We’ve waited a long time. In fact it was way back in the fall since fishing was much to talk about on the Clinch and Holston Rivers. Even then generation schedules were sketchy, but it’s on and in full effect now!
TVA cut the flows back several weeks ago, but the bugs and fish have gotten together and fishing has been excellent. The Clinch is still primarily a nymphing situation. A few sulphurs are showing up here and there, but the hatch hasn’t really started yet. The basic Zebra Midge/Pheasant Tail/Sow Bug program is still in effect on the Clinch, but the nymphing has been great and flows truly favor wading fishermen.
The Holston is also fishing well. Further down the river from Indian Cave to Nances Ferry you’ll find caddis and crane flies pulling the trout up to the surface. Closer to the dam it’s still primarily midges but the fish will always take a #16 – 18 Beadhead whatever you have that’s dark in color. Flows are at a minimum here, but be mindful of the pulse the closer to the dam you get since water rises substantially on the upper river. It’s not much of an issue more than about 5 miles downstream.
