The Gorgeous, Little-Known River Is One Of The Most Underrated Fishing Spots In Tennessee

Our landscape is filled with scenic bodies of water here in the Volunteer State, but one spot really does shimmer above the others when it comes to casting a line. Fishing in the Watauga River offers up some of the best places to sit back and relax while floating downstream. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the fish are all very eager to nibble on your line.

The Watauga River starts in North Carolina and weaves through the landscape into East Tennessee, ending at South Holston Lake. Along the way, there are many great spots to enjoy the river and allow the flowing water to wash over you like the beauty of its surroundings.

The mountains of East Tennessee are among my favorites and following this body of water gives you some of the best views of the land. This photo is taken on a rainy day around Boone Lake, a body of water through which the river flows.

The TVA is nationally known for their brilliant work in hydroelectric power and have also made good use of the Watauga River. What once was a place prone to flooding is no longer an issue thanks to their progressive work in waterways. The dam at Watauga Lake is a fun stop along the way, but will break up the trip along the river if you hope to take a boat down the whole river.

However, the dam has allowed the valley in Butler to fill and create my favorite body of water, Watauga Lake. This stunningly blue body of water is a great place to launch your vessel of choice and take a tranquil voyage.

The river flows further from there and you will find hidden spots all along the banks. This spot I took a picture of is a local secret! The underwater rock creates a ledge and when the water level is lower, the ledge creates a waterfall effect.

I have seen many people boating down and catching some fish. I talked to one older gentleman one time while looking at the river and he said he has fished all over the country and this one spot where the ledge is located has been the single best place he has ever cast a line! I can’t let you know the exact location because fisherman have their secrets, but I will say it is certainly part of the Watauga River.

Another great spot for just enjoying the river is at Sycamore Shoals. There is a simple trail in the park that follows right along the water's edge. The water gets particularly exciting around the shoals as the flow picks up and creates churning waters around the rocks, thus the name Sycamore Shoals.

This little nature walk is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and is filled with fascinating history. Whenever I have family come into town I try to take them to this scenic spot so they can fully enjoy the beauty of Tennessee, something I am blessed to witness every day.

Have you ever gone fishing in the Watauga River? While you are looking for new places to cast a line make sure you check out these fishing spots in Middle Tennessee.