What flies are hatching on the Watauga River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Watauga River include Quill Gordon, Hendrickson, Sulphur. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Watauga River?

The Watauga River is running at 203 CFS at the Near Sugar Grove gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Watauga River fishable today?

Yes — Watauga River is rated fishable right now. Current flow is 203 CFS at the Near Sugar Grove gauge.

Watauga River Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Watauga River — Near Sugar Grove

Fishable

203CFS

Discharge

2.16ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 48 min agoView on USGS ↗

24-Hr Pressure

25.54 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

60°FMainly clear

Wind 7 mph25.54 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌫️

Foggy

71° / 58°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

70° / 60°

Wed

🌧️

Rain

71° / 60°

0.27"

Thu

⛈️

Thunderstorm + hail

75° / 58°

0.37"

Stable conditions — watch for afternoon hatches, especially BWOs on overcast stretches.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

9

Time of Day

Using: 203 CFS · Terrestrial peak. Sparse hatches midday — fish stay on attractors and hopper-droppers. Cold mornings

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Watauga River conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Watauga River · August · Late Summer

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

Terrestrial peak. Sparse hatches midday — fish stay on attractors and hopper-droppers. Cold mornings, warm afternoons — fish dawn and evening.

Terrestrials

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Watauga River

The upper Watauga near Banner Elk and Boone offers classic Southern Appalachian trout fishing with wild and stocked rainbow and brown trout. Higher elevation keeps water temperatures cool all season — excellent summer fishing when lowland streams blow out.

Quill GordonHendricksonSulphurYellow SallyLight CahillBlue-Winged OliveMidge

Regulations

Hatchery Supported and Wild Trout water sections. Check NCWRC for current regulations and stocking schedule.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Watauga River with more confidence.