EP 970: Jonathan Neyman - The Fly Box

Jonathan Neyman is the owner of The Fly Box, a fly fishing shop and guide service in East Tennessee, just south of Bristol on the Virginia border. He grew up in Northern California's Humboldt County on the South Fork of the Eel River fishing for salmon and steelhead before making his way to Tennessee's legendary tailwater trout fisheries. In this conversation, Jonathan reveals why the South Holston River might be the coldest river you'll ever wade (hint: it has to do with a 250-foot-deep dam), how East Tennessee compares to Montana and Alaska for year-round trout fishing, and what makes this corner of the country a hidden gem that rivals any destination on the fly fishing bucket list. If you're looking to escape hot Florida summers or just want to discover world-class trout fishing without flying to Patagonia, this episode will change your plans.

From California Steelhead to Tennessee Tailwaters

Jonathan Neyman didn't take the typical path to opening a fly shop in Tennessee. He grew up in Humboldt County, California during the 1970s and 80s in what he describes as a much more "peace and love" era than today. His childhood home was on the South Fork of the Eel River, a significant salmon and steelhead fishery that shaped his early fishing education. The decision to leave the West Coast and establish The Fly Box in East Tennessee came down to one critical factor that many Western anglers take for granted: the ability to fish year-round. Jonathan chose Tennessee over making a pilgrimage back out West specifically because the South Holston and Watauga Rivers offer fishable conditions both winter and summer. Jonathan explains his journey from California to Tennessee and what The Fly Box offers starting at 00:07:02.

The 250-Foot-Deep Secret Behind the South Holston's Temperature

Tom Rowland calls the South Holston possibly the coldest river he's ever stepped in, and that includes Alaska and rivers throughout the West. Jonathan reveals the engineering reason behind this bone-chilling characteristic. The South Holston and Holston Rivers originate up in Virginia, and the dam project began in the 1940s, completing around 1951 after World War II. What makes the river so cold is the depth at which water is drawn from the dam: over 250 feet deep. This depth keeps water temperatures consistently in the high 40s to low 50s through winter, and even in the middle of summer, temperatures rarely climb out of the mid-50s. Jonathan notes that locals start to "panic and call TVA" when water temperatures reach the mid-60s during low water periods when generation stops. While many Western rivers face hoot owl restrictions in summer due to warm water, the South Holston has the opposite problem. The full explanation of why this river stays so cold starts at 00:08:49.

Navigating the Tennessee-Virginia Border Waters

The Fly Box sits in a unique geographic location where The state line between Tennessee and Virginia runs right down through the middle of Bristol, meaning you can eat at restaurants on either side depending on which state you prefer. This creates an interesting dynamic for anglers regarding fishing licenses. Jonathan clarifies that the South Holston Lake covers parts of both Tennessee and Virginia with reciprocity between states, but when it comes to the rivers themselves, anglers need a Tennessee license to fish the South Holston or the Watauga. The shop is located just a few minutes south of Bristol, right on the river, making it an ideal staging point for accessing multiple fisheries. For anglers planning a trip from Florida or other parts of the country, understanding these border dynamics and licensing requirements is essential. Jonathan breaks down the geography and licensing details starting at 00:07:31.

Why East Tennessee Rivals Idaho, Montana, and Alaska

Tom makes the case that many anglers overlook Tennessee, North Carolina, and North Georgia when planning trout fishing trips, defaulting instead to Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Canada, Alaska, or Patagonia. While those destinations are undeniably awesome and worth fishing, Jonathan's move to Tennessee was predicated on one major advantage: true year-round fishing. Unlike many Western rivers that face summer heat restrictions or winter ice, the South Holston and Watauga offer consistent fishing in both seasons. The cold tailwater temperatures mean summer fishing remains excellent when other rivers are shutting down, and winter conditions stay fishable when Northern waters freeze. Jonathan specifically chose this region over returning to the West because of this reliability. For anglers looking to escape hot Florida summers or simply wanting to add a new destination to their list without the expense of flying across the country or to South America, East Tennessee presents a compelling alternative. The conversation about why Jonathan chose Tennessee over Western destinations starts at 00:10:33.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've fished a lot of places, and I can tell you the South Holston is special. The first time I stepped in that river, I was shocked at how cold it was. We're talking colder than Alaska, colder than Montana in the spring. Jonathan does a great job explaining why, and it all comes down to that dam and the depth they're pulling water from. It's a unique setup that creates a unique fishery.

What I really appreciate about this conversation is Jonathan's perspective on why he chose Tennessee over going back out West. The year-round fishing is a huge deal. While rivers in Montana and Wyoming are dealing with hoot owl restrictions in the summer, you can fish the South Holston all day in August. While Northern rivers are frozen in January, you're still catching trout in Tennessee. That consistency is valuable, especially if you're planning a trip from Florida or anywhere else and don't want to gamble on conditions.

The Fly Box sounds like more than just a place to buy gear. Jonathan's built something that brings the community together with the deli and bar alongside the shop and guide service. If you're thinking about a trout fishing trip and haven't considered East Tennessee, this episode will open your eyes. It's closer than you think, the fishing is world-class, and you can do it any time of year. Listen to the whole thing.