Collin Kreis-Potgieter

After the spawn, our brown trout start hunting aggressively for larger protein meals like bait fish or an afternoon bluewing hatch to pack on lost weight from the strains of spawning. This happens on every creek and every river that holds these fish but on the Lower Ends of our nearby tailwaters, we have seen fly fishing opportunities as awesome as any I've seen anywhere in the world. We've been fishing this section for years now and have noticed a consistent number of larger fish, mostly browns but also your occasional rocket ship rainbow trout, as well as the rare striped bass or schooled up hybrid bass cruising up the river for a day trip. This can make for a very challenging but exciting and highly rewarding type of fly fishing. This being said, a higher level of casting is required to experience the true capability of this fishery. Outside of the "prime time" January through March, I say that loosely because these fish can be aggressive and will be well throughout the spawn in October and have continued to be aggressive through the "shad hatch" in April and May. The rest of the year presents streamer fishing that we relied on as young anglers, low or high water, rain or shine a dedicated fisherman can convince these big trout at any time to eat a well-presented fly. If conditions allow (cloudy/rainy, early or late in the day, and high water) the big fly fishing can be really good throughout the year. Trout, 3 types of bass, gar, and Common carp can all be targeted on the same day on the water during the spring and summer months. hot lunch available upon request.

This trip is perfect for beginners and experts alike. The sheer abundance of trout makes it possible for the beginner to get their chances and some practice while giving the experienced angler the chance to hone their skills, enjoy a beautiful fishery, and even catch a world-class trout on the fly. Fathers, prepare to be outfished by your wives and kids. Scenic views and a variety of animals and water birds are a guarantee on these floats and are sure to be a learning experience for everyone. Riverside lunches and the occasional wading are also highlights of this river journey. Hot lunches are available on request. No lunch on half days

Something new and something far less pressured, we find ourselves floating in smaller rafts with oar frames closer to home more and more any time the water levels allow us. The allure of seeing nobody but farms and their inhabitants on an unpressured stretch of beautiful old trout river right here at the top of the Appalachian mountains is far more fun than playing bumper boats on a busy day on the tail waters in Tennessee. There are far fewer trout and less water to fish here but what we have is special and over looked. This trip is geared toward the more able-bodied novice to expert angler. being able to get in and out of the raft as well as move the raft while unloading and loading onto the truck or trailer is crucial. Also having a good idea of how to fish dry flies, streamers, and nymph rigs are important to tip the odds in your favor. The fish and water conditions can be technical and unforgiving, even for experienced fly fishermen. This trip is also available in Virginia from (February-may) water level allowing check Virginia trout raft float listing or call for more details

The bread and butter, Thousands of miles of trout water to choose from. The western North Carolina region is a mecca for trout and its home, the blue ribbon veins of the planet. Every angler learned right on their own two feet, no boats no fancy waders, just a pair of old boots and somebody else's fishing rod. I like to embody this old way on my walk and wades. you will learn the ways of the trout and how to present the fly, and you will enjoy a beautiful nature hike up a creek in the Appalachian mountains where they hid old moonshine stills for the trout to watch over. The fish will come with time and sometimes that's all of 5 minutes and sometimes it is every bit of 4 hours. but that's the beauty of learning and that is my main goal for this trip, to teach. The experienced angler will find this a great way to unwind and enjoy the woods of an old temperate rainforest. A 13-inch fish caught after a technical cast under the rhododendron is a great accomplishment and should be treated that way. These trips are led in creeks 5 minutes outside of Boone or up to an hour from its city limits, be prepared to drive for the most ideal conditions or the most productive creek at the time. Hike-ins are just the same, depending on mobility we may be sliding into the river right off the road or we may hike in as far as 30 minutes on various terrain. This will be decided before the fishing trip is taken out.

This is an incredible way to catch a large migrating brown trout in rural and scenic farmlands of Southern Virginia, You will be floating down fast currents and deep runs full of resident rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and other warm water species and you never really know what may grab your streamer. Large hatches of caddis and stoneflies fuel an incredible bug fishery as well as the world-class streamer fishing for brown trout and Smallmouth bass. Being familiar with dry fly fishing, bug rig casting, and streamer fishing is highly recommended to succeed in this dynamic fishery on tough days. You will also need to be physically fit to help unload, load, and generally move the raft throughout the day. hot lunch available upon request

While all the boats clunk and splash down the river we will be sneaking out of the riparian zone and making delicate casts at unsuspecting fish. This is the biggest advantage in a world filled with trout dodging boats. With 3000+ trout per mile, The tailwaters boast some of the best fishing in the Southeast and when the TVA allows the turbines to be turned off wade fishermen are able to reap the bounties of a usually boat infested trout river. Or you can avoid the crowd completely and head into Southern Virginia and fish the beginnings of the South Holston watershed. Large browns are found regularly in this quiet freestone creek. Although the resident rainbow population is nothing to overlook. highly productive nymphing and Czech style fly fishing is a sure fire way to keep your line tight. coupled with beautiful scenery and water this opportunity is worth every minute. both of these trips are geared toward the novice angler. For the highest levels of success, a general knowledge of casting is suggested but no experience is required for this type of trip.

Most apex predators in our river systems hunt at night when the bait is at its most vulnerable. From mice to bait fish to fireflies everything that moves on the surface is on the menu. this kind of activity makes for explosive topwater strikes, only visible by moonlight if any. Audible gulps and slashes can be heard in the night, when the conditions are right you can hear trout and bass blowing up bait balls of shad or a stray baitfish in the shallows. the anticipation of an explosion leading to a tight line and the rod-ripping strength of a trophy fish in the dark is riveting, to say the least. This trip is for the confident caster, not being able to see makes it hard to be accurate. You don't want to have to think twice about hooking yourself or your guide while you are carefully judging the distance to the bank or structure without being able to see your target. Some opportunities to fish dock lights for striped bass and hybrids are also available through the summer months Beers and cigars are available upon request. Within this category will be Striped Bass and Common Carp Float trips, which takes the most patience and grit to enjoy. If the fish are in an ideal position on the river and feeding, the bite can be productive and nothing will knock your socks off like a 20-pound bass or carp on a fly rod. These times are very rare and not likely to line up but if you are looking to fish throughout the summer and this interests you, contact me for more details. Trout, 3types of bass, Common carp, and Gar can all be targeted on the same day in the summer months.

Smallmouth are pound for pound the most substantial fighting freshwater fish we have in the area and easily the most aggressive...

The easy way to catch a lot of fish on the right day, with common appearances from the heavyweights.