- (252) 945-9715
- RICHARD@TARPAMGUIDE.COM
Southwest Virginia is broadly located in Central Appalachia, but more narrowly is known as the Heart of Appalachia. The region is geographically defined as the Ridge and Valley Province of Virginia, characterized by three major river basins separated by high mountain ridges.
We primarily service 3 rivers which comprise the Upper Tennessee River system: the Holston, Clinch, and Powell. They flow northeast to southwest from Virginia into Tennessee. They are limestone based, which creates a very diverse and prolific environment for the forage species that smallmouth eat. High water quality and high food abundance enable a healthy smallmouth fishery. These rivers are in very rural areas with very little development along the banks. On most floats, you won’t see another person, much less another fisherman.
We offer float trips on virtually all of the floatable water in this region. We also have access to rivers in Western NC and East Tennessee when conditions demand a move. We have approximately 300 miles of floatable water in Southwest Virginia alone and several hundred more miles within a 2 hour drive.
Southwest Virginia, the Heart of Appalachia, has three smallmouth rivers: Holston, Clinch, and Powell. These rivers flow out of Virginia into Tennessee and offer high quality habitat for smallmouth bass.
The North Fork of the Holston River is a premier trophy smallmouth bass fishery in Southwest Virginia. It flows 140 miles into Tennessee and is known for trophy bass fishing. Its diverse structure and fertile waters support thriving bass populations where fish grow big and old. If you want a big smallmouth, this is the place where they live.
The Clinch, “the crown jewel of the mountain empire,” flows 135 miles from Virginia into Tennessee. The upper Clinch is smaller with a higher gradient, with the appearance of a large trout stream while the lower sections are characterized by intermittent rapid and pool sections. The Clinch is the most biologically diverse river in the southern Appalachians and is host to an incredible variety of freshwater aquatic life.
The Powell River is the second most biodiverse in Appalachia, flowing through Wise and Lee Counties to join the Clinch at Norris Lake. Its clear waters attract anglers for smallmouth and redeye bass. The river has riffles, rocky runs, and deep pools, ideal for floating and fishing. Its smaller size and high clarity allow for thrilling sight fishing in summer set in an intimate natural setting.
Float fishing for smallmouth offers the scenery of a clear river and the thrill of bass fishing. You’ll float several miles in our Flycraft raft while Capt. Richard positions you for the best casts. The fishing is active throughout, targeting structures like rock gardens and boulder runs. Smallmouth gather behind anything that disrupts the current and are aggressive feeders.
Most fish are 10 to 17 inches, with 18-inchers appearing regularly, and 20-inch trophies possible. A 20-inch river smallmouth could be 20 years old, surviving many environmental changes.
Choose from full-day float trips or multi-day fishing packages with lodging on Southwest Virginia’s premier smallmouth rivers.
Capt. Richard chooses the best river each day based on current flows, weather, and where the fishing has been strongest. All three rivers are productive throughout the season and each offers something different. On a multi-day package you will fish more than one river across the two days.
No. These rivers run through some of the most rural and undeveloped country in Southwest Virginia. On most floats you won’t see another person on the water.
All three are limestone based, which supports a very diverse and prolific environment for the forage species that smallmouth eat. High water quality and high food abundance enable a healthy smallmouth fishery throughout the season.
Yes. To be most versatile in changing flow conditions throughout the summer, we float multiple rivers across Southwest Virginia, Western NC, and East Tennessee. We have well over 300 river miles at our disposal.
Our season runs mid-May through mid-August. Prime weekends fill early. Give us a call to lock in your dates.
