EQUIPMENT:
Flies, leaders, tippet, and all other terminal tackle are always provided and I have rods, reels, and wading gear available at no additional charge. If you have not already done so, please contact me with approximate height, weight, and shoe size if wading gear is needed.
If using your own gear, rods ranging from 7 ½’ – 8 ½’ and 3-5 weight handle most situations in the mountains.
For wading, felt sole boots are highly recommended, but to prevent the spread of exotics, please be sure to thoroughly clean and dry felt soles before and after your trip to the Smokies. Breathable waders are suggested for our mild climate. During warmer months (mid May – late September), many Smoky Mountain anglers prefer to wet-wade, wearing felt sole boots but no waders.
On backcountry trips, a daypack is recommended to carry lunch and water. I can provide a daypack if needed.
Other suggested items include: Hat, polarized sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, and a change of clothes (in case of a spill!)
CLOTHING:
Smoky Mountain trout can be very spooky and bright colors often put fish down before a cast is ever made! It is strongly recommended that you wear earth-tone clothing and hats.
Mountain weather is tough to predict. Bringing a light rain jacket is always a good idea regardless of forecast.
When wearing waders, keep in mind that breathable waders are only as breathable as the fabric beneath them. Synthetic nylon or fleece pants are better choices than fabrics like denim. When wet-wading, bring a thick pair of socks that you don’t mind getting wet – preferably neoprene wading socks. I can provide neoprene socks, if needed. Shorts are adequate, but long, quick-dry pants will help protect your legs from stream rocks and streamside vegetation.
Otherwise, simply dress for the weather. A forecast similar to where we’ll be fishing can be viewed here . Feel free to contact me for suggested apparel.
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
In an effort to reduce/eliminate single use plastics, I no longer provide water in disposable plastic bottles. You are encouraged to bring water in a reusable container. If you are not able to provide your own, I will have water in stainless steel water bottles that you may use. Full day guide trips also offer a scrumptious homemade lunch and various soft drinks. If you have specific dietary restrictions or just a particular preference on food or drink, please let me know. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted on guided trips and are actually only permitted in designated areas in the national park.
LODGING:
The lodging options in this area are so diverse and vast that it would be impossible to list them here. If you let me know what kind of lodging (hotel, cabin, lodge, camping) you are interested in, as well as preferred nearby attractions, dining, etc., I will be happy to assist!
SAFETY:
Fly fishing has a number of inherent dangers and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wild environment with rough terrain and various forms of wildlife. One of my most important roles is to keep you safe and comfortable and I take it very seriously. I can plan a fun, productive fly fishing trip for most anyone, but not every destination is going to be well suited for every person. If you feel like you are limited physically in any way or there are things (like being far from a road or trail) that just make you uncomfortable, please let me know in advance so that I may better plan the perfect trip for you.
Shop:
Have you checked out my online store? You’ll find lots of cool apparel and gear that you can certainly order anytime. However, if you want to purchase or look at any of the items on the day of your trip just let me know and I’ll bring them along: Fightmaster Fly Fishing Store