Guided Fly Fishing Float Trips on Watauga River & South Holston River
Take a guided float trip down the Watauga or South Holston River with our local licensed and insured fly fishing guides.
Known for its trophy wild brown and rainbow trout, these tailwaters offers some of the best year-round fly fishing trips on the East Coast. Based in Elizabethton, TN, our local guides are here to make your fly fishing experience unforgettable, helping you catch some of the best fish in these rugged East Tennessee. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to chase your personal best or new to fly fishing wanting to learn the basics, our guided float trips provide the perfect opportunity to explore this legendary river.
Guided by Jordan and Wes,
Beginner to Advanced Experience Welcomed
Trip Options:
Full-Day Float (8 hours): $450
Enjoy a full day on the river, includes a lunch and drinks.
Add a second angler per boat: $50
Half-Day Float (4 hours): $300
A shorter yet an equally great experience
Add a second angler per boat: $50
Tipping shows appreciation for good service after an adventure, recognizing guides' hard work. A typical tip is 15-20% of the total cost, supporting and acknowledging their effort and skill.
Why Float the Watauga or South Holston River?
These pristine tailwaters are famous for their large trout populations, crystal-clear water, and consistent year-round fishing conditions. In fact the Watauga River has the most Trout per square mile than any other river in the united states! Whether you’re nymphing, dry fly fishing, or streamer fishing, we offer a wide variety of techniques to explore. Jordan and Wes, both seasoned guides with in-depth knowledge of the river, will customize each trip to your experience level, teaching you the best techniques for success while sharing their local expertise.
What’s Included:
Hands-on Guidance: Each trip is tailored to your skill level and fishing goals, from beginner basics to advanced casting techniques or hunting one’s personal best.
All Necessary Gear Provided: We supply top-quality rods, reels, flies, so you only need to bring yourself.
Boats: Our boats accommodate 2 anglers per boat plus the guide (captain), and we have 2 boats available for groups up to 4 people.
Trip Details:
-Age Requirement: 13 and up
Participants must be physically capable of getting in and out of the boat and wading if needed.
-Fishing License Required: All participants must have a valid state-issued fishing license.
-Meeting at Hellbender Outfitters unless otherwise discussed with guide around either 8 a.m. for full day or 12 p.m. for half day
-Driving to Boat launch ramp
-Floating from one put in to the next.
-Getting a shuttle back to vehicles by 5 p.m. at the latest
Scenic River Views & Exceptional Fishing
Experience the thrill of catching wild trout amidst stunning river landscapes, with the added comfort of floating in a drift boat. The Watauga and South Holston River offers breathtaking scenery, from peaceful wooded stretches to open views of the mountains. With Jordan and Wes at the helm, you’ll not only enjoy expert guidance but also a chance to connect with nature in one of Tennessee’s most beautiful settings.
Book Your Float Trip Today
Secure your spot for an unforgettable fly fishing experience! Whether you want a full day of fishing and relaxation or a half-day getaway, we’re here to make your trip memorable. Check availability online, by phone, or email us. Let’s get out on the water and make some lasting memories!
Questions and Inquiries
Our Commitment to Sustainability:
At Hellbender Outfitters, we are committed to the preservation of our natural environments and the responsible stewardship of our fisheries. Our guided fly fishing trips adhere to the principles of sustainable fishing to ensure that the pristine rivers and streams we fish in remain vibrant and healthy for future generations.
Catch and Release Practices: We strictly follow a catch-and-release policy on all of our trips to protect fish populations and ecosystems. Our guides use proper handling techniques to minimize stress on the fish and ensure a safe return to the water.
Eco-Friendly Gear & Tactics: We use environmentally friendly tackle. NO LIVE BAIT. And also only single barbed hooks to reduce the risk of injury to fish. Additionally, we practice mindful wading techniques to protect fragile riverbeds and stream habitats.
Leave No Trace: We are dedicated to leaving no trace in the natural areas we visit. All trash and materials brought on the trip are removed, and we educate participants on the importance of preserving the cleanliness and integrity of the water and surrounding landscape.
Wildlife & Habitat Protection: Our guides are trained to respect wildlife and habitats, ensuring minimal disturbance to the natural environment. We encourage anglers to appreciate the beauty of the ecosystems we explore while maintaining a safe and respectful distance from local wildlife.
Your Role:
We ask all participants to support our sustainability efforts by following the guidelines provided by our guides, including handling fish carefully, respecting local regulations, and avoiding unnecessary disruption to the natural environment.
By participating in one of our guided trips, you’re not just enjoying a world-class fly fishing experience—you’re also contributing to the preservation of these treasured waters for generations to come. Thank you for helping us protect our rivers, streams, and the fish that call them home!