Fly Fishing in the North Carolina Mountains

By Local Information, Local Parks, Valle Crucis January 29, 2020

The High Country of North Carolina is incredibly fortunate to have an abundance of local streams, creeks, and rivers. A favorite activity on the water and a popular pastime for residents and visitors alike is fly fishing.

Prepare for fly fishing in the North Carolina mountains and High Country’s headwaters of the Watauga and New River with our tips for your next adventure near Boone.

The Best Place to Fly Fish Near Boone

Whether a novice or expert fly-fisherperson, the Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk area are a perfect place to cast a rod.

Valle Crucis Community Park

Some of 828 Real Estate’s favorite places to fish include the Valle Crucis Community Park.  This wonderful park is located in the heart of historic Valle Crucis, just behind the Mast Store! Here you will find the beautiful Watauga River.

Make a day of it and bring the whole gang! There is something for everyone at this 100% Community Funded park.

Delayed Harvest and Hatchery-Supported Streams

Before deciding where to fly fish near Boone and the North Carolina mountains make sure you check out The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website, to get the full scoop on where the best spots are for Delayed Harvest and Hatchery Supported streams.

Species of NC Mountain Fish

Waterways like the ancient New River are filled with a variety of fish. While fly fishing in near Boone you can catch many common species of North Carolina Mountain fish such as trout, small-mouth bass, and brim.

Some portions of the Watauga River especially near Valle Crucis Community Park are frequently stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.

If you want to blaze your own trail, our area is bursting with streams that allow you to get lost in the wilderness of Pisgah National Forest! These waterways are home to the beautiful and NATIVE Brook Trout, local folks refer to these beauties as Speckled Trout.

Local Fly Shop and Guide Services in Boone

If you need help finding the right fly or setting up your rod and reel head down to Boone’s Fly Shop in downtown Boone off Depot Street. Here you can find everything you need to have an epic fishing adventure.

If you want to hire a guide, we highly recommend it! A local fly-fishing guide will make your time spent on the water that much more productive and educational.

High Country Guide Service is located within Boone’s Fly Shop and there you can find a wide range of guides to fit every level of angling ability! Fly-Fishing is something for all ages, make sure you incorporate this fun activity during your next visit to Boone!

About the Author
Susan Stelling, NC Broker/REALTOR® • 828-208-2094 • [email protected]


Susan is proud to be a native Tarheel, but as a military brat she also spent many years growing up in Kodiak, Alaska. Her father was a helicopter pilot in the Marines and then the U.S. Coast Guard, which allowed her to experience and appreciate both the South East and the Pacific NorthWest. After spending most of her High School years in Kodiak, her family was stationed back to Elizabeth City, NC. When the time came to choose a college to attend, Susan longed for something that reminded her a bit of the beautiful mossy forests of Alaska and the mountain culture that she had grown to love. Upon arrival in Boone in 2002 she immediately felt like she had come home. Although Susan is not a “true Wataugan,” she now considers the High Country of North Carolina her home. Susan loves to travel and even spent a semester abroad in County Cork, Ireland. Susan graduated from Appalachian State University in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in History, Secondary Education. Susan met her husband, David Stelling, while attending ASU. David is a Professional Fly Fishing Guide and Outfitter in North Carolina, Tennessee and Alaska. Susan spent 10 years dedicated to teaching High School Social Studies and also helped create the award winning alternative education program, Blue Ridge Academy, located in Avery County. Susan and David had their first child in 2015. Sophronia Woods Stelling and welcomed Hardiman Hill Stelling in 2019. Susan and David feel fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places and supportive communities on earth. The High Country is a wonderful place to not only vacation, but also to raise a family. Susan has been with 828 Real Estate since its creation in 2018 and has enjoyed every moment of working for a locally owned and operated firm. The last couple years have been very exciting and Susan looks forward to working with more people looking to either buy or sell in the High Country.