South Holston River Lodge

It doesn’t get much better than this!!!

The South Holston River’s reputation as a world class fishery speaks for itself with the completion of the South Holston Dam in 1991. The South Holston has become a clear, cool tailwater hosting between 5000 to 6000 fish per mile. The average trout caught on The Holston can range from 10 to 20 inches, but don’t kid yourself every year wild browns are caught in the 10-20 lb range. Guests are often surprised by the abundance and size of trout caught each day. Without a doubt fishing The South Holston River is an unforgettable experience.

The South Holston River near Bluff City, Tennessee boasts some of the largest trout this side of the Mississippi. It regularly yields fish that rival those of Arkansas's White River, New Mexico’s San Juan River, and Montana’s Big Hole River. Situated on the South Holston, South Holston River Lodge offers you the opportunity to fish immediately upon your arrival. The river starts at the bottom of the South Holston Dam, the largest earthen dam at its time of construction. From there, it flows southwest to eventually empty into Boone Lake.

The South Holston River Lodge offers full guide services from the dock to wadding to floating the river through Hook and Mouth Outfitters Guide Service. A typical day of fishing might include nymphing, streamer fishing, or dry fly fishing as trout adapt to changing water conditions and aquatic insect life. Fishing conditions vary seasonally. Your guide will work with you to find the approach that fits your experience and expectations.

Hook and Mouth Outfitters guide service at South Holston River Lodge prides itself on hiring local knowledgeable fly fisherman as guides. Our guides spend hundreds of days on the river each year and will be happy to help you with all elements of technique. They guide many clients that are casting a fly rod for the very first time as well as seasoned anglers who have been fly fishing their entire lives. They are devoted to their craft and will do everything possible to help you enjoy your time on the water. All fly fishing equipment is provided. If you want to spin cast, please bring your own tackle.

Jonathan Hooper began his passion for fishing and the outdoors at the age of five. Born in upstate N.Y. he utilized the tributaries of Lake Ontario and Erie to hone his skills for the pursuit of trophy Steelhead and trout on the fly. He attended Sweetwater Travel Fly Fishing Guide School in Fort Smith, Montana. The following salmon season he was guiding on the Talachulitna River in the Susitna River drainage 100 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. In 2009, he moved to Bristol, TN to open Hook and Mouth Outfitters at Possum Creek Retreat (now South Holston River Lodge) and to make the mountains of East Tennessee his home. He has guided hundreds of clients and brings a wealth of fishing experience and personality to the table. Fishing with Jon or one of his guides is a first class program, whether you are a pro or beginner!