4.8(5 Reviews)Chattanooga Fly Fishing | 2 Hour Guided Wade Trip
4.8(5 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Top Rated
2-hour guided wade fishing targeting multiple bass speciesIncludes casting lesson and all necessary fishing equipmentLocated minutes from downtown Chattanooga with personalized instruction
Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, you'll find some of Tennessee's best bass fishing waters waiting for you. This 2-hour guided wade trip puts you right in the thick of it, targeting multiple bass species in waters that consistently produce quality fish. Whether you're new to fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this personalized experience includes everything you need - gear, instruction, and local knowledge that makes all the difference. Perfect for morning risers who want to beat the heat or evening anglers chasing that golden hour bite.
You'll meet your guide Brian right at the access point, where crystal-clear Tennessee waters flow through some prime bass habitat. This isn't your typical crowded fishing spot - we're talking about walk-in access that keeps the pressure light and the fish cooperative. The wade fishing here is perfect for getting up close and personal with the structure where bass love to hang out. Rocky drop-offs, fallen timber, and current breaks create the kind of diverse habitat that holds fish year-round. Your guide knows every productive pocket and will position you for the best shots at quality bass. The personalized casting lesson happens right on the water, so you're learning while you're fishing real structure for real fish. Morning trips often mean topwater action as the sun hits the water, while evening outings can produce some serious feeding activity as temperatures cool down.
All your fly fishing gear is provided, including rods matched to the conditions and proven fly patterns that produce consistently in these waters. You'll be wade fishing, which means moving quietly through the shallows to reach the best holding spots without spooking fish. The technique focus depends on conditions - early morning might have you throwing poppers and streamers near the surface, while midday calls for weighted patterns worked through deeper pockets. Your guide will teach you to read the water, identifying where bass are likely to be positioned based on current, structure, and light conditions. Line management is crucial in wade fishing, and you'll learn how to handle your line in moving water while keeping your flies in the strike zone. The casting instruction is hands-on and immediate - no classroom theory here, just practical skills that put more fish on your line. Stripping techniques, mending, and proper presentation all come together as you work real fishing scenarios.
"Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him." - Nathaniel
"We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. Definitely looking forward to joining him again and catch more fish." - Christopher
"Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area." - Erica
Largemouth Bass are the main event here, and these Tennessee fish have serious attitude. They average 2-4 pounds with plenty of opportunities for bigger fish, especially during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily. Largemouth love the woody cover and rocky structure you'll be fishing, often ambushing flies from under fallen trees or along steep banks. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike - there's no mistaking when a largemouth decides your fly looks like dinner. Peak action happens during low-light periods, but don't count them out during midday if you're willing to work deeper water. These fish fight dirty, using every piece of cover to try and break you off.
Smallmouth Bass bring a completely different game to your fly rod. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. Tennessee smallies typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in pure fight. They prefer the rockier areas and current breaks, often holding in water that flows steadily over gravel and boulder structure. Spring through fall offers consistent smallmouth action, with summer being particularly productive during morning and evening hours. When a smallmouth hits your fly, get ready for aerial displays and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag system. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding and will chase down a well-presented streamer with determination.
White Bass provide some of the most consistent action you'll find, especially when they're schooled up and feeding. These silver rockets typically run 1-2 pounds and travel in groups, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're particularly active during spring spawning runs and fall feeding periods, often pushing baitfish to the surface in spectacular displays. White bass aren't subtle - when they're feeding, you'll know it. They hit flies hard and fast, making them perfect targets for beginning fly anglers who want steady action. Look for them in open water adjacent to structure, especially where current creates feeding opportunities.
Skipjack Shad might seem like an odd target species, but these native Tennessee fish provide unique fly fishing opportunities. They're filter feeders that can be targeted with tiny flies during their spawning runs, offering a different challenge from traditional bass fishing. Skipjack are incredibly strong for their size and provide excellent light tackle action. They're most active during spring spawning periods when they move into shallow water areas. While they're not traditional game fish, they're an important part of the ecosystem and catching them on fly tackle requires skill and patience. Many anglers are surprised by how hard these fish can pull and their willingness to take small streamers and nymphs.
This 2-hour wade trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality water, expert guidance, and fish that actually bite. You're getting personalized instruction from a guide who knows these waters inside and out, plus all the gear you need to be successful. The location keeps you close to Chattanooga while putting you on fish that see less pressure than the popular spots. Whether you book a
Micropterus SalmoidesThe largemouth bass is the king of our local waters and the reason most folks get hooked on bass fishing. These green giants typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but they're famous for that massive mouth that extends past their eyes. You'll find them around structure like fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points in shallow to mid-depth water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, though early morning and evening produce year-round. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, dive, and test your drag. Around Chattanooga, try working poppers early morning along the shoreline structure. These bass aren't easily spooked, so don't be afraid to work an area thoroughly.
Alosa ChrysochlorisSkipjack shad, nicknamed "Tennessee tarpon," are the acrobats of our river system. These silver rockets average 14 inches and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. You'll find schools in fast-flowing, clear water over gravel and sand bottoms, especially around current seams and eddies. Early spring during their spawning run (March-April) offers prime fishing, but they're active year-round. What makes them special is the sheer excitement - they leap repeatedly and fight way above their weight class. While not typically targeted for the table, they're fantastic baitfish for catfish. The key is staying mobile and watching for surface activity. When you see them jumping to feed, cast small jigs or flies quickly - the school won't stay put long.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fighters in our Tennessee waters. These bronze-backed beauties typically measure 12-18 inches and prefer rocky bottoms, current breaks, and clear water. Unlike their largemouth cousins, smallies love structure like boulder fields and gravel bars. Spring and fall offer the best action during bright, calm days, while summer means going deep or fishing dawn and dusk. What sets them apart is that aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly and fight harder than fish twice their size. The cooler months are perfect for topwater action. Here's a local tip: when the water's clear, downsize your line and use more natural colors. These fish are spookier than largemouth, so a stealthy approach pays off big time.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are the silver bullets of our Tennessee waters - aggressive schooling fish that average 10-12 inches and pack a serious punch for their size. These silvery fighters with distinctive dark horizontal stripes love open water and current breaks, especially around points and drop-offs. Spring spawning runs from March through May offer the hottest action when they move shallow, but summer evenings can be dynamite when schools surface-feed. What guests love is the non-stop action once you locate a school - they're visual feeders that hammer small jigs and spinners. The bonus? They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. My go-to trick is watching for surface activity and casting small white or chartreuse jigs just ahead of the school's direction.
4.8 out of 5.0Easy going guide with a lot of fishing knowledge.
Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him...
We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. ...
Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area.
Chattanooga