March Trophy Trout Report – Holston River Fishing Update
We’re happy to share this month’s Holston River Fishing Update for March. This is easily one of the best times of year to land a trophy brown or rainbow trout on the Holston and Watauga Rivers. Over just a dozen trips in Tennessee this month, our clients landed 10 trout over 20 inches — with several pushing well into the high 20s.
This Months Big Catch
The fish of the month goes to Ben Boehm, son of longtime client David Boehm, who landed a massive 27-inch male brown trout on March 17th. (See headline photo.)
Runner-up? Don Baggett, who netted a 25-inch brown trout — pictured above.
Smith River Action
Meanwhile, on Virginia’s Smith River, Guide Carter Ailsworth continues to put anglers on quality fish. On just a few trips this March, his clients brought in wild brown trout between 18 and 22 inches.
Pre-Hatch Season: Caddis and Spring Nymphs Heating Up
Right now, Tennessee trout are shifting into pre-hatch feeding mode — especially with the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch just around the corner. They’re actively feeding on larger spring nymphs and caddis larva.
Best Producing Flies:
- Red soft hackles
- Green soft hackles
- Peacock soft hackles
- Large prince nymphs (sizes 14–10)
(See fly photos below.)
Streamer fishing has also been productive during higher flows — especially for anglers chasing big, aggressive fish. Many of this month’s trophy trout came on large caddis nymphs, fished on 4X tippet before things get more technical in May.
Want Trophy Fish on the Smith River?
People often ask how Guide Carter Ailsworth consistently puts clients on large trout in Virginia. Let’s just say… that information is reserved for those who fish with us.
If you’re serious about catching wild brown trout over 20 inches, especially on the Smith, get in touch — we’ll put you on the right water at the right time. Keep checking the website for our Holston River Fishing Updates to stay up to date with everything going on.
