Due South Outfitters
Drift the Watauga, South Holston, New River and/or Holston Proper with our experienced guides. Learn about four of of the best drift boat fisheries in the Southern Appalachians.
From the trophy tailwaters of the Watauga and South Holston to the smallmouth fisheries of the New River and Holston Proper, our guided float trips cover the best drift-boat experiences in the Southern Appalachians.
the most consistent trout water in the region
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home to trophy wild brown trout in the Southeast
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world-class smallmouth on the fly in NC & VA
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a trophy smallmouth fishery near Kingsport
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What to Expect on a Float Trip
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The Watauga RiverThe most Consistent Trout Water in the Southeast
Running cold and clear out of Wilbur Dam, the 'Taug is our home water. The Watauga River in Tennessee is the #1 river we put clients on more days than any other. Wild rainbow and brown trout in serious numbers, scenic limestone bluffs, and reliable year-round flows make this one of the most dependable float trips in the Southeast.
The caddis hatch each spring (mid-April through early May) is one of the most spectacular bug events in Southern Appalachian fly fishing. It consists of millions of caddis blanketing the water, rocks, and the boat itself. When it's on, it's some of the best trout fishing you can experience.
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The South Holston RiverTrophy Brown Trout Water
The SoHo is known worldwide for its dense population of wild, naturally-reproducing brown trout. This population density is rare for a tailwater anywhere in the country. Seventeen miles of limestone-rich, spring-fed water running from the dam to Bluff City, Tennessee. Home to some of the largest browns found anywhere in the Southeast.
But the real draw is the sulphur hatch. From late spring through mid-summer, the SoHo produces what many consider the best sulphur hatch in the eastern U.S. Bugs everywhere and even the biggest fish looking up to eat dries. This is technical, rewarding water that pays off patience and good guiding.
The South Holston is a tailwater, so its flows are dictated by dam releases and can shift quickly. We do our best to honor every SoHo request, but if water levels aren't right on the day of your trip, we'll move the float over to the Watauga where conditions stay reliable year-round.
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The New RiverWorld-class Smallmouth Fishery
One of the oldest rivers on the planet runs right through our backyard and it holds one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. Big, wide, shallow water with rocky bottom structure, scenic mountain views, and smallies that average 12–14 inches with plenty of fish pushing 18 to 20-plus.
A float on the New is a different kind of day — topwater poppers and streamer grabs, fish that pull above their weight class. This is the trip we send clients on when they want to try something new or break up a multi-day trip.
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The Holston RiverTennessee's Trophy Smallmouth Water
The Holston Proper begins where the North and South Forks come together just above Kingsport, Tennessee. It is a wide, scenic river that runs through the heart of East Tennessee's smallmouth country. Bedrock ledges, boulder runs, and slow, deep pools hold some of the strongest smallmouth populations in the Southeast, with quality fish in every river bend.
Summer and early fall are primetime on the Proper when the bass move shallow and the topwater bite turns on. Poppers, divers, and oversized streamers fished from the drift boat produce explosive eats and trophy-class smallmouth. Smallmouth are loose, aggressive fish and they provide a different kind of day than the technical trout water just upstream. Reach out to learn more if interested!
We handle the oars, the flies, and the logistics. You handle the casting and enjoy the scenery.
A typical float covers 4–8 miles of river depending on flow and sections we're fishing. Floats cover more water than you could ever reach wading, ask us ahow the tailraces are fishing today!
Our guides fish these rivers year-round and adapt daily to water releases, hatches, and conditions. Beginners get patient instruction & seasoned anglers get the days they love.
We run modern drift boats rigged specifically for fly fishing the rivers in the Southeast. Comfortable standing platforms, dry storage, and everything set up so you can focus on catching.
trip rates across the region and everything you need to be on the water legally
| 1 Person | 2 Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day | $450 | $450 |
| Full Day | $525 | $575 |
a valid license for the state you're fishing is required — grab yours online before your trip
Bigger groups, multi-boat trips, corporate outings, bachelor parties, or anything beyond the standard two-angler setup — reach out and we'll put together a day that works for your crew.
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August Fishing Report This has been one of, if not the best fishing I’ve seen in August over the 10 years I’ve been guiding in the High Country. Consistent afternoon thunderstorms have brought tons of rain leading to great water conditions. These rain events were...
July Fishing Report July started out dry and we were experiencing very low water conditions. The last few days we have received a healthy amount of rain that has cooled water temperatures and raised water levels. This rain is exactly what the streams in our...
June Fishing Report June has started off on a nice foot. The last week of May brought us about 5 days of rain leading to increased water levels and happy fish. As it stands, we’re supposed to get another shot of rain this weekend (June...