Fly Fishers United Guide / Outfitter of the Year since 1987
Nestled in the legendary “Trout Mecca” of Bryson City, North Carolina, Mac Brown Fly Fish has been the shining example of fly-fishing excellence since 1987! As an award-winning fly-fishing outfitter, we’ve delivered top-tier guided fly fishing trips, immersive fly casting lessons, and world-class fly fishing education for decades. Sharing our deep-rooted angling wisdom is what drives us—because we truly love to teach! Our fly fishing lessons are the fastest, most empowering way to boost your skills—whether you’re casting your first line or already stalking trout. Our mission is simple: help you learn to fly fish more effectively, accelerating your fly-fishing journey with passion and precision.
Discover all the ways we can elevate your experience—whether it’s through our expertly curated guided trips, tailored lessons, immersive schools, or hands-on NC trout-fishing instruction. Scroll down for more, and don’t miss Mac’s Bio—glimpse the drive and dedication behind his 38 years of extraordinary service to the angling community, and explore our “Meet Our Guides” page to meet the talented team bringing it all to life.
Fly Fishing Lessons and Instruction in Bryson City, North Carolina
Whether you call it fly fishing lessons, fly fishing classes, fly fishing courses, or fly fishing schools, it all comes down to learning proven, time-tested techniques that truly work. At Mac Brown Fly Fish, we provide everything you need for the day—gear, guidance, and a wealth of expertise—perfectly suited for every skill level, from first-time fly fishers to seasoned anglers.
Your day on the water is custom-tailored to your unique goals, focusing on skill development at the highest standard. We cover every essential element of the craft—expert fly casting instruction, reading water like a pro, spotting subtle environmental clues, applying multiple techniques for different water types, mastering hook sets, and playing fish with finesse. And we do it with the most experienced fly fishing guides in the entire region.
The true reward you’ll take home is far more than a great day of fishing—it’s the knowledge, confidence, and joy that come from learning in a setting where passion meets precision. As the original provider of guided fly fishing trips in North Carolina since 1987, we’ve dedicated decades to sharing the full spectrum of this incredible sport. Visit our Kudos page to see why anglers from across the country choose us year after year. And when you compare reviews online, you’ll see our name rise to the top—offering the most genuine value for your growth and success as a fly fisher in the heart of Trout Fishing NC country.
Trout Fishing Guided Trips
NC Fly Fishing Guided Trips, Lessons, Schools & Trout Fishing Instruction
Fly Fishing Guided Float Trips
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Cover more prime fishing water and enjoy unmatched comfort with our guided float trip. Perfect for anglers of all ages, these trips let you fish from the boat—keeping you warmer during cool temperatures and letting you focus on fishing, not wading. We guide nearly 75% of our Delayed Harvest trips by boat for the best access to productive waters. A float trip is also a great choice for beginners who want to avoid the risk of an unexpected dip and still enjoy the thrill of Smoky Mountain trout fishing.
Fly Fishing Guided Wade Trips
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Step into the water and fine-tune your skills with our guided wade trips—the choice for anglers who want focused, hands-on instruction. Perfect for improving casting, hook setting, water reading, and fish-playing techniques, these trips mirror the way you’ll fish on your own. From beginner fly fishers to seasoned anglers, we tailor every wade trip to your personal goals.
Fly Fishing Guided Lake Trips
Experience the power and size of trophy trout in the still waters of the Smokies with our guided lake trips. Especially rewarding in the winter months, lake fishing challenges you with long casts and advanced setups, often using three flies per leader. The trout here are strong, the scenery is unmatched, and the average catch size is larger than most river trips—making it a must-try for serious anglers.
Fly Casting Instruction
1-Hour Fly Casting 2-Hour Casting Lesson 3-Hour Casting Lesson
Whether it’s single-handed casting, Skagit, or two-handed casting, we enjoy teaching all levels of fly fishers! I am a Master Casting Instructor through the FFI, and most of our guides are Certified Instructors as well. Rates are ($300.00 per hour) for fly casting instruction. Perfect for sharpening skills before a big fishing trip or simply boosting your technique. Private instruction is common all months of the year. The instruction is a great tune-up for your exotic dream trip! We offer clinics throughout the year based here in Bryson City. The intensive 2-day school helps you to raise the bar for matching your goals.
Fly Fishing Specialty Classes
From classic techniques to modern tactics, our fly fishing specialty classes are small, focused, and fill up quickly. Check our schedule for weekend intensives, fly fishing show appearances, and unique classes in towns across the country. Whether you’re after a new skill or refining an old one, these classes are a great way to connect with the anglercore lifestyle.
Fly Fishing Guide School
Our fly fishing guide school is the ultimate program for anglers who want to dramatically improve their skills—or take the leap into professional guiding. We’ve trained and placed graduates in fishing destinations all over the world. Learn rowing, casting, teaching, advanced tactics, and professional guiding skills in the heart of Bryson City, NC. Many students attend not to guide professionally but to become more efficient, skilled anglers for life.
Corporate Groups
Backcountry Trips
Destination Trips
Delayed Harvest Fly Fishing for Trout
I helped to establish the “delayed harvest” concept in 1991 with the NCWRC. The first pilot program was on the Upper Nantahala River. Bryson City now has its own Delayed Harvest section of the Tuckasegee River right through town! Furthermore, these programs are perfect for those new to the sport or those chasing big trout. Check out the NCWRC map for the stocking dates of the Delayed Harvest!
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Wild Trout Fly Fishing
There are over 2,400 miles of wild trout waters in Swain County! North Carolina has the highest percentage of government lands East of the Mississippi River! Wild streams in the Smokies are more technical for fly casting because of the diverse currents and obstacles. NC fly fishing guide trips, lessons, schools & trout fishing instruction are offered year-round! We look forward to seeing you on the water soon! In addition, call 828-736-1469 or macbrownflyfish@gmail.com for questions about your next trout fishing trip!