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I am a long-time eastern trout fisherman. I grew up in West Virginia where there was an early spring trout season for only two weeks. My dad and I had to drive two hours to get to our favorite river. We used our 308 Mitchells and fished with bait and spinners. Those were some of the best times of my life. I have lived in South Carolina for 27 years now and have fished all the upstate rivers using the same tactics for years. I have stayed away from fly fishing because I thought it was too detailed and difficult.

That has all changed.

My wife booked me an all-day fly fishing trip with Brookings’ of Cashiers, NC. My guide Boone and I went out for an all-day fishing trip on the 4th day of November this fall. He had me fishing like a pro in no time. It was noon before we knew it because the fish were biting. I learned so much in just a small amount of time. That afternoon we tried some more of Boone’s tried-and-true spots, and we caught some big ones. It was one of the best days of fishing I have ever experienced.

If you want to learn to do it right, spend the money to hire a guide from Brookings’ like Boone. I gained years of experience in just one day and now I can look forward to spending many more wonderful days on the river because I started out the right way.

I have only one regret. Why did I wait so long to get started?

Hooked forever,

Earl

There is great bug life on this little tailwater, and at some point during the day you will probably find yourself fishing a dry fly. On this particular outing there was great hatches of Blue Winged Olives and Craneflies, which got the fish up and feeding. A lot of fish were caught as well as one of the prettiest wild rainbows we have seen in a long time. Give us a call (828) 743 – 3768 if you plan on giving it a try, and we will be glad to help you select a few productive flies.

The fish were taking stonefly and mayfly nymphs, and the afternoon brought a serendipitous blue winged olive hatch that cranked up the action even more. Patrick and Garrett were sold on the whole experience and can’t wait to get back out on the water.

The fish were biting like crazy. Big fish.

So what started as a half-day only to reduce the cold/wet/rainy misery by half, turned back into a full day of the best fishing of Marshall’s life. The fish were all over the place taking San Juan worms and midges. Several were over twenty inches.

Just goes to show, sometimes the seemingly worst day for fishing can turn into the best. So don’t let this weather deter you–it’s not deterring the fish.

Despite the cold front (we have snow flurries this morning), all the pieces of the magic fishing puzzle have finally fallen into place for the season. We got some much-needed rain, and the fish have responded with lots of action. The leaves are almost off the trees, so flies are less likely to get snagged. These conditions should continue to be excellent through early December, so make your plans now to get up here.

And bring your rain gear because it just might be your lucky day.

The delayed harvest streams are stocked and fishing well, including the Tuckaseegee, Nantahala, and the East Fork of the French Broad. Streamers and nymphs have been the best bet with some dry fly action as well. Other good spots to hit right now include the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee and the Davidson River. Float trips have been a bit more occasional since the water level is low, but trips can be had on the Tuckaseegee if timed right with the dam releases. In the smaller streams the brook trout are all colored up for the fall spawn.

In conclusion, fly fishing enthusiasts, everything’s fishing good so come on up and get your gear in the water.

If you’re more into sun and sand than fall leaves and chilly nights, sign up for our trip to El Pescador Lodge in Ambergris Caye, Belize, February 13 – 17th. Bonefish, permit, and tarpon and lots of other activities so you can bring the whole family and do as much or as little as you like. All-inclusive fishing, meals, rum drinks, naps by the pool. Sign up now—you’ll be ready by February.

For more pictures see our facebook page.

While the end of summer has meant heat and warm water for the most part, the season is already starting to show signs of turning here and promising a stellar fall season. The combination of a lot of recent rain and markedly cooler temperatures at night is guaranteed to fire things up for some great hatches and conditions in the not-too-distant future.

Lastly, we still have some serious items on sale including short-sleeved fishing shirts AND Barbour jackets 20 percent off. Get ‘em while they’re hot.

When the weather is hot the fishing is best in the morning before the sun bares down. Trout can still be had, but try the smaller creeks that stay shaded during the day.

The early-bird catches the fish this time of year, so get up and at ‘em and be home in time for an afternoon nap.

Check out some awesome photography by Sharon Canter on our facebook page. It will certainly inspire some small creek fishing. Yes, you can fly fish into a waterfall…