“Aaron with a stellar smallmouth caught on a popper on the Holston River”
June Fishing Report
June marks the arrival of summer, ushering in one of the most exhilarating and adaptable fishing seasons in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. From June through September, anglers can take advantage of daily opportunities to target large wild trout, enjoy exhilarating topwater fly fishing for smallmouth bass, or pursue the elusive musky. This period should undoubtedly be on your calendar!
“Dave taking in the scenery during an afternoon float on The Holston River”
Tennessee Report
South Holston & Watauga Rivers
The consistent rainfall throughout May has significantly impacted fishing conditions as we transition into late spring and early summer. Our reservoirs are at full capacity, and both rivers are benefiting from favorable generation schedules. The South Holston is consistently releasing cold water, which has triggered robust afternoon hatches of sulphurs. Meanwhile, the Watauga has initiated its summer recreational flow schedule, releasing water Monday through Friday at 1 PM and at 12 PM on Saturdays, with lower flows typically on Sundays. The combination of optimal water temperatures and increased insect activity promises excellent fishing throughout the summer. Additionally, cicadas have begun to appear on the Watauga!
I am currently utilizing three setups in my boat that have proven effective under these conditions:
1. 10’ 4wt T&T Avantt II with Hatch Iconic 4+ Reel (High Water Nymph Rod)*: This rod is my go-to for “high water” fishing during generation periods. My preferred setup includes a 7 ½ foot 3x leader with a tippet ring at the end. I attach a fixed piece of yarn just above the tippet ring, allowing me to adjust my depth by adding level tippet. This technique is particularly effective in the complex currents of the South Holston, ensuring a drag-free drift and minimal resistance for my flies. Typically, I fish at depths of 4 to 8 feet, depending on the river section and fish location in the water column. Fish are surprisingly willing to move for nymphs this time of year, with scuds and sulphur nymphs being particularly successful.
2. 9’ 5wt T&T Avantt II with Hatch Iconic 4+ Reel (Dry Dropper Rod): This setup is ideal for low water conditions and is one of my favorite fishing methods. I have been experimenting with the new Scientific Anglers Magnitude Clear Tip Trout Expert Floating lines, which have elevated my game in terms of stealth. Using a 10’ clear floating fly line coupled with an 11’ 4x SA Trout Presentation Leader provides the benefits of a 20-foot leader without the hassle of casting one. Pair your favorite attractor dry fly with a reliable mayfly pattern beneath it to entice wary trout.
3. 9’ 4wt T&T Paradigm (Dry Fly Rod): It’s sulphur season! I have integrated the SA Magnitude Trout Expert line into this setup, which is particularly effective for targeting skittish fish. This line allows for stealthy presentations, especially when making casts to rising fish. I use a 12’ 5x SA Trout Presentation leader, pairing it with a sulphur comparadun to achieve nearly guaranteed success with a drag-free drift.
Flies:
– Walt’s worm (16-20)
– Pheasant Tail (16-20)
– Miller’s Simple Sulphur (16-20)
– Olive midge (18-22)
– CDC comparadun (16-18)
– Cicada
– MFC micro chubby (12-14)
“Dave with a respectable brown nymphed up on the SoHo”
Holston Proper and North Fork Holston (TN/VA Smallmouth Bass)
The smallmouth bass fishing has been outstanding. With spawning concluded, the fish are eager to feed, coinciding perfectly with the cicada emergence on the Holston River. The topwater action has been excellent, and we’ve successfully caught several nice bass on surface flies. The streamer bite has also been productive. I typically keep two rods rigged for varying water types.
– **T&T Exocett 88 160GR with Hatch Iconic 5+ (Top Water Fly)**: This rod is paired with the SA Bass Bug Line and a hand-tied SA Hard Mono leader to aid in casting air-resistant flies. I use this setup in slower pools near tree cover where terrestrial insects may fall into the water. For topwater flies, a simple presentation is best—drop it in and let it sit to create an effortless meal for the fish.
– **T&T Exocett 88 200GR with Hatch Iconic 7+ (Streamer Rod)**: This rod is equipped with the SA Jungle Clear Tip Intermediate line, which delivers streamers smoothly while keeping them in the strike zone for smallmouth bass. I utilize this setup in areas with increased current, shoals, or ambush points to provoke reactionary strikes.
Flies:
– Boogle Bug Popper (Black, Blue, Yellow)
– Cicada
– GD’s Spark Plug (White, Chartreuse)
– Clouser Minnow (White, Black, Chartreuse)
– Leech Patterns (Black, Olive)
– Crayfish
“The scientific anglers magnitude lines have changed our game for spooky trout. Add the presentation 11’ 4x leader and the fish won’t even have a clue you’re there. Add 5-6x for small dries or fish it directly out of the pack as an amazing foam fly dry dropper leader.”
Ohio / Pennsylvania Report
Clarion River
The Clarion has experienced significant high water due to heavy rainfall in Northwestern Pennsylvania, impacting fishing in April and May but setting the stage for exceptional June fishing. The EB Reservoir is well-stocked with water, allowing for cold water releases that should extend trout fishing into early July, depending on water temperatures. Streamers have been the primary choice during prolonged high water, but as levels drop, dry fly fishing has become outstanding, particularly with sulphurs hatching. When fishing the Clarion, be prepared for a versatile day—switching between streamers, dries, and nymphs is essential. Keep an assortment of rods ready in the boat for whatever conditions arise, as nymphing tends to be productive between rising fish. If the water is high and stained, use a 7wt with sinking line and your favorite streamers!
– 10’ 4wt T&T Avantt II (All-Rounder): This rod is my preferred medium-large river rod in Pennsylvania due to its unmatched versatility. I can use it for standard indicator nymphing, tight-line nymphing, or jig-style streamers, making it the go-to outfit depending on the flow conditions.
– T&T Exocett 88 200 GR (Streamers): This rod is my primary choice for high water situations. I can attach a 200-250 GR sinking line to effectively target river edges with large streamers.
– T&T Paradigm 9’ 5wt (Dry/Dry Dropper Rod): This rod is the ultimate choice for dry fly fishing on the Clarion. Its soft action allows for delicate presentations and has the shock absorption necessary for landing large resident browns on light tippet, while still providing enough backbone to steer them from cover.
Flies:
– Streamers (Olive, White, Yellow)
– Pheasant Tail (14-18)
– Walt’s Worm (14-18)
– Frenchie (14-18)
– France Fly (14-18)
– Jig Leech
“High and Dry indicator markers come in handy for varying light conditions. Use on small dries, yarn indicators or your leader for tight line nymphing”.
Ohio River Drainage (Warmwater Species)
As I compile this report, the Beaver, Mahoning, Shenango, French, and other tributaries within the greater Allegheny and Ohio River drainage system are all experiencing elevated water levels. The significant spring rains are poised to create exceptional warmwater fishing opportunities as we move into July and August, which will become the primary focus of our fishing program.
“Streamers brought success on Pennsylvania’s Clarion River during periods of high water”
As we make the transition into June we will have a lot of opportunities to target trophy fish on the fly. Whether you want to chase large tailwater brown trout, smallmouth bass or musky we can customize a trip based on your needs, summer truly has something to satisfy every anglers needs!
Upcoming availability:
June: 21-30
July: 25-31
Tight lines,
Sam