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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Join Captain Preston on Tennessee's famed Watauga River, one of the region's premier tailwater fisheries and a favorite destination for trout anglers of all skill levels. Known for its clear water, scenic mountain setting, and healthy trout population, the Watauga offers excellent opportunities to experience some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast.

You can choose between a wade trip or a float trip, depending on how you'd like to fish the river. Float trips are conducted from a drift boat, allowing you to cover more water and access a variety of productive runs, riffles, and pools throughout the day. For anglers who prefer a more hands-on approach, wade trips provide the opportunity to fish directly from the river while exploring its diverse structure and holding water.

Full-day trips include 7–8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to explore multiple sections of the river and adjust to changing conditions throughout the day. Lunch and drinks are included on full-day trips. Half-day trips offer 4–5 hours of fishing and include snacks and drinks.

These trips are well suited for both beginners and experienced anglers looking to spend time on one of Tennessee's most respected trout fisheries. For wade fishing trips, anglers are responsible for providing their own waders and wading boots.

Whether you choose to float or wade, Captain Preston will help you make the most of your time on the Watauga River while exploring the productive waters that have made this fishery so well known.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 hours	8 hours
1 Person	$395.00	$495.00
2 People	$395.00	$495.00
3 People (two boats)	$790.00	$990.00
4 People (two boats)	$790.00	$990.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Preston V.

Independent Guide

About Your Guide

Preston V.

Independent Guide

Preston grew up in East Tennessee fishing in the tailwaters of Watauga and South Holston. He found himself getting bored on a bank with worms and knew something was missing. Then he discovered fly fishing.

Fly fishing quickly became a passion that consumed Preston’s every waking moment. He started learning about the craft, networking, and finding better ways to catch the fish. This hunger and passion fueled Preston to teach others about the art of fly fishing.

Preston has served as a guide in our region for several years. He started his outfit to share his passion for fly fishing with beginners and help well-seasoned anglers hone their craft.

When you book a trip with Preston, you’re booking a trip with another friend. He will show you the ropes, teach proper techniques, and put you in the right place to catch a fish. You’ll have a memorable day on the water that will leave you wanting more.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Watauga, Tennessee

Areas Fished

Watauga River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for WATAUGA RIVER FLY FISHING

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Adipose Runoff
Year Built: 2024
Boat Length: 16'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Adipose Runoff
Year Built: 2024
Boat Length: 16'
Boat Restroom: No

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable except for weather-related cancellations. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Evan

Verified Review

August 9

This was my 16-year-olds first fly fishing experience. Preston was very good with him; friendly; good sense of humor; knowledgeable; and experienced. It was a positive experience overall. We will do this again and ask for Preston as a guide.

Evan

Verified Review

August 9

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Trip: SOUTH HOLSTON RIVER FLY FISHING

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.