Brown Trout of the South Holston

Dry Fly Rainbow

I had an opportunity to go down to Tennessee and do some fishing on the South Holston River a couple weeks ago. This was all possible because my brother-in-law Ron bid and won two days of guided fishing and lodging at an auction. All i had to do was get to Kentucky, where Ron and i would drive six hours down to South East Tennessee to the Anglers Rest outside of Bristol Tenn.

When we arrived at The Anglers Rest we where met by Bob Viers our guide and the owner of the cabin that we would be staying in for the next few days.The cabin is right on the river and as Bob put it, “forty two steps from heaven”. The property was green and lush, and the cabin itself was filled with one of the most impressive collections of antique fishing gear i have ever seen. Our new pad was very comfortable and had everything we would need for a very pleasant stay.

The next day we woke and and found Bob in the front yard with his Hyde drift boat ready to get on the river.We ran the shuttle and put the boat on the water and got the day rolling. Sulphers and midges where the order of the day and the sulphers went of. Bob has a great knowledge of his river and can paddle with the best of them, and he can tell some great tales to keep the mood light. Loads of fish where caught, mostly Browns and some Rainbows, and they where strong fighters. None of the fish we caught where big but they had attitudes and by the end of our two days on the river my arm was actually sore.

The South Holston is a tail water that flows swift and cold, and is one of the most beautiful rivers i have ever fished. Along the float there where Great Blue Herons as well as ducks and wild turkeys. Black bears and White tail deer also call this area home.

After three days it was time to go home, so we packed up and said our good byes to Bob and the South Holston river with its feisty Browns and Bows. I will miss the Anglers Rest and i hope to go back next year.

Bob Viers is a great guide with a wealth of knowledge about his beloved South Holston and its fish and insect life. He can be contacted at bviers@charter.net