Carter County, TN · Inland River
Watauga River
The Watauga below Wilbur Dam near Elizabethton — a sister tailwater to the South Holston with big wild browns and stocked rainbows in cold, clear water. Floated and waded, with a designated Quality Trout Fishing Area.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (0/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Watauga River.
Flood Watch issued July 12 at 3:07PM EDT until July 13 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Watauga River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Skip the Rainbow Trout trip today. In season 0/100
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (only 1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Skip the Brown Trout trip today. In season 0/100
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 7
Tennessee tailwaters: 7 trout/day (1 over 22" on the South Holston/Watauga).
Source: Tennessee regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Tennessee
Coordinates
Notes
TN: 7 trout/day; the Quality Trout Fishing Area is 2 fish/day, artificial-only. Watch TVA generation flows.
Local reports & rules for Watauga River: Tennessee TWRA fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Watauga River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Watauga River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Watauga River?
Watauga River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Watauga River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Watauga River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Watauga River have?
Watauga River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. TN: 7 trout/day; the Quality Trout Fishing Area is 2 fish/day, artificial-only. Watch TVA generation flows.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Watauga River?
state agency regulations apply at Watauga River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Watauga River tidal water?
No. Watauga River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.