Watauga River is kept in the low to mid 50s all summer long due to the release of water from Wilbur Reservoir. During the summer kayak and rafting season the Tennessee Valley Authority maintains a fairly consistent generation schedule that can be found HERE with daily release info found HERE. Normally you can expect the generation to begin between noon and 1:00PM, Monday through Saturday with Sunday being free from generation. These times are subject to change if power is needed so always check the daily release information.
The river conditions themselves are fairly mild even for the new paddlers. We were able to paddle the river, under generation our first time down with no experience at all with no problems. When not generating, which is the best time to fish the river, it is a very easy and relaxing trip.
Siam Bridge to Riverside Park (Upper Section)
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Depending on the water level, which varies throughout the summer with rainfall, there are several areas which may or may not require you to have to get out and drag the kayak through the shallows. The great thing is many of these areas are also nice spots to stop and do a little wade fishing. There are several areas that are over a persons head but for the most part these sections are very calm and can be paddled through with ease. Overall the upper section is our go to section for fishing and just plain having fun. The fishing, even on bad days is excellent, usually resulting in a dozen or more trout being caught between a couple of fishermen.
One of the nicest things about kayaking this section of the river, especially for the inexperienced kayaker is that you are always in sight of houses and normally there are others on the water either fishing or boating. If something were to happen, help is on hand. There are several rafting companies located on the rivers edge as you head down river and on more than one occasion the weather has gone bad on us and each we were offered a spot to get off the water at these rafting companies.
Riverbend boat ramp to CSX Bridge (Trophy Section)
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The fishing itself is on par with the upper section, with the main difference being the potential size of the trout. As per the name the trophy section is stocked with larger trout than other sections of Watauga River. With this in mind there are a different set of regulations that one must adhere to while fishing this section. Check the TWRA site for the most current regulations.
Overall both of these sections are a lot of fun to float and as long as common sense and a little caution is taken then you will have a great time on the water. There is only one spot that I would not recommend the novice kayaker to attempt and that would be at Sycamore Shoals right before you reach Riverbend. There is a drop off in the water that I will not even attempt yet. This is why I do not paddle the short section between Riverside park and Riverbend. Other than this one section I highly recommend anyone to give this river a shot. The trout fishing is outstanding, the water relaxing and scenery breathtaking!
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