Virginia
South Fork Holston River near Damascus
Current River Rating
Poor · 37
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is recommended while current river conditions remain Poor.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Cautions
- Recent observed air temperature suggests unfavorable river water temperature for trout. Verify with a stream thermometer; this is not a measured water temperature.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 160 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.61 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Sep 5, 2026, 7:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 03473000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
68°F
Feels like
72°F
Wind
1 mph E
Wind gust
4 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 5, 2026, 1:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Sat 4 AM
Clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Sat 8 AM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Sat 12 PM
Clear
Temp 87°F
Chance 7%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Sat 4 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 92°F
Chance 15%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Sat 8 PM
Clear
Temp 78°F
Chance 17%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sun 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 73°F
Chance 7%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 0 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sat, Sep 5
Overcast
High 92°F / Low 67°F
Chance 30%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Sun, Sep 6
Overcast
High 85°F / Low 66°F
Chance 38%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 80°F / Low 65°F
Chance 6%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 86°F / Low 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
South Fork Holston River near Damascus, Virginia. Virginia DWR lists South Fork Holston among leading designated stocked trout waters. Coordinates are the USGS monitoring point. Distinct from the Whitetop Laurel catalog row.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at South Fork Holston River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Virginia DWR lists South Fork Holston among leading designated stocked trout waters.
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR designated stocked trout water.
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR designated stocked trout water.
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR trout water; brook trout where the named reach supports them.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Stocked
Best seasons
- Spring
- Fall
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Spinning
Stocking information
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Stocked
Brook Trout
Stocked · Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Virginia
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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