Fly Fishing in the Asheville, N.C. Area:
Watauga River
The Watauga River is located just an hour north of Asheville, NC. The 'trophy section' of the Watauga River is one of the most scenic stretches of water in the region. The Watauga River provides outstanding, year-around, habitat to rainbow trout. There is most often some type of insect hatch allowing anglers to fish dry flies on a regular basis.There are also several nice places to get out of the boat and do some wade fishing. We recommend the Watauga River for both beginning and experienced anglers.
South Holston
The South Holston River is another one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the South East. We offer fly fishing on the South Holston River year-around, with summer-time providing one of the greatest sulphur mayfly hatches anywhere. The South Holston River is primarily a brown trout river holding fish comparable to any Western stream. We recommend the South Holston River for intermediate to advanced anglers searching for the fish of a lifetime.
Tuckaseegee
The Tuckaseegee River provides great winter float fishing. Beginners love the Tuckaseegee because there are more trout per mile on this river than any other in North Carolina.
It provides outstanding streamer fishing at higher levels, however, fish can always be taken on nymphs or dry flies. The Tuckaseegee is a great classroom for learning the skill of fly fishing.
French Broad
The French Broad River in North Carolina is where the majority of our smallmouth bass trips take place. From Brevard, NC, the French Broad flows through Asheville, NC, into Madison County and eventually into Tennessee. There are over 40 miles of world-class smallmouth bass fishing available on the French Broad. Summer through fall we are able to catch these chunky fish on top-water, providing an explosive day of fishing. If you have never tried smallmouth fishing, you are missing out.
North Mills
North Mills heads up in Northwestern Henderson County and is part of the City of Hendersonville's water supply. Coming out of the reservoir North Mills begins its journey to the French Broad. The stream meanders through laurels hemlocks and evergreens. Cool in winter it begins to heat up in early June due to the reservoir at it head. This stream runs clear and clears fast after rain due to the settling in the reservoir. Not deep or wide it allows for easy wading and some overhead casting but generally it is considered tight fishing. This stream is classified Delayed Harvest and has no closed season, but has different regulations during the season.
West Fork of the Pigeon
Located in Haywood County, the West Fork of the Pigeon River begins along the Blue Ridge parkway. The tannic colored water falls rather quickly and picks up volume from a small stream flowing from Little Sam's Mountains well as numerous springs along the way. Near the upper end, mostly brook trout will be caught with a few browns mixed in. As the stream descends the mountain, browns become more and more prevalent. Large boulders and rocks make for interesting fishing. This stream will remind you of fishing a small western trout stream with its fir tree canopy up near the parkway. This stream is Hatchery Supported and has a closed season from the 1st day of March until the 1st Saturday in April.
Davidson
The Davidson River is ranked as one of Trout Unlimited's top 100 trout streams in North America and is our "home water". Located in North Transylvania the stream is a fly fisherman's dream. Large pools a bound as well as long runs with pockets and eddies with large trout 18" to 24" cruising its waters. The water runs crystal clear even during the rains of spring. Much like a spring creek it must be fished with light tippet. 6X to 8X is desirable in 9' to 12' lengths. Though the river can get quite crowded, there are many areas on the river where one can find solitude if he or she looks. This stream is classified Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only.