Worth the Wade
Knee-deep in the Blue Ridge
Half Day $325
Full Day $450
*price reflects for up to two anglers
Our goal is to get you far beyond ankle-deep in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brook trout are the gateway that has brought us an appreciation for all that is tucked in these mountains: fish, insects, wild mushrooms, and so on. These experiences are what we’d love to share with you. We will fish, but we are also here to learn skills and tactics you’ll take home—many of which go beyond fishing. Not to mention, these trips are a great way to take a load off.
Have kids you’re looking to get into the sport or just get outside? Bring them. If watching a fly run through a pool gets them restless, we’ll flip some rocks and connect what is going on under the water to what our fly representation. Or we’ll dig some holes and look for native salamanders. Whatever gets them going. We’ll also have small, light spin gear for the youngsters who may want to fish but can’t quite get the hang of the fly rod.
Our trips are for all experience levels. Never swung a fly rod? We’ll do a quick casting lesson to start the day. Experienced angler looking to shake off the rust? We’ll get you going and guide you to pocket water you can’t see from the road.
What We’re After
Brook Trout
Our primary target is the Eastern Brook Trout, the crown jewel of Appalachia. Brookies notoriously thrive in the country's cleanest, coldest waterways. As the Blue Ridge Mountain’s only native trout, pulling in a colored-up brookie off a 3wt is still the closest you can get to fishing like the good ole’ days. We’re after wild fish in their homes, unadulterated by stocking or spillage- brook trout are the beating heart of Appalachia.
For all of the brook trout’s allure comes with fragility. We won’t target brookies when stream temperatures and river flows cause a dangerous combination of mortality. That means low, hot (65 degrees and up) streams. In these cases, we’ll either target more resilient species or pivot to a new, cooler date.
Brown & Rainbow Trout
Spring creeks keep us roll-casting through the dead of winter and dog days of summer. If it’s size and torque you’re after, we’ll wade through Virginia’s headwaters to land reproducing browns and rainbows sprinkled with an occasional tiger trout.
Our Waters
We are fortunate enough to be at the confluence of several nationally protected areas as the Blue Ridge Mountains are amongst the oldest mountain ranges in the world. We’ll hike up rivers through Virginia’s National Parks to dink dry flies into deep pools. Tight quarters call for tactical fly fishing practices; we’ll get you picking apart pools with a dry fly in no time.
We are located near Charlottesville, VA— about 2.5 hours from D.C. and about 1.5 hours from Richmond. Where we fish will depend on what you’re after and where you’re coming from.
All of our trips will be wading through rivers and creeks. Feel the cool rush of fresh water on your legs, touch the dirt, and be amongst the hatch right down to your boots.
Shenandoah National Park
George Washington National Forest
Jackson River Tailwater
Central Virginia Spring Creeks
Every Bite Is Better On the Water
All full-day, eight-hour trips include a riverside lunch cooked from scratch. We source meat and produce from local farmers to infuse Appalachian cuisine into your experience. Meals are chosen based on the season and what is available.
Please make sure that any dietary restrictions are communicated with proper notice.
FAQs
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We run 4, and 8-hour trips.
Our 8-hour trips give you enough time on the water to experience the range of fishing that a river experiences over the course of the day through fluctuations in water temperature and sun exposure. This trip options include a handmade riverside lunch.
Our 4 hour trips is enough to get out and get a fish, but typically leaves all of us wanting more.
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All of our trips are wade-only.
Some of our streams are more physically demanding than others, so we will assess each client's physical fitness beforehand and decide on a location that is best suited for each client.
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We've got you covered!
We work with reputable brand names mixed in with some small business dealers we trust--providing you with gear that holds up to anything the river can throw at you.
We supply:
rods, reels, fishing tackle
locally made flies
water & lunch
*Virginia freshwater fishing license is not provided and is required, please make sure it is purchased before our trip.
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing License (one-day are available for purchase)
Comfortable footwear. We will be walking around and through rivers. The deepest you'll go is calf-high as we cross certain points. Wear something either waterproof or you don't mind getting wet. During winter months if you're worried about your feet getting cold a great option are the waterproof socks from Backcountry Skinz--there are also plenty of other options of neoprene socks at your local fly shop or online.
Hat and clothes for the weather/season. Keep in mind it typically runs 5-10 degrees colder up in the mountains.
Sunglasses-- polarized if possible.
Any pocket snacks and drinks you may want besides water.
*keep in mind your guide will have a waterproof pack for any items you may need to offload.
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Absolutely. Have you just bought a fly rod and want to get the hang of it? Bring it. Find a family member's old gear and want to blow the dust off it? Let's get it going.
Any fishing gear you need will be provided, but you're welcome to use your own. We will use 3wt fly rods for brookie trips and 3-5wt fly rods for brown and rainbow trout.
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A $100 deposit is required to hold your date. Your deposit will be refunded if the trip is canceled for unforeseen circumstances. If you cancel without notice, your deposit will be forfeited.
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Things come up. Whether it be a downpour or unfit conditions on our end or an unforeseen conflict on yours, things can be worked out. We'll try to fit you in on another day.
Weather reschedules will be up to the discretion of the guide.
If you cancel within ten days of your trip, your deposit will be forfeited.
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No.
Unless it's an invasive species in a wild brook trout stream, then do whatever you'd like with it.
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Yes. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. A one-day pass can be purchased for in and out-of-state anglers online.
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We are a family-friendly operation. If they can walk, they can fish. Kids 11 and under fish for free. We have lite spin gear for them to use if they'd like.
With children, the fishing time generally gets cut, which is up to your discretion. These trips are a great way to get them outside and grow their appreciation for nature.
Just give some notice and anticipate on bringing food for them if they are picky eaters/have allergies.