South Fork Holston River - Damascus - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Fork Holston River – Damascus - Water Flow Chart
South Fork Holston River – Damascus - Weather report & radar
South Fork Holston River – Damascus - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-#20, #16-#20 | Zebra Midge, BWO Emerger |
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olives, Little Black Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, BWO Emerger, Black Stonefly Nymph |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Caddis | Afternoon | #16-#18, #14-#18 | BWO Emerger, Elk Hair Caddis |
| May | Sulphurs, Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | #14-#18 | Sparkle Dun, Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Sulphurs, Terrestrials | Afternoon, Evening | #14-#18, #10-#14 | Sparkle Dun, Ant Patterns |
| July | Terrestrials | Morning, Afternoon | #10-#14 | Ant Patterns, Beetle Patterns |
| August | Terrestrials | Morning, Afternoon | #10-#14 | Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| September | Terrestrials | Morning, Afternoon | #10-#14 | Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | BWO Emerger, Zebra Midge |
| November | Blue Winged Olives, Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | BWO Emerger, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge |
South Fork Holston River – Damascus Access Points
The South Fork Holston River, in Damascus, provides some of the best fly fishing opportunities in North America. Key access points to consider for an optimal experience include:
- Whitetop Laurel Creek: A major tributary of the South Fork Holston River offering various species of trout. This location is especially good during the spring hatch.
- Damascus Town Park: Perfect for beginner fly fishers, this access point has ample spaces to practice casting and offers a good catch rate of rainbow trout.
- Staunton Dam: Located on the upper part of the river, it’s a favorite spot for local anglers targeting large brown trout.
- VFW Post on JEB Stuart Highway: A little further downstream, this area provides excellent water for nymphing and dry fly fishing.
- Alvarado Station: A popular put-in spot for anglers and float tubers, can yield both rainbow and brown trout.
Ensure you have valid fishing licenses and adhere to local laws and regulations while enjoying fly fishing on the South Fork Holston River.
South Fork Holston River – Damascus Fishing Spots
The South Fork Holston River in Damascus, known as a hotspot for fly fishing enthusiasts, is home to numerous locations, ideal for catching a variety of trout species.
- Spring Valley: Popular for Brown and Rainbow trout; best fishing spots are downstream from the dam located in this area.
- Weber City: Renowned for warm water species like smallmouth bass and sunfish, making it an exciting spot for summer fly fishing.
- Emmett: Provides abundance of sizeable trout. The area right behind the Emmett Dam is a top spot.
- Kinlock: Known for its riffles and deep pools, making it great for wading, spin and fly fishing. Offers Rainbow, Brown trout, and some Brook trout.
- Hiltons: A quiet, less crowded area on the river, perfect for those seeking solitude while fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout.
Always remember to check the fishing regulations, as some sections of the river require artificial lures only.
South Fork Holston River – Damascus Local Fish Species
- Trout. The South Fork Holston River is renowned for its trout fishing, with both wild and stocked Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout in abundance.
- Smallmouth Bass. Fly fishers also frequently target Smallmouth Bass, which flourish in the river’s warmer sections.
- Rock Bass. Also known as Redeye Bass, these are popular due to their tenacious fight and accessibility.
- Channel Catfish. Although not a traditional fly fishing target, the river is home to a strong population of Channel Catfish which can provide an exciting alternative.
- White Bass. During the spring and early summer, fly fishing for White Bass can be very productive in the South Fork Holston River.
- Bluegill. Also known as Bream, Bluegill are a fun fish to catch on a fly rod, particularly in the warmer months.
- Walleye. Primarily a night-time fish, the Walleye can be a challenging and fulfilling fly fishing target in the South Fork Holston river.
- Carp. These are challenging to hook and provide a powerful fight, offering an enjoyable catch for experienced fly fishers.
About the South Fork Holston River – Damascus
The South Fork Holston River lends an exceptional appeal to the scenic town of Damascus, Virginia. A rich history is etched along its meandering path. The river, once known as Can-tuc-kee by local tribes, dates back to the indigenous people’s era. Imagine the stories it could tell!
Today, the river is a major recreational hub, famous for its world-class trout fishing. Adventure enthusiasts appreciate it for its whitewater kayaking opportunities, while nature lovers adore the surrounding beauty.
- Around the 1760s, the river guided colonists towards the fertile lands of the west.
- During the Civil War, it played a vital role in mill operations, energizing the local economy.
- In modern times, it gained fame as a ‘fly fisherman’s paradise’.
There’s something timeless about the South Fork Holston River. Every ripple and wave whisper tales of its treasured past, painting a vivid picture of Damascus’s enduring legacy.
Community Contributions
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