The Appalachian Angler
Fly Shop and Guide Service
174 Old Shulls Mill Rd
Boone NC 28607
Fly Shop 828.963.8383
Guide Service 828.963.5050

email: info@appalachianangler.com

Let our experienced guides show you what fly fishing in NC/ TN / AK / and the Bahamas is all about.  Visit our Boone, NC Fly Shop for all your tackle and equipment needs.

We are proud of our record of establishing fine fly fishing in the Southeastern United States and we work hard to maintain our standards of excellence. Out of respect for our native populations we practice catch and release fishing on all waters and species. We also fish single barbless hooks; this has been our practice since the beginning. We feel that catch and release fishing is imperative to protect our fisheries. We strongly support Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers.

The Appalachian Angler Guides are trained professionals who spend immeasurable hours guiding and fishing our rivers. The guides work exclusively for Appalachian Angler and are renowned for their expertise on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. Our guides are committed to ensuring that our guests, both beginning and advanced anglers, have a quality fishing experience.



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North Carolina/Tennessee

Nolichucky
The Nolichucky River holds a strong population of smallmouth bass, some fish exceeding four pounds.  The river also contains population of musky and trout.  These fish can be taken on the fly or light tackle. The Nolichucky is known for its combination of waterwater and great smallmouth fishing.  Simply said, the smallmouth is one of the greatest fresh water fish you will ever pursue.

Nolichucky Day Float
Our day float of about ten miles on the Nolichucky for Smallmouth Bass takes place above or below the gorge, depending on water levels and clarity. Fly and light-tackle fishing down this remote, majestic stretch of the Nolichucky is a favorite among our guides. This trip is recommended for spin fisherman, smallmouth fly anglers, and trout bums wanting to feel the pull of a smallmouth bass on the long rod. 

Nolichucky Overnight Trips
The Nolichucky Overnight is a two day one night, or  three day two night smallmouth trip written up as one of the twenty-five best adventures in the southeast. Featured in Gray's Sporting Journal, Sports Afield, and Fly Rod and Reel Magazine, it is a true Appalachian Angler experience, perfecting 15 years of professional outfitting and guiding.


Watauga
We have divided the 23 miles of this floatable river in to sections. We pioneered float fishing in the Southeast here; consequently, we understand which section is producing the best fishing on a daily basis. Over the past two decades we have seen this river go through a lot of changes, and our guides all agree that these floats are a special experience. The upper section of the river nearest the dam is floated during generation from Wilbur Dam. The middle section can be floated during both generations, as well as our most popular float; the Trophy Section.

Upper Watauga
The upper section of the river is considered our big water float offering anglers the opportunity to try streamer fishing for trophy browns and rainbows. Because of the increased aeration from the dam, there can also be dry fly opportunities for these same fish. This float goes through some class II and III rapids and rarely will be fishing among other anglers.

Middle Watauga
This section fishes the best during early spring and fall. The water floated in this section offers many dry fly opportunities floating through swift riffles and characteristic limestone shelves. This deeper water can also challenge the angler with streamer opportunities.

Trophy Section
This is our most popular trip offering 5 miles of float fishing on some of the finest tailwaters in the nation. Special regulations and slot limits have blessed this section with a resident population of trophy trout that thrive on the consistent bug life within. Our caddis hatch starting in the Spring ushers in multiple hatches that can overlap and last until late Fall. This section of the river can be characterized as a tailwater with freestone characteristics; bowling ball sized boulders coupled with limestone produces water that can be shallow riffles or very large holes. This varied stream composition gives us the opportunity to educate beginning anglers wanting to learn the sport and challenge seasoned anglers on the same float. This is a combination float and wade trip giving anglers many different and challenging fishing situations.



South Holston
The South Holston has benefited from the implementation of a weir dam, slot limits, and protected spawning grounds over the years. These special steps have taken the South Holston in to the national spotlight. Appalachian Angler has floated and waded this river for two decades and were starting to realize the secret is out. This unique fishery can have remarkable hatches and produce trophy resident brown and rainbow trout.

South Holston Float
During generation the South Holston rises to become literally a big water float. Deep nymphing, streamer fishing, and dry fly fishing can all occur on this 6 mile float. The Blue Wing Olive and Sulphur hatches occur in great concentration near the oxygenated weir dam and can convince trophies to rise on the surface. The increased volume of water stirs smaller fish and energizes larger fish to feed on these stunned victims. Our guides have learned from experience where these fish can hold, and what bugs to use to find these elusive trout.

South Holston Wade
The eleven miles of this tailwater have all been explored over the past two decades by the Appalachian Angler. We know each stretch of water intimately and can seek the best time and place to fish for these increasingly wary fish. With no generation from the dam the South Holston must be approached with stealthiness and long leaders. We have guides that spend years pursuing these fish in their most vulnerable positions. This is a great trip to challenge the experienced angler, and can also give an opportunity to build basic tailwater tactics.


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Bahamas

Saltwater angling is rapidly becoming the new frontier in the sport of fly fishing. Thanks to those of you with the enthusiasm to expand your horizons past trout fishing, Bonefishing Expeditions will remain a leader of world wide fly fishing.

South Andros is a very special place and for the entry level saltwater angler this will be a different world with a different set of rules. It is our goal to provide you with the skills and knowledge to invigorate your enthusiasm for saltwater fly fishing and to install the notion that you are no longer merely a trout fisherman, but a fly fisherman. As saltwater veteran Lefty Krey once said, "No one can really describe the run of a bonefish, the slugging battle of a jack crevalle, the mighty leap of a tarpon; these things have to be experienced. Once they are, the freshwater angler is never the same."

All trip rates include guided fishing, saltwater fly fishing school, lodging and meals, fly fishing gear and all ground transportation while on the island. Spaces are limited, so please book early.



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Alaska


Theo Copeland and Appalachian Angler guides are proud to have offered world class wilderness float trips on the Kanektok River in Southwest Alaska since 1994. Theo offers six person expeditions covering over a hundred miles of wild Alaskan river. The experience begins in the Kilbuk Mountains where you meander through the Alaskan Tundra and flow out into the Kuskokwin Bay. A special permit is required to float the river making crowds a non issue. Only the finest guide services are awarded such a permit from the department of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge.

The Kanektok River features all five species of Pacific Salmon, resident Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, and Grayling. This is truly a world class fishery. It is beautiful country, untouched by civilization, and a once in a lifetime experience. The Alaskan nights and mornings are spent in a safari style camp with deluxe meals and accommodations. You will be near the fish and away from everything else. Due to the popularity of this trip, please book well in advance. The quality and numbers of fish caught are truly amazing!


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Fly Shop

Since opening the doors of the fly shop in April 1996, the business has come a long way. Our experience in all areas of the fly fishing industry has enabled us to become a worldwide destination outfitter. As with the guide services, service is what sets us apart from other shops. We are happy to spend time with our customers in hopes they will come to love the sport of fly fishing.

The store is a full-service fly shop. We carry rods, reels and all the accessories from all the top manufacturers for any fishing adventure. Whether it's Bluegill or Tarpon you seek, we have what you need. We are happy to order any item that we don't have on hand. Also, because our staff are all experienced guides and fishermen, we can provide top-notch, informed service.

Galvan Fly Reels, G-Loomis, Umpqua, Sage

Opening the fly shop has enabled Appalachian Angler to provide a complete package to our visiting anglers. We are happy to offer advice on gear needs for trips with us and any other angling endeavor you might have. We have local area maps and one of the largest, most comprehensive fly selections in the Southeast. We will happily spend time with you casting outside the shop, or just across the street on the Watauga River. If you are in the area, either fishing with us, or fishing on your own, stop in our shop for a visit.


 


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