guided fishing trips at south holston river lodge

I found this place by accident on the Internet, when looking for somewhere close to Florida to go trout fishing. Boy, am I glad I did. I had the opportunity to vist the lodge this month for 3 nights, and had a wonderful and relaxing time. This beatiful lodge and cabins right on the river, is set in a relaxing and beautiful riverside location, rural, but with all the comforts of home. At one time a private residence, this all inclusive fishing lodge is ably run by the team of Jon and Tony, ably assisted by the team of chefs Joe and Kayla, and Tony's dog, who fulfills the role of professional greeter. There is also a lovely young woman whose name I unfortunately forget, who takes care of the housekeeping. From the time I was picked up at the Tri-City airport by Jon, till the time I was returned there, I was taken care of in a way hard to find in this day and age anywhere. Nothing was too much trouble, the food and drink were bountiful, and the fishing challenging but fun. Ah yes, the fishing. The South Holston, which is a beautiful river, has abundant native brown and rainbow trout. Smaller fish are very plentiful, and not too difficult to catch. However, I saw, but did not succeed in tempting, many fish in the 5-8 lb range, which is the real treasure of the South Holston fishery, and one that will bring me back again to fish there. Additionally, the South Holston is an almost year round fishery, with the winter months often providing the best fishing of the year if you can stand a bit of cold weather.As to the title of this review, that is what I felt when I left the lodge, as though I had been to Trout University. The variety of techniques used in one day at South Holston to catch trout, and the vast knowledge of Jon Hooper as to catching trout on the fly, would give any angler a real education in the art of trout fly fishing. In my opinion the South Holston is really where it is at for any serious trout fisherman, challenging conditions, great fishing techniques and situations, and catch and release fishing for native trout in beautiful yet luxurious and comfortable surroundings. Don't miss the experience of the South Holston River Lodge, it should be on everyone's "must visit" list.