Where the Fish Are Just the Beginning: A North Holston Outdoors Bound Road Trip

A North Holston, Virginia road trip is framed as an extension of the “Outdoors Bound” series, with routes defined as about a 12-hour drive or a six-hour flight from the Roanoke area. The report focuses on the North Holston River near Mendota, describing solitude—where people can float for hours without seeing others—and top smallmouth bass fishing. Dan Rice of Riverfeet Fly Fishing, who has guided for more than two decades, says the area offers diverse freshwater species within a 50-mile radius, from rainbow trout to muskie. Rice highlights river “conveyor belts” of flow that bring food to ambush points. Experiences include floating to a winery, biking and fishing, backcountry floats, and overnight camping trips.