The big reservoir, most of which lies in Tennessee, also provides excellent crappie fishing, along with largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and bluegill. In spring, white bass, and recently, walleye, run out of the lake and up the South Fork of the Holston, which parallels the trail to mile 13. However, access is limited, and visitors must obtain landowner permission if they have to cross private property to reach the water. East of Damascus, the trail parallels Whitetop Laurel Creek, one of the state's best streams for stocked trout. Above the Straight Branch tributary, Whitetop Laurel is a native trout stream.
Special regulations apply.
Check the fishing regulations booklet available wherever licenses are sold. Abingdon, Watauga, Alvarado, Damascus, Iron Bridge, Straight Branch, Taylors Valley, Creek Junction, Callahan's Crossing, Green Cove Station, and Whitetop Station. Turn south off East Main Street onto Pecan Street. Go .2 mile. Look on left for the steam locomotive on permanent display at the trailhead.