- (252) 945-9715
- RICHARD@TARPAMGUIDE.COM
The Powell River is a hidden gem of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, renowned for its outstanding smallmouth bass fishery. It’s widely known as the second most biodiverse river in Appalachia, second only to the Clinch. Originating in the Appalachian highlands near Norton, Virginia, the river flows southwest through rugged valleys in Wise and Lee Counties before flowing into Tennessee and joining the Clinch River in Tennessee at Norris Lake. Its clear emerald green and turquoise tones, fertile waters, and varied structure have made it a favorite among anglers seeking high numbers of smallmouth and redeye (rock) bass.
The Powell features a mix of shallow riffles, rocky runs, deep pools, and undercut banks, creating ideal habitat for strong smallmouth populations. Abundant forage — including crayfish, minnows, and insect life — encourages aggressive feeding throughout the spring, summer, and fall. While casting from the raft, anglers can expect consistent action and healthy, hard-fighting fish.
Framed by rolling Appalachian hills, forested ridges, and pastoral valleys, the Powell River offers a scenic and memorable smallmouth float fishing experience. Its combination of accessible water, diverse structure, and high-quality fishing makes it one of the region’s most rewarding destinations.
In addition to high numbers of smallmouth bass, the Powell also hosts the region’s most robust redeye (rock) bass population, a bonus species that adds variety to the day. Redeye bass are a smaller, closely related species to smallmouth. They’re aggressive and fun to catch on light tackle or fly gear. The Powell has more redeyes than any other river in the region.
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 Powell runs through some of the most rural and undeveloped country in Southwest Virginia. Don’t expect cell service or company on the water. That’s the appeal.
The fishing is active the entire float. You’re casting to structure constantly: rock gardens, boulder runs, riffles, ledges, undercut banks, and deep pools. The topwater fishing on the Powell is especially productive because fish can see surface presentations from a distance, and the blowups in those clear pools are spectacular.
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. On the Powell, the addition of redeye bass means there is rarely a slow stretch of river.
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 changes. The Powell is known for high numbers of fish, with quantity over quality; however, trophy fish can and have made an appearance.
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 Powell is one of three primary options and he will always put you on the best water available.
Redeye bass are a smaller, closely related species to smallmouth. They’re aggressive and fun to catch on light tackle or fly gear. The Powell is one of the best rivers in the region for them.
Yes. It flows through some of the most rural and undeveloped country in Southwest Virginia. Don’t expect cell service or company on the water. That’s the appeal.
The entire mid-May through mid-August season fishes well. The Powell’s clarity makes it especially productive for topwater fishing in July and August when the water is at its lowest and clearest.
Our season runs mid-May through mid-August. Prime weekends fill early. Give us a call to lock in your dates.
