Nolichucky
The Nolichucky River holds a strong population of smallmouth bass, some fish exceeding four pounds.  The river also contains population of musky and trout.  These fish can be taken on the fly or light tackle. The Nolichucky is known for its combination of whitewater and great smallmouth fishing.  Simply said, the smallmouth is one of the greatest fresh water fish you will ever pursue.

Nolichucky Day Float
Our day float of about ten miles on the Nolichucky for Smallmouth Bass takes place above or below the gorge, depending on water levels and clarity. Fly and light-tackle fishing down this remote, majestic stretch of the Nolichucky is a favorite among our guides. This trip is recommended for spin fisherman, smallmouth fly anglers, and trout bums wanting to feel the pull of a smallmouth bass on the long rod. 

Nolichucky Overnight Trips
The Nolichucky Overnight is a two day one night, or  three day two night smallmouth trip written up as one of the twenty-five best adventures in the southeast. Featured in Gray's Sporting Journal, Sports Afield, and Fly Rod and Reel Magazine, it is a true Appalachian Angler experience, perfecting 15 years of professional outfitting and guiding.

Watauga
We have divided the 23 miles of this floatable river in to sections. We pioneered float fishing in the Southeast here; consequently, we understand which section is producing the best fishing on a daily basis. Over the past two decades we have seen this river go through a lot of changes, and our guides all agree that these floats are a special experience. The upper section of the river nearest the dam is floated during generation from Wilbur Dam. The middle section can be floated during both generations, as well as our most popular float; the Trophy Section.

Upper Watauga
The upper section of the river is considered our big water float offering anglers the opportunity to try streamer fishing for trophy browns and rainbows. Because of the increased aeration from the dam, there can also be dry fly opportunities for these same fish. This float goes through some class II and III rapids and rarely will be fishing among other anglers.

Middle Watauga
This section fishes the best during early spring and fall. The water floated in this section offers many dry fly opportunities floating through swift riffles and characteristic limestone shelves. This deeper water can also challenge the angler with streamer opportunities.

Trophy Section
This is our most popular trip offering 5 miles of float fishing on some of the finest tailwaters in the nation. Special regulations and slot limits have blessed this section with a resident population of trophy trout that thrive on the consistent bug life within. Our caddis hatch starting in the Spring ushers in multiple hatches that can overlap and last until late Fall. This section of the river can be characterized as a tailwater with freestone characteristics; bowling ball sized boulders coupled with limestone produces water that can be shallow riffles or very large holes. This varied stream composition gives us the opportunity to educate beginning anglers wanting to learn the sport and challenge seasoned anglers on the same float. This is a combination float and wade trip giving anglers many different and challenging fishing situations.

South Holston
The South Holston has benefited from the implementation of a weir dam, slot limits, and protected spawning grounds over the years. These special steps have taken the South Holston in to the national spotlight. Appalachian Angler has floated and waded this river for two decades and were starting to realize the secret is out. This unique fishery can have remarkable hatches and produce trophy resident brown and rainbow trout.

South Holston Float
During generation the South Holston rises to become literally a big water float. Deep nymphing, streamer fishing, and dry fly fishing can all occur on this 6 mile float. The Blue Wing Olive and Sulphur hatches occur in great concentration near the oxygenated weir dam and can convince trophies to rise on the surface. The increased volume of water stirs smaller fish and energizes larger fish to feed on these stunned victims. Our guides have learned from experience where these fish can hold, and what bugs to use to find these elusive trout.

South Holston Wade
The eleven miles of this tailwater have all been explored over the past two decades by the Appalachian Angler. We know each stretch of water intimately and can seek the best time and place to fish for these increasingly wary fish. With no generation from the dam the South Holston must be approached with stealthiness and long leaders. We have guides that spend years pursuing these fish in their most vulnerable positions. This is a great trip to challenge the experienced angler, and can also give an opportunity to build basic tailwater tactics.