Spend your Appalachian Mountain vacation enjoying the fresh waters of Watauga Lake, TN and the surrounding rivers and streams. Area water sports and activities include, fly fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. You don’t even have to leave the lake to have a great meal – just drop in at the Cove Ridge Marina. Be sure to check out our Outdoor Sports and Adventure page to find out other ways you can experience the great outdoors during your Johnson County, Tennessee getaway.

Boat rentals on Watauga Lake

Fish Springs Marina

Fish Springs is a full service boat rental and slip rental business.

Rent a pontoon boat (anyone can drive one) and enjoy a picnic in the middle of the lake floating gently along, or pull up in one of the coves or islands and explore. Call Tom at 423-768-2336 to reserve your day on the water.

Jump off the side of the boat and enjoy a refreshing swim in Watauga, the third cleanest lake in the US.

The Toy Box

Capt. Wally has a fully equipped boat to take your family on the lake for a day of kayaking, fishing, swimming and floating over the town of “Old Butler,” now 300’ under the lake. Learn about “the town that wouldn’t drown,” or enjoy a sunset cruise with wine and snacks as you watch the sun slowly sink behind Iron Mountain.

Cove Ridge Marina

Grill right on the water serving breakfast and sandwiches until 7:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch. Have a boat? Rent a slip for the summer months and enjoy the lake. Catering to house boaters.

Fly Fishing Trips - Float or Wade

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly fish? Mike Adams of Adams Fly Fishing will take you out and teach you the basics, or if you are experienced, Mike knows the perfect trophy streams where catch and release means fine fishing year after year.

Fly fish for trout, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and others in the pristine waters of Watauga River or Lake. Also enjoy fishing the South Holston, the New or Nolichucky Rivers and back country streams known only to your certified guide.

Catch and release fishing means bigger fish and better fishing.

So come, let us help you discover the "most challenging, interesting and abundant fishing found anywhere." Call Ollie Smith at 828-963-7357 or Jordan Conway at 828-264-6497

New River Canoe/Tubing Adventures

Canoe the New River with New River Outfitters, Jefferson, NC. Short or long trips allow you to enjoy America's first historic river by kayak, tubing or canoe. Call for reservations and pick-up locations. 800-982-9190

The Appalachian Angler, Fly Shop and Guide Service

For float-in or wade-in fishing excursions, give these experienced guides a call at 828-963-5050 Or, if you just need some new fishing equipment, call the Fly Shop at 828-963-8383.