Home / Rivers / Holston River
136 miles

Holston River

The Holston flows from Kingsport to Knoxville, where it joins the French Broad to form the Tennessee River. Its North, Middle and South forks drain parts of Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.

N20 mi
Course of the river, simplified. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Air temp Loading…

River facts

Length136 miles
SourceBland County, Virginia
MouthKnoxville, where it forms the Tennessee River
FishSmallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout

The North Fork in Virginia is known as an excellent smallmouth bass river, though fish from below Saltville must not be eaten because of mercury. The first 20 miles below South Holston Dam and the South Fork in Virginia are quality trout waters. The river is wide and open enough for fly fishing.

Listed fish are the species named for the river on its Wikipedia page. Check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for river-specific regulations before you fish.

Lakes and flowages on the Holston River

Lakes in our guide on or connected to this river:

Source: Holston River (Wikipedia)

← All rivers

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map to follow the river past roads and towns. Red pins are boat ramps and launches. Tap a pin for directions.