What's included on a guided trip?

Your guided trip includes a licensed professional guide, all rods, reels, flies, leaders, and tippet. Waders and boots are available on request. You bring your own food, sunglasses, a hat, layers for the day, and a valid fishing license.

How do I book a trip and what deposit is required?

A 50% deposit is required to book your trip and secure your date. The remaining balance is due on the day of the trip. To book, call (828) 355-9109, email contact@duesouthoutfitters.com, or use the Book a Trip button on the website. Changes in the number of people on the trip are subject to the cancellation policy.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

10 or more days before your trip: full refund of your deposit. 9 days to 48 hours before: the 50% deposit is forfeited, and rescheduling within this window also forfeits the deposit. Within 48 hours of your trip: the full deposit is forfeited and the remaining trip balance is charged to cover expenses and the guide's lost day of work. Rescheduling within 48 hours follows the same policy.

What happens if the weather looks rough on the day of my trip?

Weather cancellations are at the guide's discretion. A chance of rain is not considered unsafe weather — we fish through light rain, and trout often love it. If conditions on the day of your trip are deemed unsafe (unsafe water levels, lightning, or thunder), you can reschedule or receive a full deposit refund.

How do river flows affect my trip?

The South Holston and Watauga are both TVA tailwaters, so flows can swing fast from wadeable to full generation. We track the schedule the night before and morning of your trip. We never change a float trip into a wade trip. If the South Holston isn't floatable, we resort to the Watauga — we can always float the Watauga River in Tennessee.

Do I need a fishing license for a guided trip?

Yes — anglers 16 and older need a valid Tennessee, North Carolina, or Virginia fishing license depending on the water you're fishing. In Tennessee only, anglers ages 13 to 15 also need a Junior Hunt and Fish License. North Carolina and Virginia do not have this junior requirement. Licenses can be purchased online before your trip.

Is lunch included on guided trips?

No — trips do not include lunch or snacks. Plan to bring your own food, water, and any drinks you'll want during the day.

Is gratuity included in the trip rate?

No, trip rates do not include gratuity. Tips are appreciated and customary when you've enjoyed the day. Our guides work hard to make sure you do. If you have questions about gratuity protocol, ask the shop or your guide directly.

Can Due South Outfitters accommodate larger groups?

Yes — we can take more than 2 people on a trip with advance planning. Call (828) 355-9109 or email contact@duesouthoutfitters.com with your group size and dates and we'll set you up with the right number of guides.

Do you offer fly fishing trips for beginners?

Yes — Due South Outfitters welcomes first-time fly anglers, and our guides genuinely love teaching the sport. Beginner trips are one of the most common bookings we run out of Boone, NC. We provide all the gear, casting instruction, and pace the day to your experience level — as much instruction or as much fishing as you want.

Are kids welcome on guided fly fishing trips?

Yes — we love getting kids on the water and tailor the day to keep things fun. Let us know your child's age and experience and we'll pick the best fit. Note that in Tennessee, anglers ages 13 to 15 need a Junior Hunt and Fish License.

Where is Due South Outfitters located?

Due South Outfitters is a fly fishing guide service and fly shop located at 2575 Hwy 105, Suite 60, Boone, NC 28607. The shop is open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Stop by for gear, flies, and current stream reports before heading to the river.

What rivers and states does Due South Outfitters guide on?

Due South Outfitters guides wade and float trips across three states: North Carolina (Watauga River, South Fork New River, Wilson Creek and other Western NC streams), Tennessee (South Holston and Watauga tailwaters), and Virginia (New River and southwest VA waters). Trips target wild and stocked trout — brown, rainbow, and brook — plus smallmouth bass on warm-water floats.

When is the best time to fly fish in the North Carolina High Country?

Western North Carolina fishes well year-round. Spring and early summer (April through June) bring strong hatches and active wild trout. Summer is prime for smallmouth bass on the New River. Fall (September through November) offers cooler water, aggressive browns, and beautiful color in the mountains. Winter brings technical, rewarding trout fishing on tailwaters like the South Holston and Watauga.

Directions To Shop Open

(828) 355-9109

Due South Outfitters

Southeast Appalachian
Trout Fly Fishing Report

Fresh Southeast trout fly fishing reports updated weekly. Directly from our guides we have updates on water levels, hatches, and what’s working across WNC & VA's wild streams, delayed harvest water, and East Tennessee tailwaters.

Latest Due South Fly Fishing Report

August 19, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | August

August Fishing Report This has been one of, if not the best fishing I’ve seen in August over the 10 years I’ve been guiding in the High Country. Consistent afternoon thunderstorms have brought tons of rain leading to great water conditions. These rain events were...

Past Months Fishing Reports

July 13, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | July

July Fishing Report July started out dry and we were experiencing very low water conditions. The last few days we have received a healthy amount of rain that has cooled water temperatures and raised water levels. This rain is exactly what the streams in our...

June 5, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | June

June Fishing Report June has started off on a nice foot. The last week of May brought us about 5 days of rain leading to increased water levels and happy fish. As it stands, we’re supposed to get another shot of rain this weekend (June...

May 9, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | May

May Fishing Report May is here in the High Country! We’re still holding on to our cooler mornings and very pleasant afternoons. The fishing in our area right now is great. The delayed harvest streams have received their final stocking until October and the wild...

April 29, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | April

April Fishing Report Spring is in full force up here in the High Country. We’re seeing much warmer days, and it looks like most of the cold weather is behind us. The warm weather has our local streams fishing well with dry fly hatches occurring...

April 23, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | March

Warmer Temperatures and Spring Fishing Are Here! We had one of the most beautiful first weeks of March here in the High Country that I can remember in a long time. Highs in the mid 60s to lows 70s and sunny told the story for...

April 23, 2026

Western North Carolina & East Tennessee Fly Fishing Report | February

Winter Fly Fishing: Is It Worth Braving the Cold? Winter fly fishing in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee can be challenging, but there are still opportunities to catch trout and beat cabin fever. While winter is not the best time of year to catch...