Spring River Report 3/16/26

Good afternoon! With the wind howling and temperatures dropping, it’s a perfect time for a river report. Smallmouth bass fishing trips have kicked off on the French Broad River in the Asheville area, and we’ve got at least two specialists ready to go.

WNC delayed harvest waters are stocked. Both wade and float trips are producing. Private water GA trips will continue until June. If you want to catch a pig and eat a steak this experience is for you.

Over on the South Holston in Bristol, TN, sluice rates have been varying between 350 and 1200 cfs, creating steady fishing opportunities. Blue-winged olives and midges are showing up now, with sulphurs not far behind. On days with a little stain to the water, streamer fishing has been solid—try a Dungeon or Peanut Envy.

The Watauga in Elizabethton, TN is fishing well and getting even better; once the water hits 51 degrees about a foot below the surface, the black caddis hatch will be on—likely late March to early April. Expect a mix of sulphurs and tan caddis then, too. Poor weather days have brought great BWO hatches, and fish are hitting nymphs like midges, soft hackles, cased caddis, eggs, and squirms. This week brought in some big brood fish and wild browns.

Spring is epic—go fish! If you want the best, go with the BEAST!

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