Anglers visiting Asheville, NC will discover a year-round paradise for indulging in their favorite outdoor pastime. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or totally new to the sport, you’ll love fly fishing in Asheville!

The mountainous Asheville region is home to nearly 4,000 miles of excellent public trout streams and creeks. Everything from tiny, and pristine head-water streams, to broad valley rivers, annually stocked ponds, and peaceful fishing holes. Targets to go after are aplenty, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout, small and large mouth bass, crappie, and sunfish.

Best of all, Bent Creek Lodge’s forested location, found south of downtown Asheville and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, puts you within easy reach of a variety of fly-fishing options.

Fly Fishing in the Asheville Area

One of the first things you’ll need to fish in North Carolina is a valid fishing license. Anyone 16 or older must have a license to fish. Luckily North Carolina fishing licenses are easy to get. You can apply online, via phone (888-248-6834), or in person at a local wildlife service agent. All you’ll need is a valid picture id and a way to pay the small licensing fee.

After that, you’ll only need to collect your gear and choose from among the many possible fly-fishing locations.

Seasoned Asheville anglers will likely have all the gear and experience they need. Beyond serving you a nutritious and delicious breakfast, we’re happy to stay out of your way.

Those not as familiar to the area or sport may require both gear and a little (or a lot) of guidance. Not to worry! We’re happy to provide you with our own take on area streams and hot fishing spots but, for fishing gear and more in-depth knowledge, we have to defer to the local experts. Luckily, the Asheville area is home to plenty of those!

Asheville Outfitters & Guides

Even experienced anglers benefit from inside information on the types of flies to use and the best fishing spots when visiting a new area. While everyone has their own take, the best inside scoops come from local, professional fishing guides.

The best Asheville area outfitters and guides can provide not just gear and a few basic tips but in-depth information and advice about where, when, and if you need it, even how to fish.

Below is our short list of favorite, local fishing guides and outfitters. Visit their sites to get a feel for their style and services offered or let us know your needs and we can help you choose the service that’s best for you. Just let us know. Bent Creek Lodge loves sharing the area with our guests!

Asheville Fly Fishing Co – 828-779-9008
Award-winning, professional fishing trips; float trips, back country, white-water, multi-day, and more. Lessons for beginners. Guide owned and operated.

Brown Trout Fly Fishing – 828-222-5020
Asheville’s only ORVIS endorsed fly fishing guide service. Specializing in guiding and teaching fly fishing for trout and smallmouth bass.

Curtis Wright Outfitters – 828-645-8700
A family owned fly shop and guide service specializing in customer service and a deep local knowledge of Asheville’s rivers and streams.

Davidson River Outfitters – 828-877-4181
Offering private trout waters for trophy size fish, guided fishing trips, fly tying, instruction, destination fishing travel, custom rod building, and rod building classes.

Hunter Banks Fly Fishing – 828-252-3005
A full outfitter with gear, fly-tying classes, on-the-water lessons, guided trips, and more for both new and lifelong fly fishing enthusiasts.

Whatever shape your Asheville adventures take, Bent Creek Lodge is here to help. Book your stay today!