Fishing

from Summer Times 2022

Farmers Market

HOOKED ON THE WATER:

find your next fishing experience

BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

The High Country is no stranger to its vast rivers, lakes and creeks. With many locals and tourists wanting to sit out under the sun with a nice cold drink and the feeling of your feet in the water, fishing is one of the area’s most sought after experiences.

As a result, due to the natural conditions found in the High Country’s waterways, trout fishing is highly popular. In fact, the trout fishing sport and industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the area.

Fly fishing is a different method of fishing compared to the usual rod and reel and can of worms

“The trout type of angling that many of us learned to fishing do as kids. With many breeds of freshwater sport and fish such as bass, bluegrass, crappie, catfish industry has and more, a spinning reel or bait caster reel is become one used to throw out either live bait or artificial of the biggest lures to fool them, catch them and bring them businesses in in, depending on the species and natural the area.” fishing conditions. Fly fishing adds a whole other layer to the fishing experience and because of that, many new fly fishing anglers soon develop a passion for the sport.

FILE PHOTO In 2020, Zaloo’s Canoes opened up Zaloo’s Kayak and Fly Shop, perfect for all of your fly fishing needs. FILE PHOTO Fishing in the High Country’s waterways, including the New River in Watauga County, is a popular summer activity.

For those who want to take the plunge and learn a wonderful new way of connecting with nature that will last a lifetime, that is where the many fly fishing outfitters located here in the High Country come in handy. Not only can you buy gear from them, they will teach you how to fly fish for trout and then guide you to the best, secret waterways where the big trout live. The sport is yet another reason why this area is a great place to vacation, visit and to live in.

Located in Glendale Springs in Ashe County, Zaloo’s Kayak and Fly Shop will give visitors the best of both worlds. The establishment includes gear, bait, guides, maps and even kayak and tube rentals for your special day out on the water.

Being conveniently located just on the South Fork of the New River at 3874 NC-16 S, Jefferson, this shop has all of your needs when heading out to catch some trout. For more information, call (336) 246-306.

In Boone, you can visit Boone’s Fly Shop to get access to all of their products and gear. Located at 140 S Depot St #1, Boone, this is a full service fly shop and guide service in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you are new to the sport of fly fishing, or a well seasoned angler, Boone’s Fly Shop can provide our customers a first class experience with some of the most seasoned and knowledgeable guides and staff in the High Country.

With guides, you can fish at Watauga River, South Holston River and local streams. For more information, visit www.boonesflyshop.com.

Water adventures

There is no better way to beat the heat in the High Country than going out and spending a day on the water. Fortunately, there are many networks of streams, rivers, lakes and tributaries that intricately weave in and out of the area’s mountainous landscape. The region’s waterways also provide scenic views and access to some of the most well preserved and unperturbed natural beauty in the area.

For those looking to mirror Creedence Clearwater Revival and go rollin’ down the river, there are numerous local business who can help you do just that, including Wahoo’s Adventures, Edge of the World, High Mountain Expeditions, River and Earth Adventures, Watauga Kayak, New River Outfitters, RiverCamp USA and Zaloo’s Canoes. Each outfitter equips their patrons with canoes, rafts, floats, kayaks, finishing poles, safety equipment and anything else they may need to adventure out on the water.

There are also a number of destinations in the region offering campgrounds close to High Country lakes and rivers, many of which provide great locations to fish. Watauga Lake, which is located just over the state line in Tennessee, has boat rentals offered at places like Bayview Cove Ridge, Fish Springs, Lakeshore, Mallard Cove and Pioneer Landing.

Additionally, the High Country region is renowned for its trout fishing opportunities, with maps available online through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Below are more than a dozen ways to get involved in High Country water activities.

Bayview Campground and Marina

16335 Hwy 67 West Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-0434 bayviewcampgroundandmarina.com

PHOTO COURTESY WAHOO’S ADVENTURES The gently flowing waters of the New River are the perfect place to try one’s hand at canoeing, kayaking and standup paddle boarding.

Cove Ridge Marina

947 Piercetown Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 218-9215 info@coveridgemarina.com coveridgemarnia.com

Edge of the World

394 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk (828) 800-3343 edgeofworld.com/summer/

Springs Marina

191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, Tenn. (423) 768-2336 fishspringsmarina.com

High Mountain Expeditions — six locations • New River Outpost

4391 Castle Ford Rd Boone, NC • Banner Elk Outpost 3149 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk, NC • Boone Outpost 1380 Hwy 105 South Boone, NC • Asheville Outpost 1000 Merrimon Ave Asheville, NC • Nolichucky River Outpost 508 Jonesborough Rd Erwin, TN • Watauga River Outpost 1551 Broad Street Elizabethton, TN (828) 202-7296 highmountainexpeditions.com