6 Hour Fly Fishing Trip - Travelers Rest, SC
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour guided fly fishing adventure in South Carolina watersTarget trout, bass, panfish, striper, and smallmouth bass speciesIncludes complimentary lunch and all necessary fishing equipment
Ready to spend a full day working the waters around Travelers Rest with fly rod in hand? This 6-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of South Carolina's prime trout country, where crystal-clear mountain streams and well-stocked waters hold some serious fish. You'll be fishing alongside a seasoned local pro who knows every pool, riffle, and undercut bank where the big ones like to hide. Whether you're new to the fly game or looking to dial in your technique, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early, meeting your guide who's already scoped out the best spots based on current conditions and recent hatches. The Travelers Rest area sits right at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving you access to some of South Carolina's most productive trout waters. You'll hit 2-3 different locations throughout the day, each offering its own character and fishing opportunities. Your guide handles all the logistics - from selecting the right flies to reading the water - while you focus on perfecting your cast and landing fish. The pace stays relaxed but productive, with plenty of time to work good water without feeling rushed. Lunch comes included, so you can refuel streamside and share fishing stories before hitting the afternoon bite. With only 3 anglers max per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your favorite runs.
This isn't your typical chuck-and-chance-it fishing trip. Your guide brings all the necessary fly fishing gear, including quality rods, reels, lines, and a well-stocked fly box that matches local hatches. You'll learn proper presentation techniques for different water types - from dead-drifting nymphs through deep pools to working dry flies along foam lines during surface activity. The guide reads insect activity and adjusts fly selection throughout the day, teaching you to spot the subtle signs that indicate what fish are feeding on. Expect to work with both weighted nymphs and dry flies, depending on conditions and fish behavior. The streams around Travelers Rest offer perfect water for learning or improving your mending, line control, and fly presentation. Your guide demonstrates proper casting angles for tight spots and helps you develop the patience and precision that makes fly fishing so rewarding.
Brook Trout are the native gems of these mountain waters, and catching one feels like connecting with the area's fishing heritage. These colorful beauties prefer the cooler, well-oxygenated water of higher elevation streams and typically run 8-12 inches, though the occasional 14-incher will make your day. Fall through early spring offers the best brook trout action, when they're most active and their colors really pop. They're selective feeders but aggressive when they decide to eat, making every hookup feel earned.
Rainbow Trout provide consistent action throughout most of the year and fight harder than their size suggests. The stocked rainbows in local waters average 10-14 inches, with some holdovers pushing 16-18 inches after spending time in the system. They respond well to both nymphs and dry flies, making them perfect for anglers still dialing in their fly fishing skills. Spring and fall see the most active feeding, but you can find rainbows willing to eat year-round if you match your presentation to water conditions.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the system and the ones that really test your skills. These golden-sided fighters prefer deeper pools and undercut banks, often feeding more actively during low-light periods. Most browns run 12-16 inches, but the area holds some true trophies that have locals talking for months. They're notorious for following flies without committing, making a successful hookup feel like solving a puzzle. Late fall brings spawning activity when browns become more aggressive and willing to take larger flies.
Striped Bass show up in the larger water systems connected to area lakes, providing a completely different fly fishing challenge. These silver bullets can reach 20+ inches and fight like freight trains, testing both your tackle and technique. They school up during certain times of year, creating fast action when you locate them. Stripers prefer larger flies and aggressive presentations, giving you a chance to throw bigger patterns and work on your hauling technique.
Lake Trout represent the giants of the system, primarily found in deeper lake environments connected to local watersheds. These char can exceed 20 inches and provide the kind of arm-burning fights that make for legendary fishing stories. They prefer cooler water temperatures and often hold in deeper structures, requiring different techniques and presentations. Landing a lake trout on a fly rod ranks as a career highlight for most anglers, combining the challenge of locating fish with the reward of battling a true monster.
Six hours on the water with a knowledgeable local guide, all your gear provided, and lunch included - this trip offers serious value for both beginning and experienced fly anglers. The small group size means you get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to work productive water. Whether you're looking to learn fly fishing fundamentals or target specific species in South Carolina's premier trout waters, this Travelers Rest adventure delivers the kind of fishing day that creates lasting memories. The combination of scenic mountain streams, diverse fish species, and expert guidance makes this a top-rated choice for anyone serious about their fly fishing. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - your guide knows how to find fish regardless of weather, and the best fishing stories always come from the days you almost didn't go.
Your 6-hour fly fishing adventure puts you in a specially outfitted drift boat designed for serious angling on South Carolina's productive waters. This lightweight craft moves silently through fishing zones, letting you work your fly rod without spooking the trout, bass, and stripers below. The boat comes equipped with GPS to pinpoint the hottest fishing spots and VHF radio for safety communication on the water. With room for three anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without tangling lines while your guide navigates to prime feeding areas. The shallow draft design gets you into back channels and quiet coves where big fish like to hide, while the stable platform gives you confidence whether you're setting the hook on a scrappy smallmouth or fighting a chunky rainbow trout.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the true natives here - small, feisty fish that pack a punch despite averaging just 8-14 inches. These beauties have olive backs with wavy patterns and those signature red spots circled in blue that make them unmistakable. They're picky about their water, needing temps below 68°F and crystal-clear streams, which makes them great indicators of healthy ecosystems. You'll find them tucked under fallen logs, around boulders, and in deeper pools of our mountain streams. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps are perfect. What guests love most is the challenge - brookies are spooky and selective, but when you hook one, they fight like fish twice their size. The meat is sweet and firm too. Here's a local trick: use a longer fly rod to get your fly into those tight spots under overhanging branches where the big ones hide.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest trout you'll encounter, typically running 14-20 inches with golden-brown backs and black spots. They're the night hunters, preferring deeper pools, undercut banks, and heavy cover during daylight hours. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before spawning season. These fish can live 12+ years and get wise to fishing pressure, making them a true test of skill. What anglers love about browns is their raw power - they don't jump like rainbows, but they'll make bulldogging runs that'll straighten hooks. The meat is firm and flavorful too. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F and can tolerate warmer conditions than other trout. My go-to tip for browns: fish bigger flies and don't be afraid to work the nastiest cover you can find. While other anglers avoid the snag-filled spots, that's exactly where the trophy browns are hiding.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds - true trophy fish that can live decades. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, oxygen-rich lakes and spend most of their time suspended in the depths. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What makes lake trout special is their sheer size and the challenge of finding them in vast, deep waters. They're incredible fighters with long, powerful runs, and the meat is rich and oily - perfect for smoking. You'll typically find them 40-100 feet down in summer, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days and low-light periods produce best. Here's the key technique: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swimbaits. Drop straight down and work that jig with sharp, erratic movements to imitate wounded baitfish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of the trout world, averaging 12-16 inches with that signature pink stripe and spotted tail. They prefer fast-moving water with gravel bottoms and plenty of cover, usually staying in the 55-65°F range. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially during mayfly hatches. What makes rainbows so popular is their explosive fights - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times, making every hookup exciting. They're also excellent eating with pink, flaky meat. You'll find them in deeper pools during hot weather and near structure like fallen trees or undercut banks. The best technique I share with clients is matching your fly to what's actually hatching. Take a few minutes to check what insects are on the water before you start fishing. Those extra minutes of observation will put more fish in your net than any fancy fly pattern.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the powerhouses of our waters, typically running 20-40 pounds with those distinctive black stripes down their silver sides. These fish love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, rocky points, and wherever baitfish gather. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they make up for it with sheer strength and endurance. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. What makes stripers special is that incredible fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your gear and skills. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, flaky white meat. The key to landing more stripers is reading the water for moving baitfish. When you see birds diving or bait breaking the surface, get your fly in there fast. These fish feed aggressively when they're on the hunt, so timing and positioning are everything.
West Columbia