Asheville's Best Brook Trout Wading Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday brook trout fishing with 8hour wading adventureStaterecord fishing location with remote mountain streamsAll gear and lunch included for 2person private trip
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in a crystal-clear mountain stream, surrounded by the Blue Ridge peaks, casting to some of the most beautiful native brook trout you've ever seen. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated 8-hour wading adventure with Asheville Trekking Co. Captain Evan knows these high-altitude waters like the back of his hand – he actually landed a state-record brook trout in this very area. While he won't give up his secret honey hole, you'll fish waters that most anglers never see, targeting native brookies that display colors so vibrant they'll take your breath away.
This isn't your typical put-and-take fishing trip. We're talking about a legitimate backcountry adventure that combines serious hiking with world-class trout fishing. You'll cover at least 2.5 miles round-trip, threading your way through dense rhododendron tunnels and scrambling over granite boulders to reach pristine pools that rarely see artificial flies. The elevation gain is real – we're fishing waters that sit well above 3,000 feet, where the air is thin and the trout are wild. These aren't stocked fish; they're generational natives that have called these streams home for centuries. The guest capacity is limited to just two anglers, so you'll get personalized instruction and prime fishing spots without fighting crowds. Captain Evan provides all the gear you'll need, from waders to fly rods, plus a hearty lunch to keep your energy up during this full-day adventure.
Mountain stream wading is an art form, and these Appalachian waters will test your skills. We're fishing pocket water – small plunge pools, undercut banks, and boulder gardens where brook trout hide in the shadows. You'll learn to read the water like a book, identifying the subtle current seams and foam lines where fish feed. The technique here is all about precision casting in tight quarters. We're talking 20-foot casts max, often side-arm or roll casts under overhanging branches. Captain Evan will have you rigged with light tippet – 6X or 7X – because these fish are spooky in the clear water. Dry flies work magic here, especially terrestrials like ants and beetles during summer months. The terrain is challenging but manageable for anyone in decent shape. You'll be stepping over slick rocks, navigating log jams, and sometimes crawling through rhododendron thickets to reach the best pools. Felt-soled wading boots are essential, and Captain Evan ensures everyone has proper footwear before heading upstream.
Brook Trout are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These native beauties are North Carolina's only indigenous trout, sporting olive-green backs with vermiculated patterns and brilliant orange bellies that light up during spawning season. In these high-elevation streams, a 10-inch brookie is a trophy, and anything over 12 inches will have you shaking with excitement. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to small dry flies and nymphs. What makes them special isn't just their stunning colors – it's their wariness and the pristine environment they require to survive.
Rainbow Trout occasionally show up in these waters, though they're not native to this drainage. When you hook into one, expect acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They average 8-12 inches in these mountain streams but fight like fish twice their size. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders and will smash everything from mayfly emergers to large attractor patterns.
Brown Trout are the ghosts of these streams – present but rarely seen. They're the most challenging to catch, often hiding in the deepest pools and feeding primarily at dawn and dusk. A brown trout over 14 inches from these waters is the fish of a lifetime. They're incredibly selective and prefer larger prey items like crayfish and minnows, making them perfect targets for streamer fishing in the deeper holes.
Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass are found in the lower sections of some watersheds where the gradient flattens out and pools become larger. Smallmouth are the scrappier fighters, preferring rocky areas with moderate current. They'll hit poppers and small streamers with aggressive strikes that'll wake up the entire pool. Largemouth stick to the slower, deeper sections with woody cover, and they're suckers for surface presentations during low-light periods.
This customer-favorite trip books up fast, especially during peak season when the mountain laurel is blooming and brook trout are most active. You're not just paying for a fishing trip – you're investing in a backcountry adventure that combines the best of Asheville's outdoor scene with renowned angling opportunities. Captain Evan's track record speaks for itself, and his knowledge of these remote waters is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience wild trout fishing at its finest, this 8-hour adventure delivers. The combination of challenging hiking, technical fishing, and stunning scenery makes this a trending choice among serious anglers visiting the Asheville area. Don't wait – these pristine mountain streams are calling your name.
Hit the mountain streams around Asheville with our 2020 Bris drift boat, a solid 13-footer built for serious brook trout fishing. This compact vessel carries two anglers comfortably while navigating the smaller waters where native brookies hide out. The boat comes equipped with an icebox to keep your drinks cold and lunch fresh during those long days on the water. Captain Evan knows these elevated streams like the back of his hand - he even landed a state-record brook trout in this area. While you'll be doing plenty of wading and hiking (at least 2.5 miles round-trip), the drift boat gets you to those remote spots where the colorful native trout live undisturbed. All your gear and a good lunch are included, so you can focus on working those mountain pools and undercuts where the big brookies feed.
Salvelinus FontinalisOur native brookies are the jewels of these mountain streams. They're smaller than other trout, usually 8-15 inches, but their colors are stunning - olive backs with yellow spots and those signature red dots circled in blue. These fish need cold, clean water below 68°F, so we find them in high-elevation creeks and spring-fed pools. They're incredibly sensitive to water quality, which is why they thrive in our remote areas. Fall and early spring are prime times when they're actively feeding. What guests love is the challenge - brookies are spooky and require stealth. Plus, they're excellent table fare. Here's a local secret: look for the deepest pocket in shallow runs. Brookies often hold tight against undercut banks where terrestrial insects drop in. Use a short, accurate cast.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart, wary veterans that keep anglers humble. These golden-brown fish with black spots typically run 12-20 inches and can live over 15 years, making them wise to most tricks. They prefer deeper pools, undercut banks, and areas with good overhead cover in cool, clear water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though early morning and late evening produce year-round. Browns are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they don't give up easily. They're also exceptional eating. What makes them challenging is their wariness, especially the larger ones that become almost nocturnal. My local tip: focus on the shadiest, deepest holes during bright days. Use natural presentations and approach quietly - these fish have seen it all.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green fighters average 12-24 inches and love warm, weedy waters around structure like fallen trees and rocky cover. You'll find them in ponds and slower river sections, especially during spring and fall when they're actively feeding in shallow areas. Summer pushes them deeper to cooler water. What makes largemouth special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - they put up a real fight. They're also great eating if you get them from clean water. My go-to trick around here is throwing topwater lures early morning near weed lines. That big mouth of theirs extends past their eyes, so they can crush baits bigger than you'd expect. Work those shaded areas under overhangs - that's where the smart ones hide.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the workhorses of our local waters, typically running 10-16 inches with that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides. They prefer cool, flowing water around 55-65°F and gravelly areas with good cover. You'll find them in current seams, behind boulders, and near undercut banks. Spring through fall provides steady action, especially during morning and evening feeding periods. What makes rainbows popular is their strong runs and acrobatic jumps - they're genuine fighters. They're also excellent eating with that pink, flaky meat. The trick I share with guests is watching for risers during insect hatches. Match whatever's coming off the water, but when nothing's happening topside, swing a weighted nymph through the deeper runs. They can't resist a well-presented fly.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth are pound-for-pound the strongest fighters in our waters. They average 12-16 inches but feel twice that size when hooked. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, boulder fields, and clear flowing water - they love current breaks and drop-offs. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're in 3-8 feet of water. Summer drives them deeper where it's cooler. These bronze-backs are famous for their aerial shows and stubborn fights that test your drag. They're also tasty with firm, white meat. The key around here is matching your bait to the abundant crayfish - browns and oranges work great. Focus on transition zones where shallow water meets deeper holes. A light jig bounced along the bottom near rocks is hard to beat.
Asheville, NC