Matt hayes, Wild Fisherman Trysil, Norway highlights from Espen Eilertsen on Vimeo.

You can also visit the Platte River Fly Shop on their Facebook Page to check out some more incredible trout.

The South Holston Fly Fishing Fest is a benefit for the River’s Way, a local United Way ranch on the banks of the South Holston River.  The Festival was held in at Sugar Hollow Park outside of Bristol, VA.  It was a beautiful outdoor venue,  with a casting pond, demonstration tent, and a large vendor tent.  Kelly Galloup and Beau Beasley were the guest speakers, along with a round table with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

I got the chance to meet some of my customers face to face, as well as the opportunity to make a few new ones.  All in all it was a good time had by everyone.

Main Tent and Eating Area

Kelly Speaking to a Full House

That night  Kelly and I joined Jimmy from Mahoney’s Sportsman to fish a section of the South Holston.  We were chasing the big bad browns that only come out at dark.  We started fishing around mid-night, and started getting some consistent action about an hour into the drift. Unfortunately, about the time we started hooking some fish a powerful thunder/lighting storm chased us off the river.

The next day I got up early to fish with Orvis Guide Patrick Fulkrod of Mountain Sports Limited in Bristol VA.  I was a little tired from the night before, but a few Red Bulls and I was ready to go.  We fished the New River in Virginia, one of the oldest rivers in the world!  It runs South to North, against the slope of the Appalachian Range. The section we fished was a warm water fishery, we fished for Small Mouth Bass and I had a blast.  River small mouth are vicious fighters and really tough, pound for pound.

New River cuts a deep gorge through tree covered hills and towering limestone cliffs

"I see you baby........"

The next day Patrick took me out to fish the South Holston river, both at low water and during generation.  We had good dry fly fishing and even pulled a few fish out on streamers.  The Sulfur Dunn hatch was thick and the trout were too, I would highly recommend a fishing trip to the South Holston.  It has a fast current and cold water when the TVA is generating, if it had not been so humid and the hills so green – I could have sworn I was out west.

Take a trip to the Bristol area for some great fishing.  I traveled from Idaho, and it was well worth it.  Add it to your bucket list.

3^rd Annual South Holston Fly Fishing and Arts Fest

For the third straight year the South Holston Fly Fishing and Arts Fest will again be providing the opportunity for anglers and artists alike to come together in celebrating the beautiful and timeless tradition of fly fishing. The Festival has changed locations and will be at Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, VA, on Saturday, August 13, from 9 AM-6 PM. This event is intended for anyone who has an interest in fly fishing or the arts, whether it’s as a novice or someone who has been in the sport for decades. The Festival will have over 50 exhibitors (fly shops, artists, sales reps, guide services and lodges), as well as continuous presentations from the very best in the industry, with Kelly Galloup and Beau Beasley as headliners alongside local legends Tim Landis, Bruce Wankel, and Mike Adams. The South Holston Fly Fishing and Arts Fest has a focus on the artistic side of fly fishing, with dozens of artists showcasing their work ranging from fly tying to boat building, bamboo rod construction to photography, painting to wood carving. This is truly a unique experience for those who are looking for more than just a typical trade show. If you tie flies, bring your vise. There will be plenty of opportunities to tie with the very best the industry has to offer!

The Festival has drawn anglers and artists from all over the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, gaining a reputation as a unique opportunity for fly anglers of all ages and skill levels. An 80’ casting pond is available for demonstrations and casting practice, as well as a youth casting clinic. Several fly fishing-based non-profits will be exhibiting, too: Project Healing Waters (therapeutic organization working with wounded veterans), Casting for Recovery (raising awareness and healing women who have battled breast cancer), and Trout Unlimited (one of the nation’s most impactful conservation organizations). Eatz on Moore Street will be dishing out plates of tasty BBQ and vegetarian cuisine throughout the event, so bring your appetite. A huge pool of raffle prizes will be available, as well, providing a few lucky souls the opportunity to go home with a trunk-load of gear and art!

Tickets are $10/person, with youth 16 and under and US military personnel gaining free admission. All proceeds go towards supporting River’s Way, a local non-profit organization serving youth with disabilities and local students through socially-focused adventure and team building initiatives. For more info please visit the Festivals’ website at www.southholstonflyfishingfest.com, or email Knox Campbell at knox@riversway.org. You can also visit us on Facebook. Hope to see you there!