Fly Fishing in NC Mountains
Embark on an angling adventure in the heart of Western North Carolina, a region revered by fly fishermen for its pristine wild trout streams nestled amid the picturesque mountains. Our expeditions traverse a variety of waters, each with a unique set of challenges and rewards awaiting every cast.
Nestled within the embrace of lush forests and rolling hills, the Western NC Mountains provide a serene backdrop to the ancient art of fly fishing. This region, with its pristine waters and abundant wildlife, has become a cherished locale for both novice and seasoned anglers alike. The intertwining rivers and streams are home to a rich variety of fish, offering a rewarding challenge to those who come with a fly rod in hand. The rhythmic dance of casting and the gentle purl of the flowing water become a meditative experience, blending the angler with nature in a timeless bond. Amidst the verdant wilderness, fly fishing in the Western NC Mountains is more than a sport—it's a journey into the heart of the natural world. Here, each cast is a narrative of tradition, patience, and the simple joy of discovering the quiet beauty of the great outdoors.
The Davidson River
Loved and hated by many the Davidson is a category unto itself. Known as one of the most technical stretches of water in the Southeast, and for that matter probably anywhere, it will test the skills, patience, and temper of any angler who steps into its glassy slicks and twisted riffles. It is also home to some major trout and a perfect environment for anglers who love the challenge of educated and persnickety fish.
No expedition in Western NC is complete without exploring the Davidson River’s renowned waters, where each cast against the serene backdrop promises not just a tug at your line, but a memorable encounter with nature’s finest.
The French Broad River
Among our favored spots is the French Broad, a famed tailwater providing a distinct fly fishing experience as its currents unveil promising pockets of activity. Our guided ventures here are tailored to help you master the art of casting and mending your line, essential skills for conquering the swift currents and achieving that perfect presentation. While trout can be caught here, we primarily target river smallmouth.
A voracious predator. Hailed many times over in fishing publications, presentations, and bloviations as "the hardest fighting fish in freshwater". Thats a subjective observation but they do pull, and then pull some more, then they pull again. They'll give a 6wt fly rod all it can handle, and feel appropriate on an 8.
Pisgah National Forest Backcountry Fishing
Venture into the wild heart of Pisgah National Forest, where a sprawling network of streams awaits the avid fly fisherman. The crystal-clear waters meandering through laurel-lined creekbeds, offer a serene yet exciting setting for pursuing wild trout. Our trips within this forested area embrace the essence of fly fishing, connecting you with nature in its purest form.
The true gem of Pisgah. These are wild fish in wild places. Some streams can be accessed via a dirt forest service road while others require a short or significant hike. The fish here tend to be smaller and much more spooky, with stealth and presentation being of utmost importance. The scenery is what you imagined when someone said the words "trout stream." A day wading up a small stream catching wild fish on a dry-dropper rig is a day that leaves you with heavy legs and a light heart.
Our seasoned guides are adept at navigating Pisgah's waters and are keen to share their knowledge of the local hatches and fly selections that resonate with the forest's finned residents.
East Tennessee Tailwaters
A short drive over the mountain from the Brevard and Asheville area lands you in foothills of East Tennessee where the geology and the fishing changes. These are bigger trout waters fished from a boat. These waters flow from the bottom of TVA dams and keep the river temperatures constant in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Regardless of the weather above the surface these fish get a constant stream of perfect conditions from the tailwater releases. Pisgah Outdoors guides the Watuga and South Holston rivers in East Tennessee. These rivers provide thousands of fish per mile with some very nice specimens mixed in.
This brown trout took a beetle on the surface after a well placed cast under and overhanging sycamore tree in late summer.
Watuga River Brown Trout
In the fall of the year the big browns begin to wake back up with the changing season and the urge to spawn. Deep yellows and browns and hook jawed types appear on the males. After the spawn these meat eaters drop back and begin to target baitfish during their recovery. These fish can be targeted year round with precise casts and drifts and small bugs but in early and late winter it’s heavy sinking lines and big streamers.
South Holston River Brown Trout
These fish move up in the summer for cooler temps. We find them sitting in pods in the deep slow holes on the South Holston. Fishing requires fine tippets, delicate casts, and long drifts. If you’re the kind of angler that enjoys challenging your skills and your equipment these are fish just for you.