High Country Guide Service is a professional fly fishing and hiking outfitter based in Boone, North
Carolina, serving the High Country region and beyond. We specialize in guided wade and float fly
fishing trips on the wild trout streams of Western NC and the tailwaters of East Tennessee,
including the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. We also offer fly-in fly fishing trips in Alaska.
Our experienced, licensed and insured, CPR-certified guides also offer scenic hiking tours,
overnight fishing & camping adventures, beginner clinics, and eco-immersion creek walks. Whether
you're a seasoned angler or new to the outdoors, we tailor every trip to your goals. Explore the
rivers, trails, and wild beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide who knows the waters
by heart.
Keywords
Fly Fishing Guide.
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Davo
Captain David Stelling has lived in the Boone area since 2001. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Recreation Management and since fished and guided in a variety of locales but is proud to call Boone home. He has guided locally since 2005 and has been floating the Kanektok since 2006 and took over as Head Guide in 2017. He is a licensed OUPV Charter boat captain in SE Alaska and carries that professionalism with him wherever his guiding takes him. David taught himself how to fish and encourages anglers to find their own path and truly become a more competent angler.
SKP
Skye grew up in Watauga County and enjoys sharing this special area with everyone. He is a streamer specialist with experience pursuing multiple species on both the South Holston and Watauga Tailwater Rivers. With multiple years guiding in Alaska under his belt and a plethora of local knowledge to pull from Skye is sure to produce!
Nate Dogg
Nate came to us from Appalachian State University and is our video and media specialist. Nate is well rounded in our local streams and can make trips happen for all skill levels. Wild trout fishing in small creeks is Nate's specialty - if you're looking for a wilderness wade Nate is your leader!
Kirby's knowledge and approach to the wade program sets him apart from other guides. Kirby heads up our "Tie and Try" Clinic teaching first timers to tie a fly and use it on your trip! Longtime resident of the High Country and known sauna connoisseur - sneak in to some fun scenarios with our headiest guide.
Corey is a proud App State Alum who tried his hand at the corporate world and decided his office life was better suited in our creeks and streams. A dynamic guide always with a smile who is certain to leave each trip with happy clients and fun memories.
Embark on a full-day float fishing escapade that seamlessly blends the thrill of angling with the tranquility of drifting along the captivating waterways nature has to offer. Immerse yourself in the immersive experience of navigating gentle currents, casting your line into the heart of untamed wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, our full-day float fishing trips cater to all skill levels, providing an ideal choice for individuals, families, or groups of friends seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Explore the famed trout fly fishing waters of the Tennessee Tailwater Rivers, conveniently located within an hour's drive from our downtown Boone shop. The South Holston and Watauga tailwaters, nestled outside Elizabethton and Johnson City, Tennessee, promise some of the best fishing experiences in the Southeast.
Our guides, immersed in the waters full time, ensure a year-round fishery, offering flexibility to get you and your group out on the water any time of year. With over 40 miles of floatable trout streams just across the border in Tennessee, join us for some of the most famous and rewarding guided fly fishing in the Southeast on the South Holston and Watauga River Tailwaters!
6 Hours of Fly Fishing
Indulge in a 3/4 day float fishing expedition that promises the perfect blend of angling excitement and serene drifting along the mesmerizing waterways of Eastern Tennessee. Navigate gentle currents, casting your line into the heart of untamed wilderness for an immersive experience tailored for all skill levels.
Our 3/4 day float fishing trips operate on the tailwaters of the Watauga and South Holston Rivers, focusing on the most productive methods for Trout fishing. In addition to these renowned waters, we offer floats on smallmouth streams, including the Nolichucky, providing diverse options for your angling adventure.
While our walk and wade trips typically revolve locally at our Boone shop, wading on the Tennessee Tailwaters is possible with the correct generations, adding versatility to your fishing experience. Join us for an unforgettable 3/4 day float fishing excursion, where the beauty of Eastern Tennessee's waterways unfolds in every cast.
4 Hours of Guided Float Fishing for one or two people. Trips Meet at 8 am for mornings or 2 pm for afternoons
For a condensed yet exhilarating adventure, partake in our half-day float fishing excursion. Drift along the Tennessee Tailwater Rivers, casting your line into the heart of nature's wonders. Tailored to accommodate all skill levels, these trips are perfect for individuals, families, or friends seeking a taste of adventure and relaxation.
Discover the renowned trout fly fishing waters within an hour's drive from our downtown Boone shop, exploring the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters near Elizabethton and Johnson City, Tennessee. Our dedicated guides, constantly on the water, ensure a year-round fishery, providing flexibility to arrange trips any time of the year.
With over 40 miles of floatable trout streams across the Tennessee border, join us for an unforgettable half-day float fishing experience, where angling and serenity converge on the South Holston and Watauga River Tailwaters!
Float two of the best rivers on the East Coast! We use McKenzie style drift boats to float down both the Watauga and South Holston rivers in Eastern Tennessee. These boats are arranged with a roe seat in the middle for the guide and comfortable fishing seats in the front and back for one or two anglers.
All equipment for your back-to-back Float Fishing Trips is provided and your TN license can be picked up on the drive to the river (not included in trip cost). Overnight accommodations will be set up at a gated private tent site.
Worry-free fishing and camping await as you pack your bags for a camping trip, leaving them with us to handle the gear logistics. We hike in your equipment, alongside our own, allowing you to explore and fish your way to a luxurious permitted campsite.
The $700 cost per participant covers a full day of guided fly fishing with all necessary gear, including lunch, overnight accommodations with dinner, beverages, dessert, and breakfast the following morning. This unique experience accommodates a maximum of six participants
Our full day local wade trip also takes place on wild and hatchery supported trout streams; however, this trip allows the guide to take you to places that could not be reached with the time allowed on a half day trip. You will also be able to fish an assortment of great locations if the conditions allow. We will leave the shop around 9:00 am and will return about 5:30 pm. Lunch is provided on this trip, along with all the fishing tackle and equipment you will need on your adventure. Fishing license not included.
Embark on an invigorating Full Day Wade Fishing Trip, centered in the enchanting landscapes of Watauga and Avery County in the Mountains of North Carolina. Our exclusive excursions explore Delayed Harvest, Hatchery Supported, and Wild Streams, conveniently located just a few miles from our fly shop in downtown Boone. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with our all-inclusive gear packages, providing waders, boots, rods, reels, and more for all ages and accommodating large group trips.
Embark on a thrilling 3/4 Day Wade Fishing Trip, set against the picturesque backdrop of the North Carolina mountains and the High Country region.
Our exclusive 3/4 Day Wade Fly Fishing excursions explore Delayed Harvest, Hatchery Supported, and Wild Streams, strategically located just a few miles from our fly shop in downtown Boone. Gear up effortlessly with our all-inclusive packages, providing waders, boots, rods, reels, and more for all ages and large group trips.
Embark on a captivating Half Day Wade Fishing Expedition in the High Country of North Carolina's mountains, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of Watauga and Avery County. Our exclusive excursions navigate the intricacies of Delayed Harvest, Hatchery Supported, and Wild Streams, strategically positioned just a stone's throw from our shop in downtown Boone.
Dive into a seamless experience with our comprehensive gear packages, catering to all ages and accommodating large groups with waders, boots, rods, reels, and more. No prior wading or hiking experience is required for this distinctive Half Day Wade Fishing Trip.
Overnight Wade Fish & Camp Trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC
Wild Trout Streams + Remote Backcountry Camping in the Blue Ridge
Ready to disconnect and go deep into Western North Carolina’s most scenic wild waters? Our Overnight Wade Fly Fishing & Camping Trip is a fully guided, backcountry experience based in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock, NC.
You’ll hike into remote freestone streams, fish for wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout. After a full day of wade fishing, we’ll make camp and settle in, and spend the night at our trail-accessible campsite, complete with a hearty meal and crackling fire. Wake up the next morning for a bit more fishing before heading back in.
This trip is perfect for anglers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path. This trip is a full immersion into Appalachian waters, with expert guides who know these hidden creeks by heart.
All dates are for 6 guests maximum. Our permit only allows 6 people per trip, and the start date listed is the day guests fly to the put-in and begin their trip for 7 days and 6 nights. We provide the bush flights to the put in as well as the flights back to Bethel from the take out. The trip cost covers these flights and the guided fishing but does not provide commercial flights to and from Bethel, AK. Guests are required to have a valid Alaska sport fishing license, and gratuity for the guides is typically at 10-15% of total trip cost.
With over 20 years of experience within the team combined, we can create a wilderness fishing trip through this program that will meet your highest expectations. Streamside accommodations nightly including a newly refreshed camp, new protocol involved creating the safest possible environment, luxurious bush dining, and camaraderie make this float trip a cherished memory to share with everyone.
• 67 Mile float from the fly-in put in at Goodnews Lake - to Goodnews Bay
• Inside Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - a 6.5 million-acre refuge
• Incredible King Salmon Runs
• Epic Dolly Varden Runs - the Western kind that are extra LRG
• World Class Arctic Char Sizes
• Bank and Boat Fishing for Coho
• Great Trophy Leopard Rainbow Trout Fishing