Fishing South Holston Lake
AKA: South Holston Reservoir
Popular Fish Species South Holston Lake, TN
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at South Holston Lake, as they grow bigger here than in many other lakes in the area. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop shots, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of South Holston Lake this year. Walleye here spawn between February and April. After this walleye run, May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them as they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Crappie Fishing
South Holston Lake has long been a good crappie fishing lake. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, warmouth and white bass at South Holston Lake in Tennessee.
South Holston Lake Fishing Video
Located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, South Holston Lake is a scenic boating and fishing lake with magnificent views of the Appalachian Mountains which run parallel to the lake. This 10,000 surface-acre reservoir is home to quality bass fishing. Annually, South Holston Reservoir makes the Bassmaster Top 100 bass lakes in the USA. This clear-water lake is less fertile than others in the area, so the numbers of bass is fewer, but the quality of both largemouth and smallmouth more than makes up for it.
South Holston Lake, nestled in the mountains of northeastern Tennessee, is a pristine fishing destination that offers anglers an abundance of fish species, picturesque scenery, and recreational opportunities. This 7,580-acre reservoir, formed by the South Fork Holston River, provides excellent fishing for both locals and visitors alike.
South Holston Lake is well-known for its exceptional trout fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, making it a haven for trout anglers. Fly fishing is particularly popular on the lake, with anglers casting their lines in the clear, cool waters. The lake's deep pools, riffles, and submerged structure provide ideal habitats for trout. Anglers can also target other popular fish species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye, adding to the variety of fishing opportunities on the lake.
Crappie, walleye, trout, catfish, bluegill and other sunfish also reside in the lake. The cool, clear water makes for an ideal trout and walleye fishery. Marinas, boat launches and campgrounds are scattered around the lake. Launching boats, canoes and kayaks is easy making access to fishing areas a breeze. There are plenty of places to fish from shore all around the lake. Because part of the lake is in Virginia, check VA and TN regulations before fishing. Also be aware of significant draw downs of water in winter, often lowering the water level 30 feet or more.
South Holston Lake's combination of excellent trout fishing, stunning mountain scenery, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for anglers and nature lovers in Tennessee. Whether you're casting your line for trout, exploring the lake's hidden coves by boat, or camping under the starry sky, South Holston Lake provides a serene and memorable experience that celebrates the beauty of Tennessee's natural landscape.
Primary fish species residing in South Holston Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
South Holston Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating on South Holston Lake is a favored activity, thanks to its expansive waters and breathtaking mountain views. Anglers and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats from public ramps and explore the lake's many bays, coves, and channels. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Laurel Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and runabouts
423 878-3721
Marinas
Friendship Resort & Marina
Tennessee 37620
423 878-3128
Lake View Dock
992 Lakeview Dock Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
423 878-4331
Laurel Marina
191 Shady Ford Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
423 878-3721
Painter Creek Marina
766 Painter Creek Rd
Bristol, TN 37620
423 878-5775
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
421 Bridge Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, at the east end of the South Holston Lake Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.
Little Oak Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the campground, in the southeast corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Public Boat Ramp
Located in Sullivan County Observation Knob Park, mid lake, on the west side, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.
Whitaker Hollow Park Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On South Holston Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Tennessee Fishing License.
Camping facilities near South Holston Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near South Holston Lake allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of their fishing adventures and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the lake and its picturesque setting.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Cherokee Trails Campground - 423 391-0118
Cochran's Lakeview Campground - 423 878-8045
Camper's Cove Campground - 423 878-9341
Little Oak Campground - 423 735-1500
South Holston Lake, TN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
South Holston Lake
TWRA - South Holston Lake
423 587-7037
Fishing lakes in each state.
070124
South Holston Lake in Tennessee.
TENNESSEE
Trout and walleye fishing in northeast TN.
