Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this water
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
Tennessee
Watauga River Tailwater
Conditions: Blocked
for fly fishing, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 9 h ago · oldest 9 h
problem: Agency alerts
10 active alerts in Cherokee National Forest; most severe: Campsite limitations
USFSPosted Oct 21 · checked 9 h ago
clear: Weather
Clear, high 76°F / low 51°F, 0% precip — 93/100 for fly fishing
OpenWeather9 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
Similar waters
Like this spot? Try:
Ocoee River Whitewater Section
River · smallmouth_bass, rainbow_trout
South Holston River Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Elk River Tailwater at Tims Ford Dam
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Holston River North Fork
River · smallmouth_bass, rainbow_trout
Hiwassee River Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Ocoee River Whitewater Section
River · smallmouth_bass, rainbow_trout
South Holston River Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Elk River Tailwater at Tims Ford Dam
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Holston River North Fork
River · smallmouth_bass, rainbow_trout
Hiwassee River Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Here's your day on the water, mapped
Watauga River Tailwater
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Gear for the day
Photos
Directions & GPX
About this water
The Watauga River below Wilbur Dam is a celebrated tailwater trout fishery in northeast Tennessee, producing trophy-class brown and rainbow trout in cold, clear water. The upper section near the dam is designated as a trophy trout area with special regulations. The river is accessible from multiple points along the gorge and is a favorite of experienced fly anglers.
Add to a trip & share
Keep exploring — more waters worth the drive
Dennis Cove Campground
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Tennessee.
Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN)
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Tennessee.
South Holston River Tailwater
~19 min drive
Hard
Watauga River - Valle Crucis Access
~36 min drive
Easy
Linville River - Linville Falls Access
~51 min drive
Expert
Wilson Creek - Mortimer Recreation Area
~56 min drive
Moderate
Rat Branch Boat Launch
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Tennessee.
Backbone Rock Campground
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Tennessee.
Little Milligan Boat Launch
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Tennessee.
North Fork Holston River - Saltville Access
~1h 8m drive
Easy
