06/07 - 06/13 26'

6/8/26'–6/14/26'

As we settle into the second full week of June, summer patterns are beginning to take hold across the High Country. Water temperatures remain favorable in most trout streams, while longer days and increasing terrestrial activity are creating more opportunities on both the surface and subsurface. Recent rainfall has kept flows healthy across much of the region, and anglers willing to adjust to changing water levels should find consistent fishing throughout the week.

Water Conditions:

Flows: Generally moderate with occasional bumps from afternoon thunderstorms. Freestone streams and the New River watershed will rise quickly after rain, while tailwaters remain more stable.

Clarity: Mostly clear during dry periods, with temporary staining following localized storms. Expect the clearest water during morning hours before any afternoon weather develops.

Temperature: Mid-to-upper 50s in most trout water, with tailwaters remaining colder and more consistent. Afternoon warming is increasing insect activity and improving dry fly opportunities.

Fishing:

Fishing remains solid throughout the WNC watersheds as trout transition into early summer feeding behavior.

Best Times: Early morning through noon has been most consistent, with another productive window developing during the last two hours of daylight. Cloudy days may extend surface activity well into the afternoon.

Hatches: Sulphurs remain the headline hatch on tailwaters, particularly the South Holston. Yellow Sallies, caddis, midges, and scattered Blue-Winged Olives continue to show. Terrestrials—including beetles and ants—are becoming increasingly important throughout the region.

Recommended Flies:

Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Frenchie, Perdigon variations, Hare's Ear, Zebra Midge, and small caddis pupae.

Dries: Sulphur patterns, Yellow Sally dries, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, beetles, and ant patterns.

Streamers: Olive Woolly Buggers, Sculpzilla patterns, small baitfish imitations, and lightly weighted articulated streamers for higher water conditions.

River Notes:

Watauga River Tailwaters: One of the most dependable options in the region. Sulphurs, caddis, and terrestrials are all in play. Nymphing remains productive throughout the day, while evening dry fly opportunities continue to improve. Consistent cold-water releases keep fish active even during warmer afternoons.

Watauga River Headwaters: Fishing remains steady from recent stockings and holdover fish. Water levels are favorable, and anglers willing to cover water can find success on both nymphs and dry-dropper rigs. Expect increased pressure following the recent opening of delayed harvest regulations.

South Fork New River: Flows have stabilized in many stretches, and trout fishing remains good in the cooler sections. Early mornings are producing best, while smallmouth activity is steadily improving as water temperatures climb. Hopper-dropper and terrestrial patterns should become increasingly effective over the next few weeks.

New River: Trout fishing remains strongest in stocked and cooler upper sections, while lower stretches are beginning their seasonal transition toward smallmouth bass opportunities. Streamers can be productive after rain events, especially when water gains a slight stain.

South Holston River: Currently one of the premier destinations in the region. Sulphur hatches are in full swing, creating excellent dry fly opportunities during afternoon and evening windows. Technical presentations remain important, but anglers willing to match the hatch are finding some outstanding fishing.

Other Tributaries: High-elevation wild trout streams continue to fish well. Brook trout and wild rainbows are becoming increasingly active as insect activity ramps up. Smaller attractor dries paired with a dropper remain an excellent choice for anglers exploring off-the-beaten-path water.

Last Week's Success:

The past week offered a little bit of everything. Morning nymphing produced steady numbers across delayed harvest and hatchery-supported waters, while evenings provided some memorable surface action. Green caddis and sulphur flies were by far the most productive.