River Wizard Co.

Fly fishing for stripers and hybrids on Lake Hartwell is the closest thing you can get to a saltwater fly fishing experience in the Upstate of South Carolina. Anglers should be proficient casters and expect to do a lot of it. Certain times of the year require covering water and blind casting to structure and points. Sometimes its a "run and gun" game chasing schooling fish on the surface in open water. Anglers that can get their line out quickly and make long casts will be the most successful. We will be using 7 - 9 wt. rods. with floating, intermediate, and heavy sinking lines depending on the depth of the fish. Medium light spinning rods with topwater plugs and other baitfish imitations are always on board and available as well. I fish out of an 18ft Maverick HPX which allows two fly anglers to fish at the same time. Those that are willing to get on the water a few hours before sunrise or stay after sundown will have the opportunity to sight fish for stripers and hybrids on dock lights. It is common to catch a mixed bag of stripers, hybrids, largemouth, and spotted bass in the same day. All tackle is provided as well as a cooler iced down with waters. There are several restaurants on Lake Hartwell that offer lunch and dinner. Hours and days of operation vary, but a stop at one of the local lakefront spots can be a fun addition to a day on the lake. Otherwise bring snacks or food for yourself and alcoholic beverages are welcomed. Every angler on board should have proof of a valid South Carolina or Georgia fishing license.

Avoid the crowds and spend a day wading on private property for trout on the North and South Fork of the Mills River in North Carolina. Trips to this location should be requested in advance to ensure reservations are available. The property is an active farm and offers scenic views and tranquility. This fishery has plentiful numbers of rainbow and brown trout generally ranging from 12 to 20 inches, and fish over 20 in. are caught frequently. The Mills River fishery is special as it is home to a thriving wild brown trout population with good numbers of large brown trout moving into these tributaries to spawn in the fall. The river access makes for easy wading, with dirt roads to move your vehicle from spot to spot. We have access to 5 different sections of river, so one could fish the property multiple times and experience different stretches of water. All equipment is provided including waders, boots, rod outfits, flies, leaders, and tippet. All you need to do is show up! Lunch can be arranged for full day trips. Anglers will need a valid NC inland fishing license.

Float trips are some of the most fun one can have on the river. Avoid tricky wading, cover a ton of water, and enjoy the scenery. The Tuckaseegee River and French Broad River are our primary destinations to float. These trips are seasonal and are dependent on rainfall as well as scheduled releases from hyrdroeletric dams. Trout season typically runs from early October to the end of May, and smallmouth bass season runs from June to the end of September. We practice catch and release on these sections of river.

Guided trips are available on one of the many catch and release streams in our area (delayed harvest). Some of the rivers we guide on include but are not limited to the Tuckaseegee River, East Fork of the French Broad, West Fork of the Pigeon River. These locations are typically more beginner friendly. We also offer back country hike in trips to fish for wild trout typically in Nantahala or Pisgah National Forests. We generally recommend some fly fishing experience for the back country trips.