Discover The Best Experiences for Bountiful Fly Fishing in North Carolina

The Western North Carolina Mountains are a wonderful place full of amazing opportunities for top-notch outdoor recreation all year long. It’s part of what makes Chimney Rock and Lake Lure so special! One popular pastime for guests to participate in is fly fishing. Both experienced anglers and newcomers love fly fishing in North Carolina. With a variety of streams and popular fishing spots nearby, Chimney Rock is the perfect home base for a fishing adventure, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Take a look at our free Vacation Guide for insider tips on the area’s best-kept secrets, including restaurants, breweries, hiking trails, national parks, and more. 

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Great Places to Cast Your Line for Fly Fishing in North Carolina

There’s nothing more relaxing than a day of fishing in the mountains! With more than 3,000 miles of rivers and small streams, Western North Carolina is a haven for anglers of all ages. This beautiful region is home to the finest fly fishing opportunities east of the Mississippi, so pack your tackle box, cast your line, and get ready to discover excellent places for fly fishing in North Carolina! 

The Rocky Broad River 

Anglers will feel at home on The Rocky Broad River. This warm river is full of large rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout in its upper and lower sections near the Lake Lure area. For easy access to the river, consider booking our Rocky Broad River Cabin for your next trip. This private cabin is perfect for early morning fishing in your backyard. 

Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail  

Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail is the first fly fishing trail in the United States. It is here, in Jackson County, that anglers quickly learn why North Carolina is the trout fishing capital of the South. The trail takes you to 15 excellent river access points where you can catch massive trout, including brooks, browns, and rainbows. Take a look at the trail’s detailed map to decide where to cast your line. No matter where you go first, you’re guaranteed some of the best trout waters in the mountains. 

The Davidson River 

Winding through the Pisgah National Forest, the Davidson River is excellent for year-round fishing. The river is well stocked and offers unique experiences along each of its sections. The area above Avery Creek is a managed wild trout stream that only permits catch-and-release fly fishing. Below Avery Creek, the stream is regularly stocked to provide plenty of trout for anglers to catch. For the best fishing on the Davidson River, we recommend visiting during the fall and spring seasons. 

More of our favorite fly fishing locations in WNC:  

  • The French Broad River 
  • The Green River 

Our Favorite Fly Fishing Excursions in Western North Carolina

Hunter Banks Fly Fishing

If you’re new to fly fishing, then plan a day trip with Hunter Banks Fly Fishing for some of the most exciting fishing opportunities. This fishing school will teach you the basics and have you casting like a professional in no time. Hunter Banks Fly Fishing has served the Asheville community with top-notch instruction on fly selection, knot tying, and reading water since 1985. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, fishing doesn’t get much better than this! 

Asheville Fly Fishing Company 

Asheville Fly Fishing Company is another excellent choice for learning the basics or even refining your skills. Their guides specialize in technique, tactics, and fish psychology. After your lesson, you’ll embark on a tour of the finest waters in the area. Personalized experiences are available for all skill levels. Asheville Fly Fishing Company offers everything from day trips to multi-day getaways. The French Broad River, Pisgah National Forest, and the Pigeon River are just a few excursions that you can look forward to with this award-winning guide service.  

Brown Trout Fly Fishing

Brown Trout Fly Fishing is another one of our favorite guides in the Asheville area. Half-day and full-day trips are available, and your experienced guide will show you the ins and outs of trout to smallmouth bass fishing. Every trip includes fishing rods, waders, water, and soft drinks, so you never need to worry about packing your gear. Instead, you can focus on catching the best fish in North Carolina! 

Relax by The Rocky Broad River at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa

Rocky Broad River Cabin River ViewWhen you plan your trip at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant, you never need to travel far for the best fly fishing in North Carolina. Our Rocky Broad River Cabin is only a few feet away from the Rocky Broad River, so you can cast your line in your backyard and take in the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. After a wonderful day of fishing, take it easy and enjoy our inn’s outstanding amenities. Our restaurant menu features award-winning Southern food, and our newly-renovated bar is full of the region’s best craft beers. 

A complimentary breakfast is always included in your stay. And, if you’d like to make your trip even more relaxing and convenient, take advantage of our Picnic Lunch for Two. This package includes your choice of sandwiches, chips, cookies, fresh fruit, and two bottles of water. 

The fish are jumping in Western N.C., so check our availability today. We can’t wait to host you at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa!