8 Hour Fly Fishing Trip - Travelers Rest, SC
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day fishing adventure targeting trout, bass, and stripersIncludes complimentary lunch and all necessary fishing equipmentSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Picture yourself waist-deep in crystal-clear mountain water, watching your dry fly drift naturally down a pristine run while the Blue Ridge foothills tower around you. That's exactly what you'll get with Dodson Fishing Company's full-day fly fishing adventure in Travelers Rest. This isn't your typical pond fishing – we're talking about world-class trout waters and bass havens that have been producing trophy fish for decades. You'll spend eight solid hours learning the art of fly fishing while targeting some of South Carolina's most sought-after species, all while soaking in scenery that'll make you forget about everything back home.
Your day kicks off early with a meet-up at our staging area in Travelers Rest, where you'll get paired with your gear and receive a quick briefing on the day's game plan. We're not rushing through anything here – this is a proper full-day experience designed to give you time to really get into the rhythm of fly fishing. The Upstate region offers some of the best fly fishing in the Southeast, with everything from technical spring creeks to powerful freestone rivers. You'll be working different water types throughout the day, which means you'll learn how to read water, match the hatch, and adjust your approach based on what the fish are telling you. The trip accommodates up to three anglers, so you're getting plenty of personal attention without feeling crowded. Around midday, we'll break for a streamside lunch – nothing beats eating a good meal next to flowing water after a morning of solid fishing.
All your fly fishing gear comes included, and we're talking about quality stuff – not the bargain bin rods you might find elsewhere. You'll be rigged up with properly balanced rod and reel combinations suited to the specific waters we're fishing that day. Depending on conditions and target species, we might start you off with a 5-weight for delicate dry fly presentations on trout water, or step up to a 6 or 7-weight when we're chasing bass and stripers. The fly selection changes with the seasons and what's hatching, but expect to throw everything from classic dry flies like Adams and Elk Hair Caddis to streamers and nymphs when the fish are holding deep. We'll teach you the fundamentals of casting, mending line, and reading rises, but don't worry if you're new to this – fly fishing has a learning curve, and we're here to help you work through it. The key is understanding that every piece of water tells a story, and once you learn to read that story, you'll start connecting with fish consistently.
Brook Trout are the native jewels of these mountain streams, and catching one is like holding a piece of living history. These beautiful char prefer the coldest, cleanest water and are incredibly temperature-sensitive, making them most active during cooler parts of the day and in deeper pools during summer months. They're aggressive feeders when conditions are right, and their colors – especially during fall spawning season – are absolutely stunning. Brooks typically run smaller than other trout species here, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and beauty.
Striped Bass bring the power game to your fly rod, and when you hook into a good striper, you'll know it immediately. These fish move into the region's larger rivers and lakes in significant numbers, particularly during their spring and fall migrations. They're schooling fish that feed aggressively on baitfish, making them perfect targets for streamer fishing. A 20-inch striper on a fly rod will test your drag system and give you an arm workout you won't forget. The key is finding the schools and matching your fly to whatever baitfish they're keyed in on.
Rainbow Trout are the workhorses of these waters – they're strong, beautiful, and willing to eat a variety of flies throughout the season. These fish adapt well to different water types and are often the most cooperative species for beginners. During spring and fall, rainbows become incredibly aggressive, chasing streamers and crushing dry flies with reckless abandon. They jump like crazy when hooked, making for some spectacular fights. Look for them in the deeper runs and pools, especially where there's good cover and steady current.
Brown Trout are the smart guys of the trout world – they didn't get their reputation for being difficult by accident. These fish often grow larger than other trout species in the same waters, but they require more finesse and stealth to fool consistently. Browns are most active during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about their food. When you do hook a good brown, especially one over 15 inches, you're in for a memorable battle. They use their size and strength to their advantage, often making long runs and trying to wrap your line around structure.
Lake Trout represent the ultimate trophy opportunity on this trip. These deep-water giants prefer the thermocline in larger impoundments and can reach impressive sizes. Lakers are typically targeted with sinking lines and large streamers, requiring different techniques than the other species. They're powerful fish that make long, steady runs rather than the acrobatic fights of other trout. Landing a lake trout on a fly rod is a badge of honor among serious anglers, and the eating quality is outstanding.
This top-rated eight-hour fly fishing experience gives you everything you need for a day you'll be talking about for years. With only three spots available per trip, you're getting the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between just going fishing and really learning how to fly fish. The combination of diverse species, beautiful Upstate scenery, and quality instruction makes this trip a customer favorite among both beginners looking to get hooked on fly fishing and experienced anglers wanting to explore new waters. Your gear, lunch, and guide service are all included – just bring yourself and get ready for a day on some of South Carolina's best fly fishing water. Don't wait too
Your fly fishing adventure starts with our specially outfitted drift boat designed for serious anglers targeting South Carolina's prime waters. This lightweight, maneuverable craft lets you access those productive fishing spots where trout, bass, and stripers like to hide. Built for stability when you're working a promising run or landing that fighter you've been after all morning. The GPS keeps us on the best fishing holes while the VHF radio ensures we stay connected on the water. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work your line without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The boat's shallow draft gets us into backwaters and quiet coves where the big ones cruise. Perfect for an all-day fishing trip where you'll cover serious water and hit multiple productive spots. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising bass or drifting nymphs through deep pools, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting.
Salvelinus FontinalisThese native beauties are the gems of our mountain streams. Brook trout run 8-12 inches typically, with their distinctive olive backs and bright red spots circled in blue. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water - usually tucked under fallen logs, undercut banks, or in deep pools where the current slows. They're incredibly spooky, so stealth is everything. Spring and fall are prime times when water temps drop below 60°F. What makes them special is they're our only native trout - catching one feels like connecting with the original wild. They fight hard for their size and taste fantastic. Here's my tip: approach from downstream and keep your shadow off the water. These fish will bolt at the first sign of movement above.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest trout we target - true trophy hunters love these fish. They average 14-20 inches but can grow much larger, with golden-brown coloring and scattered black spots. These fish are structure-oriented, hiding under banks, logs, and deep pools during the day. They're most active in low light, making early morning and evening prime time. Fall is spectacular when they're aggressive before spawning. What makes browns special is their wariness - landing one feels like outwitting a genius. They fight smart too, using current and cover to their advantage. The meat is superb with a rich, nutty flavor. Here's my secret: browns often hold in the ugliest, most snag-filled spots where other anglers won't cast. Learn to fish tight to structure and you'll find fish others miss.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the char family - true deep-water monsters that can reach 20-40 pounds. These grey-green fish with cream markings live in the coldest, deepest parts of large lakes, often suspended 40-80 feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they come shallow to feed. What makes them special is their size and the challenge of deep-water fishing. When you hook one, expect a long, powerful fight in deep water. They're excellent eating with firm, oily meat perfect for smoking. The key to success is electronics - you need a fish finder to locate suspended fish and structure. My tip is to jig vertically with heavy spoons or swimbaits. Keep your line tight and feel for the subtle tap - lakers don't always slam the bait like other trout.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are our most reliable trout species and perfect for fly fishing. They average 12-16 inches with that signature pink stripe and spotted tail that makes them easy to identify. You'll find them in faster water - riffles, runs, and the heads of pools where oxygen levels stay high. They're less spooky than other trout but still require good presentation. Spring through fall are productive, especially during mayfly hatches. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and give you a real show. They're also forgiving for beginners while still challenging experienced anglers. The meat is excellent too. My go-to tip is to match the bugs you see on the water. If nothing's hatching, try a woolly bugger stripped through deeper runs. Rainbows are aggressive and will often hit a moving fly when they won't take a dead drift.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the ultimate freshwater fighters around here. These silver bullets with distinct black stripes typically run 15-30 pounds and pull like freight trains. Look for them around structure - rocky points, submerged timber, and creek channels where they ambush baitfish. They love moving water and often hunt in schools. Spring and fall are money times when they're actively feeding, but dawn and dusk produce year-round. What guests love most is their raw power - these fish will test your drag and make long runs. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key trick I share is to watch for birds diving on baitfish. When you see that surface action, get a streamer or big fly into the mix fast. Stripers are opportunistic and won't pass up an easy meal.
West Columbia