East Tennessee State University

College Ambassador: Cameron Giliam

Species

Smallmouth Bass: My favorite freshwater fish and a blast on a fly rod. Smallmouth here are found in a few different types of streams and bodies of water. East Tennessee offers anglers the chance to throw streamers for smallies in wadeable water and also caters to conventional anglers with a variety of good lakes in proximity.

Brook Trout : If you are anything like me then you have a soft spot for native fish. The Appalachian Brook trout native range extends to some nearby mountain streams. These small fish show aggression, unlike many other fish. The harsh conditions and micro streams they call home cause these fish to be opportunistic which can make them a blast to catch on a dry fly.

Brown and Rainbow Trout: Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Johnson City Tennessee is in close proximity to two world-class trout streams. The South Holston and Watauga rivers are known for their healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout that can be caught on dries, nymphs, and my personal favorite streamers.

Striped Bass: The tug is the drug right? Hooking into a striper is an unparalleled feeling in the freshwater world. These fish run our local lakes and rivers. When the weather warms up you will find these fish blowing bait out of the water. Throw into the blitz and hold on.

Carp: If you somehow get bored with all of the other species East Tennessee has to offer and want a challenge then look no further than the carp. Carp fishing is a great practice for saltwater sight fishing. They are spooky fish that will pull drag and keep you coming back for more. Carp are a favorite summertime species for me especially with a six-weight glass fly rod.

Accessibility

South Holston River: The famous Soho has many public access points from the dam to the lake. TWRA has built and manages many easy access points to put in a boat and also wade. This river can be very technical and allows anglers to test their skills.

Watauga River: The quieter of the two main rivers in East Tennessee but an amazing river nonetheless. There are many public access points throughout the river with my favorites being Hunter Bridge, Lovers Lane, and Blevins Rd ramps. The Watauga is a great wade and float river as well.

Boone Lake: For those who love the lake and some bigger water we have that too. This is the lake that connects the South Holston and Watauga rivers. Whether you want to catch smallies, largemouth, striper, crappie, and even lake trout this is your spot. The lake's depth fluctuates greatly with the flows of the river making it a fun and everchanging place to fish.

Community

East Tennessee State University or ETSU for short is surrounded by some amazing fishing. Within an hour you catch just about any freshwater species that comes to mind. Johnson City has a great community of anglers, guides, and shops. Much of the water is public and the amount of anglers willing to lend a hand to a beginner makes it a great place for someone to move.

Hangouts/Shops

Mahoney’s Outfitters: A family-owned business since 1960 that specializes in all things outdoors. The fly shop has the area's best fly tying selection and has all the gear, tools, and intel to get you on the water and make your time more enjoyable.

Meeting Other Anglers: Alternatively than just getting your information from the local fly shop, you will meet some awesome people on the river. By just getting out and fishing you will meet some awesome people who will help you along the way and be more than glad to toss you a fly that’s working.