When overnight rains swell the water levels, pushing temperatures down to around 50 degrees, it's a familiar scenario for smallmouth fishing guides like myself in Western North Carolina. Here's my approach to keeping the bites coming when others might pack it in....
Fishing Conditions and Blog
April Fishing in Western North Carolina with Guide Patrick Weaver
The daffodils are up and the trout will have dispersed and will be found in shallower riffles runs and pocket water searching for food. Direct morning and midday sun will be a bonus. Pools will hold fewer trout during the day. The trout will move into faster water as...
Gearing Up for Dry Flies with Patrick Weaver
The water was 43°, still too cold for heavy feeding. The sun was out and it was still a good day to be on the water. This time of year, I like to get out on rivers and keep an eye out for early spring hatches. The cold nights are keeping the insects from hatching...
Winter Fishing with Guide Brett Meany
Winter Fishing Report with Guide Brett Meany Howdy folks, as we get deeper into the colder months of winter, I'd like to take a moment to go over a couple tactics and products I use that help me stay successful on the water during the colder months. First and...
Winter Midg’n with Patrick Weaver
Winter Midg’n A stretch of cold rainy days had given way to some sun and blue sky. Kevin and I had planned a rematch on the Davidson river. The last visit resulted in a heavy rain in cold temps. As I drove there, I received word that Kevin had to bale. I was...
Late Summer to Fall Bass Fishing Rod and Reel Set-Ups
By: Captain Ty Mooney As the seasons change so do our tactics and gear for catching bass on the lakes and rivers. Below you will see a fly rod and spinning rod set up I would recommend for targeting bass as we reach the fall season. In the fall you will find bass...
Fishing WNC’s Summer Heat: Light tackle & fly for smallmouth bass
In July, August, and September, many anglers flock on vacation to the cooler mountains for trout fishing; however, when they arrive, they find out that fishing trout in the rivers and streams can be challenging during this time. I have many conversations around "prime...
March 23: Bass Report
It feels like spring in the air, but the water temperature will tell you otherwise. The dogwoods may be blooming, but the fish are certainly not spawning quite yet. We consider most of the lakes around Western North Carolina to be highland reservoirs and that is...
Special Report: Chilean Adventures
Howdy folks! I just touched back down in the states from our Headwaters Outfitters hosted trip, led by Chris Franzen, to the Martin Pescador lodge, which is nestled in the remote wilderness known as Patagonia! First things first, the fishing was unreal! Secondly, all...
Pro Tip: Wet Fly Tactics
It’s early spring and the hatches will be coming off soon. You have your rod rigged with two wet flies in anticipation of a good day of fishing. What is the best way to present those wet flies to get the trout to strike? Wet fly tactics are not difficult to learn...
Pro Tip: Wet Flies & Equipment
It’s a fine day for wet fly fishing. The trout are in the riffles, bugs are soon to be hatching. What could be better? Well getting your equipment ready for wet fly fishing will make it better. Here I will present information on equipment preparation and selection...
Pro Tips: Why Wet Flies Work
The sun warms my body which feels better than the cold fingers and toes from early spring fly fishing. The river is covered in dappled light from the emerging leaves that are starting to take form. After walking the bank downstream, I pause above a pool. The water...