- (252) 945-9715
- RICHARD@TARPAMGUIDE.COM
The North Fork of the Holston River is one of Southwest Virginia’s premier smallmouth bass fisheries. Originating in Bland County, Virginia, the river flows southwesterly approximately 140 miles through Smyth, Washington, and Scott Counties before crossing into Tennessee and eventually joining the main stem of the Holston River in Kingsport. Below Saltville, it has been regarded as one of the region’s most consistent and productive trophy smallmouth bass fisheries. The North Fork’s diverse structure, long riffles, shallow shoals, rocky ledges, and deep bends, creates ideal habitat for thriving smallmouth bass populations. Its fertile waters support abundant forage, including minnows, darters, crayfish, and other baitfish species that fuel aggressive feeding behavior throughout the season. From spring prespawn through the heat of summer, the river provides dependable action and opportunities at large mature bronzebacks.
Known for both numbers and size, the North Fork produces hard-fighting, well-conditioned smallmouth that embody everything anglers love about Appalachian river fishing. Set against rolling farmland and forested hills, the river offers a classic Virginia float, scenic, dynamic, and rich with opportunity from the first cast to the las
You’ll spend 7 to 8 hours on the water, floating several miles of river in our Flycraft raft while Capt. Richard rows and positions you for the best casts. The North Fork runs through extremely rural country with very little development along the banks. On most floats you won’t see another person on the water.
The fishing is active the entire float. You’re casting to structure constantly: rock gardens, boulder runs, riffles, ledges, undercut banks, and deep bends. Smallmouth stack up behind anything that breaks current, and they’re aggressive feeders in these fertile, limestone-based waters.
The majority of the fish we catch are in the 10 to 17 inch range. Fish over 18 inches show up regularly, and 20-inch trophy fish are always possible. A 20-inch river smallmouth might be 20 years old. Two decades is a long time living in a river and surviving many droughts, floods, and other dramatic changes in their habitat. The North Fork is known for both numbers and size, and the fish here are well-conditioned and fight hard in current.
Most fish we catch are 10 to 17 inches. Fish over 18 inches appear often, and 20-inch trophies are possible. A 20-inch smallmouth could be 20 years old, surviving many of nature’s ups and downs. The North Fork is known for size and numbers, with strong, well-conditioned fish.
Choose from full-day float trips or multi-day fishing packages with lodging on Southwest Virginia’s premier smallmouth rivers.
It depends on conditions. Capt. Richard chooses the best river each day based on flows, weather, and where the fishing has been strongest. The North Fork is one of three primary options and he will always put you on the best water available.
No. The river runs through rural Southwest Virginia with very little development along the banks. On most floats you won’t see another person on the water.
Our season runs mid-May through mid-August. Prime weekends fill early. Give us a call to lock in your dates.
