Excellent experience for first-time fly fishermen.
“"“Two separate wade trips, and both guides (Dom and Benny) were very professional, knowledgeable, and instructive.”"”C Black / Orvis.com
Cast, relax and experience the heart of the river as you float through the stunning Appalachian landscape on one of two world-class tailwaters — the South Holston or the Watauga River in East Tennessee. One boat will comfortably accommodate up to two guests plus your Orvis Endorsed Guide.
Cover more water on both half-day and full-day trips
Excellent choice for dry fly fishing and scenic autumn floats
No need to wear waders — enjoy the comfort of fishing from a drift boat
Perfect choice for families or groups
Price per Boat (Maximum 2 anglers per boat • All skill levels welcome)
Enjoy wading through some of the most pristine mountain streams the high-country has to offer alongside an Orvis®- Endorsed guide.
PLAN YOUR TRIPAccess to smaller, intimate high-country mountain streams
Slow down and thoroughly work every square inch of the stream
Complete Orvis® gear and waders provided for your convenience
Our casting clinics allow beginners to learn the basic skills of fly casting or sharpen existing ones on the front lawn of the resort.
We offer a cast and blast package’ which includes a half day of fly fishing and a half day of shooting at the Chetola Sporting Reserve. We also offer a ‘Learn to Fly Fish’ package which entails a detailed casting clinic followed by a trip to the river to put your newly-acquired skills to the test.
Yes! Don’t let colder air or precipitation stop you. Late fall, winter, and early spring are considered some of the best times for fly fishing.
Not at all. We welcome everyone—Chetola guests, locals, and visitors staying elsewhere. Contact our Concierge, Zak Linkins, at 828-295-5509 or book online.
Yes. All fly fishing trips require a valid fishing license. Due to the chance of inclement weather as well as trip location, we strongly recommend purchasing your license upon speaking to your fishing guide the day before your trip. Licenses may be purchased online with the whole process taking no more than a few minutes.
Yes! When booking a fishing trip with overnight accommodations, special value pricing is available for rooms at Chetola Lodge or The Bob Timberlake Inn.
Group size depends on your selected trip (wade or float). We recommend a 2:1 guest-to-guide ratio. With advance notice, we can accommodate groups of up to 30.
We provide all gear—rods, flies, waders, and nets. We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing a raincoat and sunglasses for eye protection. A fully stocked Fly Shop is also located on the property.
Located in a temperate rainforest, the area can be wet year-round. Wear flexible, layered clothing—sweats, tees, flannels, and a rain jacket. We provide Orvis waders to wear over your clothing. Check the weather for Boone or Blowing Rock before packing.
Unless otherwise arranged, meet your guide at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Guides aim to meet you at the most convenient location for your trip.
Yes. Our private water section as well as Chetola Lake are both handicapped accessible and entail just a short walk.
Gratuity isn’t included, but is appreciated. A tip of 20% is customary if your guide exceeds expectations.
Absolutely. While we can’t guarantee all requests, we’ll do our best to honor them. We reserve the right to change guides based on requests, trip needs, illness, or emergencies.