Conditions for April 20th, 2014
River: Holston
Location: River Mile 7-8
Sunrise: 7:39AM
Sunset: 7:46PM
Time Fished: 9AM until 4:30PM
Temps: 51F rising to 75F by 4:30PM
Barometric Pressure: 30.25(inHG) Falling to 30.15(inHG) by 4:30PM
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous 71% visible
Winds: Calm
Weather Conditions: Mostly Sunny
Generation Schedule: 8AM-9AM 1; 9AM-2PM 0; 2PM-3PM 1; 3PM-8PM 0
Water Conditions: Low Flow
Water Color: Clear with 2-4 feet of visibility
Water Temps: Held steady at 56F
Pictured: A healthy Holston River Rainbow
Fishing conditions over the last four days have been really exceptional. TVA is still bringing Cherokee Lake up to Summer pool and this is providing great flows on the Holston River. The insect activity has picked up drastically over the last few days. Caddis are a definite go to if you are a dry fly enthusiast. A size sixteen Elk Hair Caddis in Pupae green or tan are both working really well. I am also seeing some Sulphurs on the water but I have not had as much success on any of the dry fly imitations I have offered the fish. I have had takes on Caddis Pupae fished in the riffles and some fish have taken other nymphs, such as a size sixteen flash back Pheasant Tail or a size sixteen bead head Hare's Ear fished on or near the bottom. As this river gains in popularity with fisherman, we are seeing a rise in overall spookiness of the fish. You may have to present dries several times to a rising fish in order to get it to take. Don't get frustrated. Make good drifts and stay off of the fish as far as you can in order to increase your numbers. The Holston is fishing really good right now so get out and go fishing!
A Sulphur Nymph from the Holston River
Brett with a Holston River Rainbow
A Spent Caddis from the Holston River
Phil with a Rainbow from the Holston