. You could probably float it in a yak but I don’t see how you could fish it.
Don’t use your kayak to fish/float, even with whitewater experience it would not be effective there. One of the best rivers for trout near us. Get local knowledge from that fly shop.
Just fished on the Holston with Mike Bone. Great fishery and a great guide.