Fishing with Andrew Corpening

FISHING

Fly Fishing Resources

By Andrew Corpening

Now that summer has arrived in the High Country, it means that our summer visitors have also arrived. Many of these visitors want to do a little fishing while here and most want to fish for trout, our cold-water species. The traditional way to fish for trout is by fly fishing, which, for the spin fishing flatlanders, can be a little intimidating.

Fortunately the High Country is blessed with an abundance of fly fishing shops and guides. Most shops are full service shops offering everything from flies to complete outfits and guide services. The area also has a number of independent guides. One of the most important things you can get from a shop or guide is information.

If you already fly fish you probably just need info on regional productive flies or where to get access to trout water. If you are just getting started in fly fishing or wanting to try it, a guided trip is the way to go. Most guides are good instructors and are glad to teach you. Even if you are an experienced fly fisher, a guide that works on the Tennessee tail waters with a boat can get you on those blue ribbon trout waters.

If you are new to fly fishing, the first time you go into a fly fishing shop you may experience a little sticker shock. This is to be expected since even beginner outfits from good companies can seem high, but remember— you get what you pay for. You can definitely find cheaper rods at a big-box store but those rods are hard to cast and usually too heavy for enjoyable trout fishing.

If you are not ready to purchase a quality beginner’s outfit, you should go on a guided trip. Nearly all guides, through a shop or independent, provide the equipment. Most guides will have everything from rods to waders and even lunch on full day trips. This way you can see if you like fly fishing before you invest in the equipment.

The following list is intended to be a starting point and is not an endorsement for either shops or guides. Even though shops are easier to find since they are brick and mortar, most independent guides rely on word-ofmouth. Also remember that there are many aspects to a successful guided trip. Sometimes personalities just do not mesh. If that is the case, just try a different guide the next time.

Fly Fishing Resource Guide:

Appalachian Fly Guides 828-446-5552 appflyguides.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Boone Fly Shop 828-865-3474 boonesflyshop.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Chetola Resort 800-243-8652 chetola.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes Other: Lodging

Due South Outfitters 828-355-9109 duesouthoutfitters.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Elk Creek Outfitters 828-264-6497 706-957-5864 Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Foscoe Fishing Company 828-963-6556 foscoefishing.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Freestone River Anglers 828-278-9235 freestoneriveranglers.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes Mountain Bound Guides 828-963-5463 mountainboundflyguide.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Nils Peterson 828-964-8581 westforkanglers.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Riverstone Fly Fishing 828-719-1543 riverstoneflyfishing.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

River Girl Fishing 336-877-3099 rivergirlfishing.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes Other: Rental Equipment

Oliver “Ollie” Smith 828-773-7751 blueridgeanglers.com Guide Service: Yes Instruction: Yes

Waypoint Outfitters 828-865-1100 waypointoutfitters.com Shop: Yes Guide Service: No Instruction: No Other: Rental Equipment

Note: This list is not an endorsement, nor is it a complete list of guides in the High Country.