Fly Fishing Schools & Guided Trips in the Smoky Mountains

Mac Brown Fly Fish is Western North Carolina's premier fly fishing school, casting instruction program, and guide service — based in Bryson City since 1987 and led by Mac Brown, the only FFI Master Casting Instructor in North Carolina and a Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame inductee. Weekend fly fishing schools include four Smoky Mountain clinics (Dry Fly, Wet Fly, Nymph, and Streamer) and three Masterclass casting workshops (Spey Elite Casting, Saltwater Fly Casting, and Fly Casting Mastery) — all priced at $1,550. The Fly Fishing Guide School serves two paths: recreational anglers who want to build a professional-level foundation without pursuing a guide career, and aspiring guides seeking 4-day intensive training covering casting at a teaching level, drift boat rowing, water reading, entomology, and client communication. The Oar Frame Rowing School is a dedicated 2-day rowing program ($1,550) covering drift boat fundamentals, river reading, and boat control. Private casting instruction runs $400 for 1–3 hour sessions covering single-hand, switch, and Spey at any skill level. Guided wade and float trips on the Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and surrounding rivers start at $700 — all gear provided, no experience required. Custom group and corporate fly fishing events accommodate 2 to 200+ participants, including casting clinics, stream-side outings, and banquet presentations for organizations nationwide.