Holston Proper

When the smallmouth are hungry, there’s no better place to be than on the Holston Proper. Flowing below the Ft. Patrick Henry Dam through Kingsport, this stretch of river offers everything a bass angler could want—runs, shoals, and deep bends holding big, hard-fighting smallmouth.

About The Holston Proper

Below Fort Patrick Henry Dam, the Holston transitions from a cool tailwater to a warm, productive smallmouth river. This stretch flows through scenic farmland and forested banks, with deep pools, rock ledges, and long riffles — ideal habitat for smallmouth bass.

Because the flows remain consistent, this section fishes well throughout the season, producing both numbers and quality fish. It’s one of those rivers that surprises anglers with just how strong and aggressive its smallmouth can be.

Season: Mid-March through Mid-October

Our Holston trips typically kick off in March (sometimes as early as the first warm spell of the month) and run through mid-October. Spring pre-spawn brings some of the best fishing of the year as fish move up and feed aggressively. Summer days keep the bite going with consistent topwater action, and even into early fall, the river produces solid fish.

What to Expect

This is a full-day, eight-hour float focused on chasing quality smallmouth bass. On the fly, it’s a trophy fishery, not a numbers game. We typically see 15–30 fish days with average fish in the 3–5 lb range, and 20-inch fish are caught regularly. There’s always a shot at a personal best here.

Whether you prefer fly or spin, the Holston has plenty to offer.

• Fly Fishing: We focus heavily on topwater poppers and bugs, especially during warm months. If the bite slows, be open to picking up a spinning rod—it’s about staying on fish and having fun.

• Spin Fishing: We use quality Ark medium-light to medium-action rods paired with 2500-size reels. Early mornings often bring topwater strikes, while mid-day success comes with jigs and spinnerbaits worked through structure and deeper holes.