South Holston River Lodge

Sample of Typical Trip:

A typical trip to South Holston River Lodge starts by being greeted riverside on the lodge property or at baggage claim at tri-cities regional airport by one of our managers. After all introductions we gather in the Blue Wing Olive cabin where cold refreshments and a snack await. After all of the required licensing and paperwork is complete for your stay you will be given a brief overview of our fishing program and an orientation of the property. During this time SHRL staff will transport your luggage to your cabin where it will be waiting for you. After check-in concludes we will escort you to your cabin where you may relax until dinner or you may take advantage of our on-site activities. These activities include, fly fishing, horseshoes, pool table, dartboard, large fire pit, and a Jacuzzi.

During fishing days we typically have breakfast at 7:00am. We serve breakfast buffet style with eggs to order. Fruit, biscuits and sausage gravy, breakfast potatoes, sausage or bacon, yogurt, and cereal come standard every morning at the lodge. Your guide will arrive shortly before 8am to discuss the day’s strategy and let you know the best options for the day given the water schedule. You will have lunch on the water with your guide and return to the lodge around 5:00pm to unwind before dinner. Every evening at 6:00 starts with cocktail and hors d'oevres hour followed by a delicious three course dinner. Your palate will be thoroughly satisfied by wonderful regional cuisine with a farm to table mentality prepared by our Executive Chef Ronald Matney, Sous Chef Zac Frye, and Chef Brad McConnell.

On departure days there is a full breakfast before you start your travels. We know how valuable vacation time is and strive to make every trip an unforgettable one. There are few requests that we cannot accommodate so please ask how we can customize your trip to make it the most rewarding for you.

What is Provided to Customer:

All flyfishing gear and flies are provided by SHRL but if you would like to use your own equipment please feel free. The only items that you are responsible for are a valid Tennessee fishing license, rain gear and polarized sunglasses. If you happen to forget any of these items we can provide them for you. We recommend that you purchase a fishing license before you arrive to SHRL but if this is something you have not done we can assist you once you reach the lodge.

What Should Customers Bring?

At SHRL our program is designed for you to pack as light as possible. All we recommend you bring is a quality rain jacket, comfortable footwear, polarized sunglasses, toiletries, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. If you would like to bring your own fishing gear you are more than welcome but we provide everything you need for your days of fishing.

Region:

South Holston River Lodge is located at 1676 feet above sea level. You will be surrounded by plush rolling mountains and river valleys in the heart of the Smokey Mountains. According to Cherokee legend, the Great Smoky Mountains were formed centuries ago when a giant buzzard, wearily circling the earth after a great flood, plummeted to the ground in exhaustion. Where his vast wings hit the earth the mountain valleys appeared. The Cherokee Indians were also intrigued by the bluish mist that crept through this mountainous region in present-day Tennessee and North Carolina which they named "Sha-cona-ge" which means land of the blue mist. This mist, or river fog can be enjoyed most mornings on the river.

Typical Weather by Season:

You can expect four distinct seasons in East Tennessee, our winters are fairly mild compared the north or western states and our summers are quite comfortable especially from a drift boat.

Rate Range:

Our rates range from $1,520 per person double occupancy for a 3 night/2 day stay up to $3,275.00 per person double occupancy for a 6 night/ 5 day stay. For single occupancy please add $235/per fishing day. Our nonangling rate is $350/day.

Date Range:

With the South Holston and Watauga Rivers both being tailwaters our water temperature and flow are consistent year-round. In a nutshell, we are a true year-round fishery making SHRL a great destination when other rivers are unfishable due to water fluctuation and temperature change, we fish 12 MONTHS A YEAR!

What is a Tailwater?

Tailwater refers to waters located immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure, such as a dam (excluding minimum release such as for fish water), bridge or culvert.
Tailwater can refer to a type of fishery. Tailwater fisheries can be defined as Tailrace fishing which occurs at the outflow from large dams, where the size of the reservoir creates a steep temperature gradient, with colder water stored at the bottom of the reservoir near the outlet. The constant cold-water flow provided by the reservoir's outflow, coupled with the generally silt-free nature of the outflow, creates ideal water conditions for cold-water fish such as trout in environments that ordinarily might not support a robust trout population.

When is a good time to fish?

We fish great 12 months a year. You tell us how you would prefer to fish i.e. dry fly, indicator, sight fishing, streamers, etc., and we will direct you towards the right season.

Is alcohol included in our package?

Absolutely!! We offer complimentary beer and wine during your entire stay with us and you have a fully stocked fridge of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in your cabin. We can assure you that we have a large variety of beverages to keep you properly hydrated during your stay. If you prefer liquor? We just ask that you bring that on your own and we will provide mixers if necessary.

How far are you from the airport?

We are a 30 minute drive to Tri-Cities regional airport. This is the only airport we offer a complimentary shuttle to and from.