Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tennessee
The guided Smallmouth Bass Fishing trip targeting trophy smallmouth bass on the South Holston River is an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Armed with heavy 8-weight rods and 4-6” articulated streamers, we fish the river’s rugged rock bars, deep pools, and swirling eddies where big smallies lie in wait. These bass are aggressive predators, using the current and structure to ambush baitfish, and throwing big streamers mimics their natural prey perfectly. It’s a dynamic style of fishing that requires precise casting, a fast retrieve, and a readiness for explosive strikes that can shake the river.
The South Holston is a world-class smallmouth fishery, and with jet boat access, we explore stretches that see little pressure. We focus on deep runs around boulders, undercut banks, and submerged timber—prime ambush spots for trophy bass. The action is intense and rewarding, making each trip a memorable chase for the river’s hardest-fighting fish.
Target Species
Each season brings a different rhythm to the river, but the thrill of throwing big streamers and chasing trophy smallies never fades. Let me know if you want tips on gear or fly patterns for each season!
Spring (March–May)
Spring is an exciting time as smallmouth bass move upriver into shallower water to spawn. They become highly aggressive and territorial, making streamer fishing especially effective. You’ll find them staging near rock bars, gravel beds, and shallow flats. This period is all about fast retrieves and covering water to trigger those explosive strikes as bass defend their nests or hunt actively.
Summer (June–August)
As summer heats up, the smallmouths tend to move into shallow, very fast moving waters with high oxygen content. We’re fishing our streamers on floating lives this time of year and fishing fast for explosive strikes on the surface. Early mornings, evenings, and overcast days offer the best opportunities, and night fishing with streamers can also be very productive.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is one of the best times for streamer fishing on the South Holston. Smallmouth bass bulk up for winter and become more aggressive hunters. They roam larger areas chasing baitfish, often congregating around deep runs, points, and channel edges. This is when you can really target trophy fish on big streamers as their appetite peaks.
Winter (December–February)
In winter, bass slow down but still need to feed, especially on mild days. They tend to hold tight in deeper pools and near submerged structures. Fishing big streamers can still be very effective, but patience is key. Focus on slower retrieves and working deep cover carefully. This slower pace can still reward anglers with some of the biggest smallmouth of the year.
Where We Fish
Most of our smallmouth trips take place on lower sections of the South Holston River, downstream of the trout stretches, where the water warms up and becomes more suitable for warmwater species. We also venture into connected tributaries and tailouts of impoundments where smallmouth feed aggressively, especially during seasonal transitions.
Our jet boats let us explore remote stretches that rarely see pressure—pockets of water with perfect smallmouth structure that most anglers can’t reach. By rotating between river sections based on flows, clarity, and season, we stay dialed into where the big fish are hunting.
What's Included
Trophy fishing can be hard work! We include everything you need to ensure the day is as enjoyable as possible. Along with all the fishing equipment, each full-day trip includes a delicious lunch, soft drinks, bottled water, and snacks. For half-day trips, snacks, soft drinks, and bottled water are also provided.
Trips include:
- Rods
- Reels
- Flies
- Leaders
- Tippet
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Full-day trips include lunch
What To Bring
Please remember to bring a valid TN fishing license, as well as clothing and gear suited to the day’s weather. Polarized sunglasses, a brimmed hat, and sun gear like a buff are highly recommended—especially during the summer months between 11 AM and 3 PM. Pack sunscreen, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, quick-dry pants, and footwear with a heel strap (such as sandals or water shoes). If rain is in the forecast, be sure to bring a quality rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof boots to stay comfortable on the water.
- TN fishing license
- Hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sun gear
- Rain gear (if necessary)
- We’re pretty flexible with what you bring, but we do request you do not bring spinning gear. We are exclusively fly fishing.
Trophy Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tennessee FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.