Testimonials

"I am starting to come back down to earth after my trip to fly fishing heaven, aka South Holston River Lodge. I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to fly fish most of the world’s great game fish destinations and stay at many “world Class” lodges. South Holston River Lodge stacks up favorably to all of them. Your accommodations, staff, service, meals and guides are truly “world class.” Your, Tony and Mark’s attention to details and service was truly amazing. After reviewing your detailed pre-trip planning package fellow outdoor writer Beau Beasley and I knew we were in for a special trip. As for the fishing, well I think Lefty hit the nail on the head when he said, “Perhaps the best fly fishing in the east.” Last summer my close friend Ed Jaworowski arranged for us to have a photo shoot with Lefty on the Gunpowder River in Maryland for my next book, “Eastern Trophy Tailwaters.” Lefty asked me if I was going to include the Watauga and South Holston Rivers in the book and when I told him I was planning to he told me I had to have the pleasure of staying at South Holston River Lodge and followed up with an e-mail with your contact information. When most anglers think of trophy trout in the lower 48,they think of the Rockies. However, I would be hard pressed to come up with two rivers within a half hour of each other, anywhere that can match the fishery you have at South Holston River Lodge. Jon, while I was enjoying your little piece of heaven, my wife was in Paris with her three sisters. I felt sorry for her, sometimes she gets the short straw. Beau and I look forward to many return visits and I look forward to sending you a copy of Eastern Trophy Tailwaters when it comes out next year. Thank you for everything! "
-Tom Gilmore, President Emeritus

"17 miles of heaven. That's the South Holston River which runs from the South Holston Dam down to Boone Lake. And somewhere about in the middle perched on a hillside riverbank sits the South Holston River Lodge. A perfect place and location to come and stay and take on the river below. My wife and I visited on a Monday and Tuesday in the last week of April. We had met Jon at the Lancaster PA fly fishing show and booked our trip at that time as we had already planned a trip to Gatlinburg Tennessee during that month. From the instant we arrived Jon made us feel welcome and comfortable. By the time we left we counted him among our good friends. The facilities are absolutely perfect. We stayed in the Blue WIng but checked out two of the other cabins in anticipation of a return trip. Any of them would have been more than satisfactory. A better word would be splendid. Now for the fishing. Two days of totally guided float trips. THe first ever for my wife and second for me. But it is most assuredly the best way to fish this river. The brown trout are all wild and while some rainbows are stocked, the ones we caught were wild, healthy and each put up a memorable fight. We had our breakfasts and dinners at the lodge and lunch on the river. All the food was exceptional. We will be back. Now if you think we are overly enthusiastic about this place and trip. (I'll just say my wife traditionally changes tables at restaurants two or three times and sends back poorly cooked food like nobody's business.) We suggest you come down and form your own opinions. "
-Steve and Bonnie Smith, Allentown, PA

"This was my first experience fly fishing. It could not have been a better experience. From the hospitality the minute we arrived, the accommodations, the food, the days floating down the river with amazing guides and how could I forget to mention all the trout we caught, it was perfect. Having Lefty Kreh with us didn't hurt either!"
-Bennet B., Baltimore MD

"Jon, my sincerest thanks for a wonderful time at the lodge, this is by far one of the best I have seen and definitely rivals the west without those long travel days."
-Kevin G., South Carolina

"Thank you Jon, Angela and Bill for all of your wonderful hospitality,what a terrific Lodge you have. Fishing was oustanding Jon Is a fantastic guide, he helped us land many super rainbows and beatiful browns....What Fun! We REALLY enjoyed our stay."
-Dusty and Sandy Rhodes, Marietta GA.

"The South Holston River Lodge is extrodinary on so many levels. The view of the river was so mesmorizing that I allowed myself to be checkmated by an inferior chess player. What other fishing Lodge has such a rare collection of fly fishing books. The food was remarkable, Most notable However, was the kind and thoughtful service of the staff that seemed to anticipate every wish and desire. This is a special place......"
- Capt. Jeffery Cardenas, Key West FL
Pulitzer Prize nominee, author, Marquesa and founder of Salt Water Angler

"Awesome fishing, awesome location and accomodations. Thanks, will be back."
- Carl, Roanoke VA

"Thank you for a wonderful stay. Great fishing, great folks. Will definately be back."
- Tina B.

"The accomodations are wonderful, the river exceptional. Thank you for all of your efforts to make our weekend of fly fishing fantastic. All of the veterans and active duty personnel were thoroughly impressed and want to return soon. Your willingness to work and support project healing waters and those who served is greatly appreciated. I personally want to thank you for your efforts to accomodate our program of fly fishers in friendship and fidelity. Best regards."
- Myron B. (Project Healing Waters)

"Great! Wondeful! As usual, we had a wonderful time. Night rapids were the best! Thank you. We will return."
- Neal & Terri, South Carolina