South Holston Lake is known for its clear blue water, long mountain coves, and peaceful shoreline. TVA maintains recreation areas, fishing access, boat ramps, and public spaces that make the lake a year-round destination. Residents can boat, kayak, paddleboard, or enjoy weekend picnics. Anglers appreciate the lake’s reputation for bass, walleye, and trout fed by cold mountain streams. For anyone who loves water, South Holston adds an unmatched lifestyle benefit.
Kayaking
South Holston Lake has plenty of options for hitting the water, including the Washington County Park in Abingdon. Two public boat launches are operated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), and visiting paddlers can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at the Sportsmans Marina in Abingdon. Kayakers still itching for a little moving water can also explore the nearby North Fork of the Holston River, a hotspot for smallmouth bass.
Boating
Recreational boaters have plenty to explore, including 23.2 river miles of water and 182 miles of shoreline. There are a handful of marinas scattered over the lakeshore in both Virginia and Tennessee offering launch and storage facilities, in addition to daily pontoon rentals. The regional options on the South Holston Lake for boaters in Southwest Virginia include the Sportsmans Marina in Abingdon, Virginia and the Laurel Marina & Yacht Club, the Painter Creek Marina, and the Friendship Resort and Marina in Bristol, Tennessee.
Fishing
The reservoir is loaded with sought after sportfish, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and walleye, in addition to foraging fish, like gizzard shad and alewives. Other alluring species include monstrous channel catfish, common carp, and quillback. Plus, the lake is also stocked with brown, rainbow, and lake trout. Southwest Virginia is home to some of the strongest fly-fishing waters in the Southeast. The South Holston River, known for its steady water flow and vibrant trout population, consistently attracts anglers from across the country. Anyone hoping to fish the dual-state lake must pick up an annual South Holston Fishing License.
