Hatch Chart for the Southeast

Posted on January 27, 2014 by jasoncole

Southeast Hatch Chart

Here is a list of hatches and suggested fly patterns to use here in the Southeast. Many of these flies can be purchased at our fly shop or you can pre-order them over the phone or by email. 828-587-4665 hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Use the convenient form below to inquire about patterns or the current hatch or any other related question you may have. You can also use this form to book a trip or inquire about our services. One of our employees will contact you in less than 24 hours to confirm the trip. In the message line list the type of trip, length, number of anglers and the date of the trip.

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January

Midge #18-24 Afternoons

Tiny Blue Winged Olive #18-22 Late Mornings-Afternoons

Early Black Stonefly #18 All Day

Suggested Patterns: Para Blue Wing Olive #18-22, any small black stonefly #18, San Juan Worms #10-14, Squirmy Wormies #10-12, Rainbow Warriors #14-20, Catamount Nymph #12-16, Girdle Bugs #8-12, Hot Head Marvins #8, Just Add Water Nymph #16-18, Zebra Midges #16-22, Bead Head Brassies #16-20, Little Lucy Midge #18-22, Y2K Orange/Yellow #10-14, Glo Bugs #10-16, Wooly Buggers Cone or Bead Head #6-12 Pre-Order many of these patterns for discounted pricing. 828-587-4665 or email hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

February

Midge #18-24 Afternoons

Blue Winged Olive #18-22

Early Black Stonefly #18 All Day

March

Midge #16-24 Afternoons

Blue Winged Olive #16-22 Late Mornings-Afternoons

Early Black Stone #18 All Day

Blue Quill #16-18 Mornings-Early Afternoon

Quill Gordon #12-16 Late Morning-Early Afternoon

Black Caddis #18 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Early Brown Stone #14-16 Late Morning-Mid Afternoon

April

Red Quill #12-16 Early Afternoon-Early Evening

Hendrickson #12-16 Early Afternoon-Early Evening

Yellow Sally #14-16 Late Morning-Early Evening

Quill Gordon #12-16 Late Morning-Early Afternoon

Early Brown Stone #14-16 Late Morning-Mid Afternoon

Blue Quill #14-16 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Sulphur #16-18 Late Afternoon-Dusk

March Brown #10-14 Late Morning-Mid Afternoon

Light Cahill #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Cream Caddis #12-16 Mid Afternoon-Evening

May

Yellow Sally #12-16 Late Morning-Evening

Sulphur #14-18 Late Afternoon-Evening

March Brown #10-14 Late Morning-Mid Afternoon

Large Golden Stone #6-10 All Day

Tan Caddis #12-16 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Green Drake #8-12 Early Evening-Late Evening

Cream Caddis #12-16 Mid Afternoon-Evening

Light Cahill #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Grey Caddis #12-16 Mid Afternoon-Evening

Olive Caddis #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Brown Stone #10-12 Early-Late Morning

June, July, August

Yellow Sally #14-16 Early Morning and Late Evening

Sulphur #16-18 Early-Late Evening

Golden Stone #6-10 All Day

Tan Caddis #12-16 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Light Cahill #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Olive Caddis #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Grey Caddis #12-16 Late Afternoon-Evening

Brown Stone #10-12 Early-Mid Morning

Tricos #20-22 Early-Late Morning

Isonychia #10-14 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Brown Midge #18-20 All Day

Cream Midge #18-20 All Day

Yellow Caddis #12-16 Mid Morning-Mid Afternoon

Terrestrials (Ants #14-18, Beetle #10-14, Hoppers #10-14, Cricket #10-14, Green Weenie #10-12)

September and October

Yellow Caddis #12-16 Mid Afternoon-Evening

Isonychia #10-12 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Tan Caddis #12-16 Late Morning-Late Afternoon

Dark Midges #18-20 All Day

Cream Midge #18-20 All Day

Brown Midge #18-20 All Day

Dun Caddis #18 Mid Morning-Mid Evening

Tricos #20-22 Early-Late Morning

Terrestrials in Early to Mid Sept.

November and December

Blue Wing Olive #18 Late Morning-Early Evening

Dark Midges #18-20 All Day

Dun Caddis #18 Mid Morning-Mid Evening

Check with us to find out the latest hot flies for Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Tuckasegee River and the Little Tennesseee River.

Tuckasegee Float Trips

Posted on January 26, 2014 by jasoncole

Guided fly fishing float trips on the Tuckasegee River. While our specialty is fly fishing, we do offer spin trips for both trout and smallmouth on this river. All fishing gear is provided on all of our trips including flies, leader, tippet and lures for spin fishing.

Joe with a big Tuckasegee Smallie on the Fly

The Tuckasegee River offers some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast between early October and late May. We offer 1/2, 3/4 and full day float trips on the Delayed Harvest section between Webster and Dillsboro. The delayed harvest is catch and release single hook artificial between Oct. 1st and the first Saturday in June. This section of river is stocked with close to 50,000 trout between Oct. and May. The Tuck as most of the locals call it offers excellent dry fly, streamer and nymph fishing throughout the delayed harvest months and into the early summer.

Nice Brown caught and released on a Tuckasegee Float Trip

We also fish the Little Tennesess River for smallmouth bass in the summer months. Smallmouth action is great as the temps rise, both water and air. We offer more float options on both the Little Tennessee and Tuckasegee than any other outfitter or guide in the area. Stop by email or call the shop if you are interested in learning more about how to gear up for this trip! hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Float Trip Prices:

Half Day Float $250.00 per boat.

3/4 Day Float $300.00 per boat.

Full Day Float $350.00 per boat.

Take 10% off these prices for single angler float trips.

All float and wade trips are currently 20% through March 7th.

Use the convenient form below to book a trip or inquire about our services and one of our employees will contact you in less than 24 hours to confirm the trip. In the message line list the type of trip, length, number of anglers and the date of the trip.

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Call 828-587-HOOK for more details. Email at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Fly Fishing Float Trip on the Tuckasegee River

Categories: Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in North Carolina, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing near Asheville, Fly Fishing near Dillsboro, Fly Fishing near Sylva, Fly Fishing near Sylva North Carolina, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River | Tags: fishing the tuckasegee river, float trips in cherokee nc, float trips near cashiers nc, fly fish bryson city nc, fly fish cherokee nc, fly fish the tuck, fly fish the tuckasegee river, fly fishing, fly fishing float trips in bryson city nc, fly fishing near the blue ridge parkway, fly fishing trips in the smokies, guided float trips near highlands nc, guided float trips near the nantahala river, guided fly fishing float trips, nc fly shop, smallmouth fishing trips on the tuckasegee river, smallmouth floats on the tuckasegee river, tuckasegee float trips, tuckasegee fly fishing float trips | Comments Off

Guided fly fishing trips in Bryson City NC

Posted on January 24, 2014 by jasoncole

Just a short drive from Bryson City, NC you will be one of the finest trout streams in the US. The Nantahala River is known the world over for its great white water action, and is a place that truly exemplifies a great trout river. The Nantahala River is listed as one of the nation’s top 100 by Trout Unlimited. It has also been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing and many other publications.

Nice Nantahala Brown Trout

Below the power house the river changes faces once again to an impressive tailwater fishery. This is the section of the river where the world class white water rafting and kayaking take place. The fishing is great year round in this section too, even during the summer months when the rafting is going on. The Nantahala here features many deep pools, numerous runs and riffles that hold truly large trout. Matter of fact the North Carolina State Record Brown Trout came from this portion of the Nantahala, weighing in over 24lbs 10 oz! Talk about putting a smile on your face! The Nantahala River is truly a place worth visiting while in Western North Carolina.

Jackson with a nice brown on Deep Creek

Also, located just outside of town is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just a few miles from downtown Bryson City you can find access to Noland Creek, Forney Creek and Deep Creek. All fine trout streams loaded with plenty of brown, rainbow and brook trout eagerly waiting to take a fly.

Repeat client Frank with Big Tuckasegee Smallmouth on the Fly

Also running right through the middle of Bryson City you will find the Tuckasegee River. We offer float trips on this section of river for smallmouth, trout, spotted bass, perch, walleye and more. This section of the Tuckasegee River fishes best from the spring into the late fall.

Tim with a 23″ Brown on the Tuck

Other notable streams just a short drive from Bryson City include: Ravens Fork, Oconaluftee, Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest, Snowbird Creek, Straight Fork, The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and many many more.

Winter Booking Special – Book any wade or float trip to be taken between Jan. 1st 2014 and March 7th 2014 and receive a 20% discount. All equipment is provided at no additional cost, including women’s and children’s waders. Beginners and children are welcome on any of our trips.

Book a guided fly or spin fishing trip now. 828-587-4665 hookersflyshop@yahoo.com or use the convenient form below to book a trip or inquire about our services and one of our employees will contact you in less than 24 hours to confirm the trip. In the message line list the type of trip, length, number of anglers and the date of the trip.

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Categories: Backcountry Trips in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Bryson City, Fly Fishing Cherokee, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in Cherokee, Fly Fishing in North Carolina, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing near Bryson City, Fly Fishing near Cherokee, Fly Fishing near Sylva North Carolina, Fly Fishing near the Smokies, Fly Fishing Raven Fork, Fly Fishing the Cherokee Trophy Waters, Fly Fishing the Nantahala River, Fly Fishing the Smokies, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River | Tags: deep creek fly fishing guides, fly fish bryson city nc, fly fish deep creek, fly fish forney creek, fly fish noland creek, fly fish the great smoky mountains, fly fish the little tennessee river, fly fish the smokies, fly fishing, fly fishing fontana lake, fly fishing guides for deep creek, fly fishing guides in bryson city, fly fishing guides in cherokee nc, fly fishing in the great smoky mountains, fly fishing near harrahs cherokee casino, fly fishing on the nantahala river, fly fishing the great smokies, flyfishing deep creek, flyfishing guides for the smokies, flyfishing guides in the smokies, flyfishing the tuckasegee river, guided fly fishing in the smokies, guided trout trips near bryson city nc, nc fly shops, smokies fly fishing guides, smoky mountain fly fishing, smoky mountain fly fishing guides | Comments Off

Fly Fishing Wade and Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River

Posted on January 13, 2014 by jasoncole

The Tuckasegee River

Hookers Fly Shop part-time guide, Chuck Lewis with a monster brown on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest

Guided wade and float trips are available year round on the Tuckasegee River. The Tuckasegee River is another amazing trout fishery. It was recently featured in American Angler Magazine. It begins life high in the mountains as many small tributaries that converge to form an East and West Fork, both which are dammed in their upper portions, finally converging to producing one very cold tailwater fishery that contains some of the most impressive fly fishing waters in the eastern half of the country. The Tuckasegee boasts a nice long Delayed Harvest section that is very popular among fly fishers for its high fish counts, willing and very large trout. Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout are all part of the stocking program, and it’s not uncommon to catch a Rainbow or Brook over 20 inches. This section makes the Tuckasegee River arguably the hottest river in the Southeast. The “Tuck” as it is referred to, has probably as many trout per mile as any of the western rivers of Montana and Idaho. The Tuck is very user friendly, access is great along the Delayed Harvest section with the water remaining wadeable most of the time. The Tuck is also a great river to fish from a drift boat. If you really want the ultimate experience in fly fishing this watershed, then a float trip is definitely the best bet.

Smallmouth Float on the Lower Tuckasegee June 2011

The Lower Tuck also contains trout and as the water starts to warm up further down river, you begin seeing a lot of nice Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass mixed in. According to a 2004 survey conducted by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) on the fish quality in the region, the Tuck has the healthiest population of smallmouth in the entire TVA system of lakes and rivers! We do offer float trips below the delayed harvest section and the action is nothing short of impressive! There are not as many trout per mile as compared with the Delayed Harvest section, but with some bruiser smallmouth bass lurking behind every rock and log, you’re sure to have a great time. In this section of river you may also hook into largemouth bass, walleye, musky, perch, and red-eye bass.

Our trips on this beautiful river are currently 20% off between now and mid March. This includes all wade and float trips. Book now and enjoying some fantastic fishing and some great savings.

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Categories: Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River, The Fly Fishing Trail | Tags: float the tuck, float trips on the tuckasegee river, fly fish the tuck, fly fishing, fly fishing guides for caney fork, fly fishing guides for scotts creek, fly fishing guides for the tuckasegee river, fly fishing guides for western north carolina, fly fishing guides near asheville nc, fly fishing the tuckaseegee, fly fishing the tuckasiegee rivere, flyfishing guides for the tuckasegee river, guided fly fishing float trips on the tuckasiegee, guided fly fishing near wcu, guided fly fishing near western carolina university, guided fly fishing trips on the tuckasegee river, guided fly fishing trips on the western north carolina fly fishing trail, nc fly shops, the western north carolina fly fishing trail, tuckasegee float trips, tuckasegee fly fishing guides, tuckasegee fly fishing outfitters, tuckasegee fly shop | Comments Off

Discount Fly Fishing Trips for Western North Carolina

Posted on January 7, 2014 by jasoncole

We are currently offering discounted fly fishing trips for many of the streams here in Western North Carolina. Our Winter Booking Special will be running between now and mid March. If you book any wade or float trip between now and then you will receive a 20% discount and your choice of a Hookers Fly Shop Cap, T-Shirt or Travel Coffee Mug (while supplies last). By far one of the Best Deals on the Water!

Winter Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina

You can select a float trip down the Tuckasegee River Delayed Harvest, which is by far one of the best streams in the Southeast. Not including the wild or holdover trout from previous stockings this section of river receives a stocking in Oct., Nov., Mar., Apr., and May with almost 10,000 fish per stocking. By the May stocking the river averages 10,000+ fish per mile on the delayed harvest section.

Tuckasegee Fly Fishing Float Trip

Our wade trips cover a wide area with a lot of streams to choose from. We offer guided fly fishing trips on the Cherokee Trophy Section along Big Cove Rd. This sections covers a section of the Oconaluftee River and Ravens Fork. If you are looking for some of the biggest, baddest fish in the area this is it. You normally won’t put up high numbers like the Tuckasegee but you will have a shot a 20″+ fish. We have had clients catch trout in the 8-10 pound range here.

Guided Fly Fishing on the Cherokee Trophy Section

We also offer guided fly fishing trips along the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. While the Cherokee Trophy Section and the Tuckasegee are part of this Trail we also focus on some of the smaller streams in between that many other guide services overlook. For example Scotts Creek. I have already been on this stream twice this year and it has been on fire. This stream is a hatchery supported stream stocked between March and August but there are tons of wild rainbows and brown trout as well. Caney Fork, Mull Creek, Beech Flats Creek, Moses Creek and Rough Butt Creek are a few more notable streams on the trail.

Massive Rainbow on the Cherokee Trophy Section

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For photos, up-to-date stream reports and fishing info also look for us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Guided Fly Fishing in Cherokee, NC

Categories: Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Cherokee, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in Cherokee, Fly Fishing in North Carolina, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing near Asheville, Fly Fishing near Bryson City, Fly Fishing near Cherokee, Fly Fishing near Dillsboro, Fly Fishing near Sylva, Fly Fishing near Sylva North Carolina, Fly Fishing near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Fly Fishing near the Smokies, Fly Fishing Raven Fork, Fly Fishing the Cherokee Trophy Waters, Fly Fishing the Little T, Fly Fishing the Smokies, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River, Great Smoky Mountains Fly Fishing, Guided Fly Fishing on the Nantahala River, Guided Smallmouth Trips in Western North Carolina, Pigeon River Area, The Fly Fishing Trail, WNC Fly Fishing Trail, WNC Fly Fishing Trail - Caney Fork, WNC Fly Fishing Trail - Scott Creek, WNC Fly Fishing Trail - Tanasee Creek | Tags: discount fly fishing trips for the smokies, discounted fly fishing trips for the western north carolina fly fishing trail, discounted fly fishing trips on the tuckasegee river, fly fish the smokies, fly fishing guides for the smokies, fly fishing near asheville nc, fly fishing near waynesville nc, fly fishing the nantahala river, guided fly fishing in the smokies, smoky mountain fly fishing guides | Comments Off

Guided fly fishing trips on the Nantahala River

Posted on January 5, 2014 by jasoncole

Guided Fly Fishing on the Nantahala River including guided fly fishing on the Nantahala River delayed harvest. The Nantahala River is known the world over for its great white water action, and is a place that truly exemplifies a great trout river. The Nantahala is listed as one of the nation’s top 100 by Trout Unlimited. It has also been featured in Eastern Fly Fishing

Nice Brown on the Lower Nantahala

Magazine, North Carolina Sportsman, Trout Magazine, and countless others. The Nantahala River is the most diverse fishery in all of the state. It is arguably one of the finest rivers in the South Eastern United States. Nowhere else can you fish so many different types of water in the same river system! From tight Mountain Laurel choked headwaters, laden with Brook Trout, to a very impressive tailwater supporting some of the baddest Brown Trout in the state, the Nantahala has something for every taste.

The Nantahala above the power house is designated Delayed Harvest, this is a favorite among anglers because of the great action year round, and high fish counts. One can catch numerous stocked trout as well as wild trout, the excitement in this particular section is endless. Below the power house the river changes faces once again to an impressive tailwater fishery. This is the section of the river where the world class white water rafting and kayaking take place. The fishing is great year round in this section too, even during the summer months when the rafting is going on. The Nantahala here features many deep pools, numerous runs and riffles that hold truly large trout. Matter of fact the North Carolina State Record Brown Trout came from this portion of the Nantahala, weighing in over 24lbs 10 oz! Talk about putting a smile on your face! The Nantahala River is truly a place worth visiting while in Western North Carolina.

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Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Nantahala can also be booked by calling 828-587-4665 or emailing our guides at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Nantahala Delayed Harvest

Big Nantahala Rainbow

Categories: Fly Fishing Bryson City, Guided Fly Fishing on the Nantahala River | Comments Off

Guided fly fishing on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail

Posted on January 5, 2014 by jasoncole

The WNC Fly Fishing Trail features 15 different areas and encompasses 20 streams and rivers in Jackson County, NC. These streams and rivers range from small mountain streams with wild rainbows, brown and brook trout to bigger Western style streams such as the Tuckasegee River. Some of these areas are heavily stocked while most have a healthy population of wild stream born trout.

Tuckasegee Float Trip with Hookers Fly Shop

The crown jewel of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail would be the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. The DH section is located between the towns of Sylva and Webster, NC. After just a short, 3 mile drive from our fly shop in Downtown Sylva, you can be on one of the best streams in the Southeast. Their are two main roads to access this section of water. You can either turn off of Hwy 107 onto South River Rd. to reach the upper section or if you are traveling on Hwy 441 you can turn onto North River Rd. to access the lower section. South River Rd. and North River Rd. meet in the middle so you can access the entire DH stretch from either direction.

Large Rainbow on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail

The Delayed Harvest section is approximately 5 miles long. The Tuck, as most local fisherman call it, is also the most heavily stocked of all the Delayed Harvest Streams in North Carolina. During the months of November, December, March, April, and May the river gets two days of stocking, with close to 10,000 fish being stocked. The stocking days are almost always the first Tues./Wed. or the first Wed./Thurs of each stocking month. The best part about this river is you can go out a have a high catch day and stick a few pigs in the 20-25″ range as well.

Beautiful Mull Creek Rainbow

There are many other fine fly fishing waters listed on this map including:

1) Scott Creek

2) Moses, Mull, Rough Butt, Chastine, Piney Mountain creeks all tributaries of Caney Fork.

3) Caney Fork

4) Tanasee Creek

5) Panthertown Creek

6) Raven Fork (Cherokee Trophy Section) *Special permits required to fish this area*

7) Whitewater River

8) Scotsman and Fowler Creeks tributaries of Chattooga River

9) West Fork Tuckasegee River

10) Tuckasegee River (East Laporte Park to NC 107 Bridge)

11) Savannah Creek

12) Tuckasegee River (NC 107 to Dillsboro Park) Delayed Harvest Section. DH regulations actually end just above the Dillsboro Inn.

13) Greens Creek

14) Tuckasegee River (in Dillboro)

15) Lower Tuckasegee River (Baker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier) One of our favorites sections to find large trout and large smallmouth bass.

Smallmouth Float Trip on the Lower Tuck

If you need information about any of these rivers and streams call and speak to the guides that fish and guide these areas. We will be glad to give you up-to-date streams reports and conditions and advise you on what the hot flies are. Our fly shop is the only shop located in middle of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail. This allows us the opportunity to fish and guide these areas more than any other outfitter and guide in the area. If you would like to book a trip with one our friendly, knowledgeable guides please email or call.

hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

828-587-HOOK

Remember to pay close attention to the regulations on many of these areas as they can be very strict. Some areas are single hook catch and release all year while some areas are have these restrictions for only part of the year. Also, any hatchery supported stream, not including the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest will be closed the entire month of March and reopen the first Saturday in April.

Categories: Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in North Carolina, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing near Asheville, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River, Guided Smallmouth Trips in Western North Carolina, Guided Smallmouth Trips near Asheville, Guided Smallmouth Trips near Franklin, Smallmouth Trips, The Fly Fishing Trail, WNC Fly Fishing Trail | Tags: fly fishing cashiers nc, fly fishing guides for cashiers nc, fly fishing guides for highlands nc, fly fishing guides in the smokies, fly fishing guides near atlanta ga, fly fishing guides near charlotte nc, fly fishing highlands nc, fly fishing jackson county nc, fly fishing near asheville nc, fly fishing near atlanta ga, fly fishing near charlotte nc, fly fishing near the blue ridge parkway, fly fishing ravens fork, fly fishing sylva nc, flyfish nc, guided fly fishing in the smokies, guided fly fishing in western north carolina, guided fly fishing on the western north carolina fly fishing trail, the western north carolina fly fishing trail, tuckasegee fly shop, western north carolina fly fishing guides, western north carolina fly shop, wnc fly fishing trail | Comments Off

Guided Fly Fishing Trips in the Great Smoky Mountains

Posted on January 5, 2014 by jasoncole

Guided fly fishing trips in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the Southeast. However, the fishing here can be extremely frustrating for most anglers but at the same time it can very rewarding.

Elk on Balsam Mountain

There are dozens of streams in the Smokies and most of them are home to Rainbow, Brook and Brown trout. Some of the lower elevation streams even hold smallmouth bass. While a few of the streams have all three species of trout there are a few of the higher elevation streams that only have the Brook Trout or “Specks” as most of us locals like to call them. In fact, the brook trout that are found in these mountains are unique only to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These fish tend to be much smaller than the more well known Northern Brook. This beautiful specimen is the only native trout to the area. Pictured below is a beautiful Southern Appalachian Brook Trout from Straight Fork, which is located just north of Cherokee, NC.

Beautiful Great Smoky Mountains Brook Trout

On our guided fly fishing trips to the Smokies you can do a half-day, ¾ day or a full day trip. All of these trips are wade trips and we provide all the necessary gear for a day in the Smokies. Full day trips also include a stream side lunch.

Fly Fishing on Deep Creek

If you are the more adventurous type Hookers Fly Shop offers overnight backcountry trips to the more remote locations of the park. We can hike in, boat in or even paddle canoes or kayaks in. Our backcountry trip leader, Jason Cole has plenty of knowledge and information about staying and playing in the backcountry. Jason has been backpacking and camping in the remote areas of the park since he was five years old that’s almost 30 years of backcountry experience. He has been leading trips professionally for almost 10 seasons now. If you would like more information about these trips please feel free to email or call.

If you would like to book your fly fishing trip to the Smokies just send an email or call and speak to one of our friendly staff and we will be glad to help you plan your trip. hookersflyshop@yahoo.com 828-587-HOOK

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

Great Smoky Mountains Brook Trout

Fly Fishing on Hazel Creek

Categories: Backcountry Trips in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fly Fishing Bryson City, Fly Fishing in North Carolina, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing near Cherokee, Fly Fishing near the Smokies, Fly Fishing the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Fly Fishing | Comments Off

Guided Fly Fishing Trips in Cherokee, NC

Posted on January 5, 2014 by jasoncole

The nearby Oconaluftee River flows out of the Smoky Mountains National Park through beautiful historic Cherokee N. C. home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The Oconaluftee River is a freestone river that begins life high up in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Many small feeder streams make up this beautiful river, to form one of the largest rivers that flows inside park boundary.

Fly Fishing the Cherokee Trophy Waters

Once outside the park, the “Luftee” as us locals refer to it, flows inside the Qualla Boundary where it’s waters are stocked with numerous healthy Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout. The Cherokee Indians are long know for taking care of their natural resources, and the Oconoluftee is no exception. The Tribe stocks the Oconoluftee River and other streams located on the Qualla Boundary twice a week, so there is no shortage on trout in the waters of the Oconoluftee. The Tribe does offer fishing permits, and the daily creel limit is 10 fish with no size restriction. The previous North Carolina State Record Brown Trout came from the waters of the Luftee weighing in at 15 lbs 9oz!

A Raven Fork Palomino

The relatively new designation of the Cherokee Catch and Release waters on the Raven Fork offer yet another wonderful fishing opportunity. Fish average about 20 inches on this 2.2 mile stretch of water. Managed by Cherokee Fish and Game, the regulations are different from the state of North Carolina. Please be sure to visit out Regulations tab for more information.

Our lead guide, Jason Cole, is a member of the Eastern Band of Cheorkee Indians. Growing up in Cherokee, Jason has been fishing these waters since he was a young kid. He has a vast knowledge of the 30 miles of streams located on the Cherokee Reservation. From the smaller streams of Bunches Creek and Soco Creek to the larger streams of Raven Fork and the Oconaluftee, Jason has fished these waters for over 30 years. He has also guided hundreds of clients on these waters over the past 10 seasons. It would be tough to find a more experienced guide for these waters.

Large Rainbow on Ravens Fork in Cherokee, NC

Guided fly fishing trips on Ravens Fork are offered the entire year. Some of the best fishing is in the fall, winter and spring. Summer trips here can remain fairly productive but the smaller streams found inside the park can be even better. To book a trip on the Cherokee Trophy Waters call 828-587-4665 or email our guides at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com Book with us and we promise to provide you with a fun memorable day on the water.

Categories: Fly Fishing Cherokee, Fly Fishing in Cherokee, Fly Fishing near Cherokee, Fly Fishing Raven Fork, Fly Fishing the Cherokee Trophy Waters, The Fly Fishing Trail, WNC Fly Fishing Trail | Comments Off

Tuckasegee River Guided Float Trips

Posted on December 5, 2013 by jasoncole

Hookers Fly Shop and Guide Service offer float trips on the Tuckasegee River all year. Between October and late May early June we offer float trips on the Tuckasegee Delayed Harvest. This 5.5 mile section of rive is catch and release single hook artificial during this time and is stocked with close to 50,000 rainbow, brook and brown trout.

Guided Fly Fishing on the Tuckasegee River

It is very common to land all three species in the same day for the Tuckasegee Grand Slam. You will also have a good shot at landing a 20″+ fish. A state record 15 pound brown trout was once pulled from the Tuckasegee River just a few miles from where our fly shop is located.

Tuckasegee Float Trip

During the summer months our guides will guide you to some of the areas best smallmouth fishing. Choose from fly rod or lightweight spin tackle. These fish are probably one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you will find. On these trips you will also likely catch trout, perch, spotted bass, largemouth bass, walleye and more.

Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Tuckasegee River

Our prices are:

Half Day (4-5hrs) $250 per boat.

3/4 Day (6-6.5hrs) $300 per boat.

Full Day (8-9hrs) $350 per boat.

We do have multiple boats available for large groups. We suggest that if you plan on booking a trip for a large group please book well in advance.

Lunch is included for all full day trips and can be added to half and 3/4 day trips. All equipment is provided and includes leader, tipper and flies for the day. A $5.00 or $20.00 license is needed for this stretch of river and can be purchased at our fly shop prior to the trip.

Book now by calling 828-587-4665 or emailing us at hookersflyshop@yahoo.com

Categories: Float the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing Float Trips on the Tuckasegee River, Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee, Fly Fishing the Tuckasegee River, Guided Smallmouth Trips in Western North Carolina, Guided Smallmouth Trips near Asheville, Guided Smallmouth Trips on the Little Tennessee River, Smallmouth Trips | Comments Off