Lakes · Holston River lakes
Clear mountain lake on the Tennessee–Virginia line near Bristol; the tailwater below the dam is known for trout.
South Holston Lake sits on the South Fork of the Holston River, which feeds the Holston and, at Knoxville, the Tennessee River (TVA system). The lake runs from Sullivan County, Tennessee, north across the state line into Washington County, Virginia, with wooded ridges on both shores.
It’s a tributary, flood-control lake, so the water is high in summer and drawn down in winter. Below the dam, the South Holston River tailwater is one of the best-known trout rivers in the Southeast — and the water there can rise quickly when TVA releases water.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 · we link to official pages instead of printing water levels, hours or fees.
Sullivan · Washington County, Virginia (north end)
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