E113- The Holston River (Proper)

In this episode, we dig into one of East Tennessee’s most intriguing tailwaters—the Holston (proper), below Cherokee Dam. With Knoxville guide Capt. Jeff Sharp riding shotgun, we map out the river’s fishy 52–53 miles, break down the famed caddis and sulfur programs, and share practical tactics for both trout and smallmouth—plus a few hard-earned stories (including the popper-eating smallie that still haunts Jeff).

Highlights of the Episode:

• The Holston offers two personalities: cool upper trout water and bronzeback-rich lower stretches.
• Spring brings the famed caddis hatch; May and June deliver sulfur magic.
• When dries fail, soft hackles, midges, and rubber legs shine.
• Streamers and poppers tempt both trout and smallmouth without heavy gear.
• Pressure is real—weekdays and flexible start times help dodge the crowds.
• Indian Cave and Nancy’s Ferry ramps give access, with Panther Creek nearby for camping.
• Local flavor counts: breakfast in Blaine, wings at The Hill, and clean stays in Jefferson City.

If you’re chasing a day with dries, emergers, and a real shot at both trout and bronzebacks—plus miles of varied water to learn—put the Holston on your list.

Give it a listen, share with your fishing partners, and then go fish.

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Fishing Along Rip Rap
This is quickly becoming my favorite type of structure on high water floats. Rip rap is a man-made pile of large rocks placed along banks to stop erosion. The bi-product of rip rap is that it’s an excellent place for fish to hold. The multiple rocks produce slack current next to the bank as the water slows due to friction. Also, the different rock formations provide additional protection as fish move behind them to rest between passing meals.

Fishing rip rap on high water is best done by boat. Hold the boat slower in the current and allow the anglers to fish small sections of the structure. Try to work every available space by throwing “Big Uglies” as close to the exposed rocks as possible. Strip them back as slow as you can without stopping the movement of the fly. There are multiple places for fish to hold along a length of rip rap, so it is important to fish this structure thoroughly.

Some of our largest browns and several large rainbows have come from sections of river that offered some of this type of structure. Fishing rip rap on high water conditions can be very productive. However, after generation stops, the current will slow as the water falls out. When this occurs, fish have a tendency to move off this structure and into other parts of the river. This doesn’t mean don’t try to fish it, it simply means don’t rely on rip rap without current in lower water conditions.

So, there you have it, what is “it”? Just some of the things I have observed and learned from spending time on the water. I do not think you can go out on the river without learning something each time.  Learning and then putting that knowledge into practice is part of the fun in fly fishing.

Am I right about all this? Only time will tell and I can tell you right now I am not correct in every situation, because every situation is different. Sure, in time some of my opinions may change, however right now it seems these hypotheses are proving true day in and day out on the river. I can’t wait to get back out there on the river. Hope to see you there.

The Southeastern Fly 2025 Schedule

Monday, October 20th, Episode 114 -  A Caddis Fly Primer

October 2025, No Open Dates Left on the Calendar

Monday, November 3rd, E115 DIY Fly Fishing North Carolina

Sunday, November 9th, Music City Fly Girls Casting For Recovery

Thursday, November 20th, David - Speaking at Music City TU

Thanks and See You Next Time

David Perry

Southeastern Fly

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