Well February on the SoHo was just about as perfect as you could have hoped as per rod Champion from The South Holston River Fly Shop & Guide Service. In his recent report Rod has this to say "This past month has been one I will never forget. The dry fly fishing has been phenomenal. That includes the last 3 days of February. And the first 4 days of March should be no different. Snow Flurries and highs in the upper 30's. Absolutely perfect conditons for BWO's and Blackflies. This past month has also shown the quality of the rainbow fishery the South Holston River is.
We are known for our wild brown trout. But this month has shown the wild rainbows in their blazing colors; red everywhere. I have seen a ton of wild 16"-20" Rainbow trout eating BWO Duns. I have caught my share of them too. Big Browns are head shaking creatures that jaw your arm. A big Rainbow trout is a maniac. They go nuts. And they will scream your reel."
Rod is feeling equally good about March fishing on the south Holston River as he went on to report. "Very soon in early March the Sulphurs start breaking out their nymphal bodies. And that will be just as exctiing . Just a little diffeent. No snow , more sun and warmer temperatures. Oh yea, and the black caddis' here and on the Watauga tailrace will start crawling to the edges. And the fish will start popping them there. The edges of the water will look like someone is throwing trout pellets in. That is how you know that hatch is happening. But until then, we will just have to suffer thru the best dry fly fishing you could dream of. Tight Lines."