The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
South Holston Lake
Sullivan County, Tennessee · 7,580 acres (11.8 sq mi)
60°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake is a reservoir in Sullivan County, Tennessee, covering 7,580 acres. It was made by South Holston Dam on the South Fork Holston. South Holston Lake is a deep TVA reservoir in upper East Tennessee fed by the South Fork Holston River.
It stretches about 11 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 68 miles. The water sits about 1,720 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 250 ft. The nearest town, Abingdon, is about 5.1 miles north. Johnson City, the nearest city, is about 18 miles southwest.
- Size
- 7,580 acres (11.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 250 ft
- Shoreline
- About 68 miles
- End to end
- About 11 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,720 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- South Holston Dam, South Fork Holston
- County
- Sullivan County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in South Holston Lake
Anglers come to South Holston Lake for bluegill and sunfish, crappie, walleye and catfish. With the surface at 60°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:04 am · sunset 5:20 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near South Holston Lake
- Abingdonabout 5.1 mi north
- Fairmountabout 6.2 mi west
- Bristolabout 7.4 mi west
- Bristolabout 7.4 mi west
- Johnson Citynearest city, about 18 mi southwest
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Questions about South Holston Lake
What fish are in South Holston Lake?
South Holston Lake holds bluegill and sunfish, crappie, walleye and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is South Holston Lake?
About 250 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is South Holston Lake?
7,580 acres, with about 68 miles of shoreline.
What town is near South Holston Lake?
Abingdon is about 5.1 miles north; Fairmount is about 6.2 miles west.
What is the water temperature at South Holston Lake today?
The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
South Holston Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
