Waters We Fish
Locations
Fishing on the Upper Delaware: Mid-April to End of June
Fishing in North Carolina and Tennessee - Remainder of the year
The Pisgah National Forrest
Pisgah National Forest is home to countless streams and rivers, each offering its own unique fly-fishing experience. Anglers can pursue brook trout in remote, rhododendron-lined blue-line streams or target wild brown trout in rugged, canyon-like settings. With some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, Pisgah provides endless opportunities for adventure and solitude on the water.
Upper French Broad River
The Upper French Broad begins near Rosman, NC, where the West Fork and North Fork converge. Both forks offer excellent trout fishing, though access can be challenging, rewarding those who seek out their wild trout waters. As the river flows, it gains volume from the Middle Fork and East Fork, creating diverse fishing opportunities with both wild and stocked trout. Regulations vary depending on location, so anglers should check before casting. The Upper French Broad is a scenic river with beautiful riffles and runs, offering a rewarding experience for those looking to explore its waters.

The Davidson River
The crown jewel of Pisgah National Forest, the Davidson River is a year-round wild trout fishery that challenges even the most experienced fly anglers. Its crystal-clear waters and highly educated trout demand precise presentations. Spring hatches of mayflies and caddis offer exceptional dry-fly action, followed by a variety of terrestrial fishing opportunities throughout summer. A day on the Davidson will sharpen your skills and deepen your appreciation for technical trout fishing.
Lower French Broad River and Smallmouth Bass
As the French Broad River flows out of the mountains, it transitions from a cold-water trout fishery into a warm-water smallmouth bass fishery. While smallmouth bass are often overlooked in favor of trout, those who target them quickly discover their hard-fighting nature. Many anglers consider smallmouth the strongest freshwater fish pound for pound, known for their speed, aggressive strikes, and acrobatic jumps.
Fishing for smallmouth offers a different challenge, trading 4-weigh fly rods and size 16 dry flies for 7-weight rods, poppers, and large foam terrestrials. Summertime topwater smallmouth fishing is exhilarating, with consistent action throughout the day, making it a great alternative when trout streams become too warm.
All smallmouth trips are float trips, offering a unique experience for those looking to broaden their fly-fishing skills on larger waters with long casts and technical line management. If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of targeting smallmouth on a fly rod, you owe it to yourself to give it a try!
Eastern Tennessee
Eastern Tennessee is home to two world-class tailwater trout fisheries: the Watauga and South Holston Rivers. These cold-water releases, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), provide consistent trout fishing year-round, especially during the summer months when other rivers get too warm.
Both rivers host a variety of mayfly and caddis hatches, but the South Holston River stands out for its legendary Sulphur hatch, which runs all summer into the fall. With 7,000–8,000 trout per mile, these rivers boast some of the highest trout densities in the country. However, don’t expect these fish to be easy! The gin-clear water requires long leaders, delicate presentations, and precise fly selection. These rivers will test your skills and reward those who master the art of technical trout fishing.
