Let's go fishing

I know the winter months are usually spent tying
flies, relaxing in front of the fire with your baby
or catching up on books and movies you just couldn’t get to when the weather was good. But sometimes you just get that itch, when you need fast flowing slate gray water, threatening skies and big trout. Don’t worry in the High Country you can fish all year round. When winter comes in with snow and ice, shorter days and cold mornings most anglers hang up their waders and rods until spring. The dedicated, the stout of heart and the folks who just can’t get enough fishing ply our local rivers and streams experience some of the best fishing of the year.

“They’re in there mister” says local fishing guide David Stelling. One of his oft quoted sayings rings especially true in the winter months. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission continues to stock some rivers throughout the winter. With the heavy pressure of the summer and fall gone with the leaf lookers the trout become more docile as they expend less energy to conserve heat. This heat saving behavior makes trout easier to locate but beware the lack of cover in winter months makes anglers easier to spot as well. Tactics change a bit during the winter but with a bit of practice and diligence you may just have many big and wonderful trout all to yourself. Winter patterns to familiarize yourself with include all matter of nymphs such as hare’s ears and copper johns, wooly boogers and other streamers. The serious angler may also wish to consider such regional favorites as the Pig Whistle, the Lopan and the flash backed egg chen.

Winter fishing offers special rewards for the intrepid such as solitude, challenging fishing and memorable experiences. While the winter months certainly offer the highest fish per angler ratios of the year special care most be taken. Fishing involves cold, wet and unpredictable conditions year round but these factors are magnified in the winter months. Appropriate equipment is crucial for both safety and comfort. Dressing in layers is an important factor to implement in planning even a short day trip. Avoid cotton and focus on fabrics such as fleece, poly-pro and wool worn under a waterproof/breathable outer layer. Waders and wade boots are an absolute necessity for winter fishing. Neoprene gloves and a warm hat are also good investments.

Fishing with a buddy is always a wise choice in winter conditions. Snow, ice and unexpected fatigue can easily ruin a good day of fishing. River and creek banks can be slippery so fish with a buddy to avoid taking that deep permanent swim. Taking turns tending the coffee fire alternating casts at wild rainbows while the heavy snowflakes fall, the air impossibly fresh and only sound is the crackle of the fire and splash as a big rainbow breaks the surface. Memories such as these can cement a life long fishing friendship. Also you’ll need someone to back up or story or take a few pictures.

If you have any questions about winter fishing or are looking for a guided trip, or the right gear, check out one or all of the great fly-fishing outfitters listed below.

Appalachian Angler Outfitter and Guide Service
Located on Old Shull’s Mill Road off Highway 105 the Appalachian Angler covers all your fishing needs. This full service shop offers a wide selection of fine rods, reels, waders and any fly pattern from classic to the truly unique. The friendly staff at the Appalachian Angler will help you match the hatch, outfit you with the right rod or while away the afternoon with their outlandish fish stories.

The area’s oldest fly-fishing outfitter with 20-plus years of experience, the Appalachian Angler has long been dedicated to guiding and outfitting fly-fishermen in the High Country. With an 80 percent return rate among clients, the boys down at the Angler have proven that customer service, and lots of big fish are all a part of the Appalachian Angler experience.

The cozy shop is packed with industry favorites such as Sage, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Simms, and Patagonia. The Appalachian Angler also carries a fine selection of fly-tying materials, instructional books, and accessories.

The shop has got your equipment needs covered but their specialty is guiding. From “out their back door” and north to Alaska, from Tennessee to the Bahamas, the Appalachian Angler has a trip that’s right for you. With friendly guide whose passion for fishing has taken them around the world and all through our home mountains in the High Country the folks at the Angler share their fly-fishing knowledge year round. Give’em a call at (828) 963-5050 or find them on the web at www.appalachianangler.com.

Appalachian Angler Schools and Trips
Watauga River Float Trip
We have divided the 23 miles of this floatable, diverse river into sections. We pioneered floating in the Southeast here; consequently we understand which section is producing the best fishing on a daily basis. The Watauga has a healthy population of brown and rainbow trout.

South Holston Wade or Float
Four years of slot limits and three years of protecting the spawning beds have greatly enhanced this Frying Pan of the South. When water is released from the dam we float the entire 14 miles, fishing streamers and nymphs in the heavy water, and most days dry flies to rising fish. When there is no dam to release, we wade and fish long leaders to selective trout.

Nolichucky Overnight Smallmouth Bass Trip
The Nolichucky is a free flowing river falling from the higher altitudes of the North Carolina Mountains into Tennessee. It is famous for its healthy population of smallmouth bass. Appalachian Angler’s overnight expedition includes professional gear guides providing a safari-style camp for the guests, and most importantly, two whole days of guided fishing.

The 18-mile float in whitewater series rafts equipped with custom oar frames and comfortable fishing seats offers great fishing and majestic scenery as well.

Half Day Wade Trips/Half Day Schools
The Boone area offers a plethora of trout streams, wild and hatchery supported waters consisting of native brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Our half-day trip consists of four hours of guided fishing on one of the nearby creeks or rivers, including the Watauga River. The fly fishing school is a great place for beginners to get their start or for intermediates to brush up on their skills. The trip consists of four hours of fishing, casting instruction, entomology, and stream tactics.

Wilderness Wade Trips
Get away from it all. Hike with one of our small-stream specialists into a national forest and spend the day fishing to intelligent, wild trout. Our guides have spent countless days prospecting the hundreds of mile of isolated streams.

Blue Ridge Anglers Fly Fishing Guide Service
Great fish stories start with local fly fishing guides Ollie Smith and Brownie Liles. These two characters have 30 plus years fishing and sharing their zest for a good time. Offering custom float or wade trips on the Watauga, South Holston, Nolichucky, North and South Toe Rivers these guys can do it all. Regardless of your skill level Ollie and Brownie can bring you up to speed and get you on fish. Welcoming families and kids these experienced guides provide all the equipment, all you have to is show up. Of course, 30 years experience and access to private trophy water should help. Contact Blue Ridge Anglers at 828 208 3428, 828 773 7751 or online at blueridgeanglers.com

Foscoe Fishing Company
For over 15 years Foscoe Fishing Company, North Carolina’s only Orvis endorsed outfitter and dealer of quality products, has been serving fly fisherman of the southern Appalachians and beyond. Foscoe Fishing Company has a great new location in Foscoe between Boone and Banner Elk on Highway 105. FFCO has established itself as a leader in professionally guided trips and customer service.

In addition to a fully stocked store loaded with quality fly fishing gear from Orvis, Filson, and ExOfficio, the FFCO offers an instructional school that will have you tossing a fly clean and crisp in no time. Easily accessible from anywhere in the High Country, it’s no wonder Foscoe Fishing Company has been a local favorite for years. Call them up at (828) 963-6556 or visit them on the web at www.foscoefishing.com.

Foscoe Fishing Company Schools and Trips
Watauga Trophy Section Float Trips
For over 10 years Foscoe Fishing Company has been providing their clients with top notch float trips on this Tennessee tailrace river. Cold water and an abundance of aquatic insects provide the perfect habitat for trophy browns and rainbows. This is a great trip for all skill levels and experience. The best time of year is from spring through the fall, with nymph fishing being the staple strategy, although there are great periods of dry fly fishing as well.

South Holston Float Trips
The South Holston is one of the premier trout rivers in the east! Over the past several years the South Holston has been providing clients of FFCO with phenomenal dry fly fishing from early May into the summer months. FFCO has a full fleet of high-quality Hyde drift boats to ensure clients a comfortable experience. For light tackle spin fisherman FFCO offers a special “Trophy Trip” that targets large browns. Wade trips are also available on the South Holston for hose who enjoy casting to selective, rising browns and rainbows. This one will humble you! Like all other trips offered by FFCO, it is strictly catch and release.

Local Full and Half Day Trips
Foscoe Fishing Company prides themselves on being one of the most experienced guide services when it comes to fishing local streams right here in the High Country. Most trips are on streams not much wider than a single lane road with most casts being at a modest 10-15 feet. The best times of the year are in the spring and fall for going after hungry native brookies.

Orvis Fly Fishing Schools
Foscoe Fishing Company, along with Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, an Orvis endorsed fly fishing lodge, offers one and two day fly fishing schools. These schools are designed to give students an introduction to the sport of fly fishing. Topics covered are casting, fly selection, how to read water, gear selection, etc. The one day school takes place in the classroom with casting taught on Chetola’s private lake. The two day school spends the second day on a local stream putting all the learned skills to use! Schools include lunch and equipment.

Austria Fly Fishing
Austria is quickly becoming a fly fishing destination. The Austrian Alps offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet as a backdrop to some of the most incredible fishing. This is your opportunity to catch “native” brown trout. After a day of fishing high alpine lakes and streams, return to the 200 year-old guest house for an authentic Bavarian meal. And the best part? You can do it all for less than a trip out west or to Alaska! All trips include use of Orvis equipment and flies. Don’t pass up this trip of a lifetime

Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop and Outfitter
Located in beautiful Ashe County, but only a twenty minute drive from downtown Boone, Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop is a full service outfitter specializing in guided trips for brown, brook, and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth bass, throughout Ashe County and southern Virginia.

Whitetop Laurel carries a full line of rods and reels from Redington, Hardy, St. Croix, Cortland, Crown, CLX, and Albright. New for this year is a custom rod building workshop, where you can have your dream rod built to specifications, as well as fly tying classes by renowned tyer Lowell Shipe. Whitetop Laurel is also the area’s largest supplier of fly tying materials.

With a new, larger location just off Highway 221 near Fleetwood, Whitetop Laurel is the small shop with the big character! Give ‘em a call at (336) 246-FISH or on the web at www.whitetop.com.

Whitetop Laurel Trips and Schools
New River Smallmouth Tube Trips
Fish the oldest river in North America the way it was meant to be fished, in the water! Tube trips not only offer a fun alternative to wading, but are also beneficial when sneaking up on large, feeding smallies. Whitetop Laurel has split the New River into over a dozen full and half day sections, each with its own character and appeal. Float through farm country, unspoiled wilderness, or a combination of both! Trips go out according to your schedule, and include tips on casting, fly selection, reading water, and ichthyology.

Wade and Hike Trips
Whitetop Laurel specializes in guiding the rivers, creeks, and streams of Ashe County and Virginia. Full day and half day trips for browns, rainbows, and brook trout with instruction on casting, reading water, entomology, and proper catch and release techniques. Rivers include Helton Creek, Big Horse Creek, Three Top, and Whitetop Laurel, as well as several spring creeks for natives.

Fly Tying Classes
Professional instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fly tyers. From basic nymph and dry fly patterns to smallmouth flies and saltwater patterns, Lowell Shipe will have you tying your own flies after your first class. Call ahead for reservations.