Kids and fly fishing trips are a natural fit to the mountain region of western NC. We are often asked what ages kids can begin learning to fly fish? We feel that the earlier the better as long as they are eager to begin. I started both of my boys (7 and 10) when they were very young because they have been with me on the stream since before they could walk. We used to carry them in backpacks while they would sleep most of the day on the water.
Both of my boys learned to cast with mini practice rods when they were around 3 years old. We have specialized gear for kids fly fishing with smaller grips for their hands and shorter length for young people. This facilitates the ease of learning to fly cast with equipment that is tailored to them. Take a kid fly fishing! Reminds me of the old CSN tune of Teach your Children! They are and always will be your quickest students of the game!
The benefit of starting your child off young is that they learn solid techniques to take into young adulthood without having to struggle with learning basics ever again! Kids and fly fishing trips are a natural recipe for success because they are not afraid to fail and enjoy trying new things. They tend to be among the most gratifying to teach because of this fact. We have seen it here in Western NC often the past 5 years with it being the main hosting site of the Team USA Youth clinics.
These young men have become very proficient with numerous tactics for on the stream. It has been among the most gratifying teaching for me personally in helping coach the Team USA Youth kids because it reaffirms that what we teach can assist in creating top-notch anglers by helping them to grow with techniques in fly fishing. Their accolades include multiple individual World Champions and multiple Team Gold medals in the Youth World Championships.
The most popular waters will be listed in the submenus that we offer our various guided fly fishing trips and other customized programs. Or click on these links for more information which include guided float trips, guided wade trips, guided lake trips, casting instruction, video casting lesson, fly fishing schools, groups and corporate trips, backcountry trips, programs and demonstrations, and destination trips!
Kids and fly fishing trips becomes an art form to master over a period of time. When young people learn the correct methods for tactics on the stream like casting, reading water, hook setting, playing and landing fish, and many other facets it is like giving them the keys to a Ferrari for their first-time car! It prevents the normal learning curve of failure after failure to learn these same techniques. Children are the future essence of the sport to thrive in the coming years which is in part why we really want to push getting them up to speed at a young age. I do not know of any other sport like fly tying and fly fishing that offers a perfect marriage of hobby and sport.
This will last a lifetime for them and assist them in solving other types of problems later in life. Top notch fly fishers are masters at cracking the code of what it takes to find successes. Many of these basic concepts are learned from the mix of kids and fly fishing trips. These successes are best learned once we realize more of the complexities of the underwater world of the ecosystems where fishes thrive.The internet has really boosted the freedom of information for all to learn things at a much faster rate. However, being on a stream is the best playground a young person could have for instilling these lessons.
Attractions for the Trout Fishing Capital town of Bryson City, North Carolina
Other area attractions can be found by contacting the Bryson City, NC Chamber of Commerce. The number is 800-867-9246. Swain County is the trout mecca of the southern states. Over 75% of the county is either Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park visitors exceed 14 million people per year! When you consider all of the whitewater rafting, Smoky Mountain Railroad, Appalachian Trail hikes, hundreds of waterfall hikes, great mountain biking, and many other outdoor adventures it is not hard to see why our little mountain town of Bryson City is always expanding.
Many great new restaurants and lodging in Bryson City for hosting large groups. Cherokee, NC is about a 10-minute drive from Bryson City. We are about an hour drive from Highlands and Asheville NC. Knoxville and Chattanooga TN is about 2 1/2 hours away. Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC are about a 3-hour drive. Plan your next get-a-away to the trout mecca town of Bryson City, NC! My favorite addition to the town is the Nantahala Brewery which also provides some very good bands all through the season!
Duncan Learning a Change of Direction Cast
What you need to bring for fly fishing North Carolina
Let us show you what it will take for learning to fly fish on your own in some of the best waters in western North Carolina! Our guides have decades of experience instructing you for a memorable adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains! You should bring rain gear, warm clothes, sunscreen, lip balm, a hat and polarized glasses. It will benefit your success on the water to wear clothing that blends into the surroundings. You can also check the weather here for layering considerations of clothes.
You can purchase your valid NCWRC license here online or by phone at 1-888-248-6834. A license is not required for children under the age of sixteen. You will need a trout stamp for everything outside the GSMNP and Tribal Waters in Cherokee, NC. You need either an NC or TN fishing license for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The tribal license can be purchased at many of the stores in Cherokee. Use the contact page or call (828)736-1469 for booking.