Ellis Ward Guide Service
Guiding and Tying for Trout and Musky
Guided fishing trips on both fly and conventional gear targeting brown trout, striped bass, and musky on the rivers and reservoirs of East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. We primarily target brown trout and striped bass on the South Holston River and the Watauga River, while Musky are chased in both the upper reaches of the the French Broad River, near Asheville, NC, and sections of the Clinch River in Tennessee, including Melton Hill. We also have excellent smallmouth fishing on the holston proper, along with other freestone rivers in the nearby area.
As a tyer, angler, and guide, who fishes for all of these species with every form of tackle I can get my hands on - from 4 weight dry fly rods to baitcasters tuned to handle muskies - I genuinely enjoy showing off this area, and providing a unique experience for all anglers of any experience level, with any preferred style of fishing. And as someone who fishes for fun with good friends and very fishy people, the guides we use on multi-boat floats are the best this area has to offer - behind the vise, on the oars, or with a rod in their hands.
Give us a call to discuss your trip, and enjoy your time on the water, wherever that may be!
(513) 543-0019
Streamer Fishing is a type of fly fishing, or a technique within fly fishing, that utilizes flies meant to look or act like baitfish, leeches, crayfish - even trout or suckers. Trout, Smallmouth, Musky, Carp - all of these fish feed on prey that is much larger than insects, and streamers are the fly angler’s way of mimicking those food sources. Learn More, watch a few videos, and check out some thoughts on rigging, rods, and lines
Smarter Streamer Fishing
Musky
Fishing for Musky on either fly or conventional contains the most exciting moment in sports. It can leave experienced anglers without knees. It’s a seconds-long moment that creates an obsession. It’s maddening. it’s heartbreaking. It’s the most rewarding, awe-inspiring moment that most anglers will ever hope to experience. We have a few options for fishing within an hour or so from Johnson City. More information on musky fishing can be found here, or just dive in head first and book your trip!
Flies Tied by Your Guide
Casting a dry fly to an individual fish and watching the fish eat your imitation, is both ‘classic’ fly fishing, and a whole mess of fun. Yes, the trout can picky. That’s why I tie all of the flies we use. There is plenty to digest about both the dry fly activity, the relationship between lakes and rivers, and the general arc of the seasons on the South Holston and the Watauga
Reviews
“Ellis is a tireless guide that is constantly learning so that he can educate his clients. There is very little blind casting or prospecting water, as is common with streamer fishing, since he knows every inch of the Watauga and is eager to show you a new way to fish. If you're looking to put big fish in the net - Ellis is your guy. If you're wanting to learn why those big fish were put in the net - Ellis is definitely your guy.”
— Morgan
“I couldn’t be happier with my fishing trip that I had with Ellis. I’ve fished with a lot of guides around the country and Ellis is one of the best. He’s not just looking at the clock and trying to make his hours and head back. He wants you to have a great experience. Streamer fishing for aggressive trout like he specializes in is very fun. I will be back to fish with him again.”
— Evan
“I’ve been watching Ellis online for well over a year. I even called him last summer to discuss a variety of fly fishing techniques and setups regarding streamers. He was more than willing to talk with me. I’m aligned with his passion to fish streamers to target aggressive and monster trout. My friend and I made it down to fish w him earlier this month and it didn’t disappoint. We fished streamers and mice from 5pm to 5am. He’s hardcore and will go the distance if you want to try him. We caught fish and moved many we missed. We learned a ton throughout the trip. He’s a very fishy guy and knows the waters extremely well. I will stay in contact and be planning future trips for sure.”
— Phillip
“Our family traveled to Johnson City, TN for a week during the recent Thanksgiving holiday. We had heard of Ellis and his guiding service and reached out, thinking it wouldn’t work out, due to our request being just 1-2 days before the holidays. Ellis accepted our trip(s) request and was extremely helpful from the time week booked to the time the trip concluded. Everything from home pick up, instruction, fishing, conversation, catch, and drop off were perfect. We had the best time and will absolutely book again when in the area! Thank you, Ellis, for an absolutely memorable trip!”
— Kirsten and Landon
“My boys and I caught the biggest fish of our trip with Ellis Ward Guide Service. Ellis and Jack know there stuff for fishing the area. We were tossing fly’s on top of trout in no time. Highly recommend.”
— David
Ellis is the real deal. Not many people are as serious and passionate about fishing as Ellis. Not only does he spend an incredible amount of time on the water, but is also an exquisite fly tier… and even processes his own bucktail (that’s how well he knows his materials). Ellis was a great guy to spend time with, but was also willing to share knowledge and put in an incredible amount of work to get us into some great fishing opportunities. Ellis loves the styles of fishing that are most enjoyable, from throwing streamers to targeting risers with size 26 dry flies. If you’re content watching a thing-a-ma-bobber float down the river while the guide matches the speed with the boat… well, still fish with him and he may expand your horizons. Definitely a great time and memorable trip!
— John
Check on availability of dates for guided fishing, ask about ordering flies and/or bucktail, etc.
