Guided Fly Fishing · Jackson County & Beyond · Since 1987
Western North Carolina
Fly Fishing Trail
The WNC Fly Fishing Trail showcases the finest trout waters of Jackson County — and Mac Brown Fly Fish has been guiding every mile of it since 1987.
The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail covers some of the finest wild trout water in the eastern United States — rivers, tailwaters, and mountain streams flowing through Swain, Jackson, Macon, and surrounding counties. Mac Brown Fly Fish has been guiding the WNC Fly Fishing Trail waters from Bryson City since 1987. Guided trips and instruction available year-round for all skill levels.
Jackson County, NC
About the WNC Fly Fishing Trail
The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail is a program developed to showcase the extraordinary trout waters of Jackson County — one of the most diverse and productive fly fishing regions in the eastern United States. Featuring tailwaters, wild mountain streams, Delayed Harvest sections, and remote backcountry creeks, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail puts some of the Southeast's finest water on the map for visiting and local anglers alike.
Mac Brown Fly Fish has guided fly fishing wade and float trips on every piece of water featured on the trail. This is not water we have visited occasionally — it is water we have fished hundreds of times, in every season, at every water level, through every hatch cycle the region produces. That depth of knowledge translates directly into better days on the water for the anglers who fish with us.
The trail waters are accessible from Cashiers, Highlands, Asheville, Sylva, Dillsboro, Bryson City, Cherokee, and every other town in the Western NC region. Wherever you are staying, world-class fly fishing is within easy reach — and we know exactly which water to fish on any given day.
Before your trip, check the live hatch & river report for current hatches, river conditions, and what's producing on WNC waters right now.
Interested in learning these waters at a professional level? Read why Bryson City is the Trout Capital of the East — the Fly Fishing Guide School has been training guides on this exact water since 1987.
Trail Waters
Featured Waters on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail
Mac Brown Fly Fish has guided every one of these waters. Here are some favorites:
Tuckasegee River — Delayed Harvest
Tailwater / Delayed Harvest
The most popular guided water on the entire trail. From October through May the Delayed Harvest section in Webster, NC is loaded with exceptional numbers of trout. Float trips cover miles of productive water from a drift boat. Wade trips put you in the river where the fish are holding. Either way this is a day on the water that visitors remember long after they leave Western NC.
Best for: Float trips, wade trips, all skill levels, October through May
Scotts Creek
Wild Mountain Stream
A beautiful Jackson County creek flowing through Sylva offering quality wild trout fishing in an accessible and scenic setting. One of the personal favorites on the trail — a stream that rewards careful wading and precise presentation with wild fish that have seen real pressure and developed genuine selectivity.
Best for: Wild trout, wade fishing, technical presentation
Panthertown Creek
Backcountry Wild Stream
Flowing through the spectacular Panthertown Valley — sometimes called the Yosemite of the East — Panthertown Creek offers outstanding wild trout fishing in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the southern Appalachians. A walk-in backcountry experience that delivers both exceptional scenery and quality wild fish rarely pressured by casual anglers. Native brook trout in the upper reaches, wild rainbows throughout.
Best for: Backcountry adventure, wild brook trout, pristine wilderness
Nantahala River
Premier NC Tailwater
The finest tailwater in North Carolina. Cold, clear, and productive year-round — the Nantahala holds exceptional wild brown and rainbow trout in a stunning gorge setting. Technical fishing at its best in the Southeast. Mac Brown Fly Fish has guided this water for decades and knows every run, riffle, and holding lie on the river.
Best for: Wild trout, technical dry fly fishing, year-round
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Streams
Wild Mountain Streams
Some of the most pristine wild trout streams in the eastern United States flow through the national park directly adjacent to Jackson and Swain Counties. Native brook trout in the high-elevation headwaters, wild rainbow and brown trout throughout. This is catch-and-release, barbless only water — and it fishes like it. Difficult to access without a guide who knows the terrain.
Best for: Wild trout, remote streams, native brook trout
By Departure City
Guided Trips by Location
Mac Brown Fly Fish guides visiting anglers from across the Southeast and beyond. Find your nearest departure city.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Fish?
Guide the WNC Fly Fishing Trail with Mac Brown
Mac Brown Fly Fish has guided every water on the trail since 1987. Let us put you on the right water, on the right day, with the experience that makes the difference.