Guided Fishing Trips for Trout on the Watauga River and South Holston River

Flies for Purchase - Brown Trout and Musky Flies

Bucktail Processed and Dyed without Bleach

Ellis Ward Guide Service

At Ellis Ward Guide Service, we genuinely enjoy sharing what our Appalachian fisheries offer, and providing a unique experience for all anglers of any experience level, with any preferred style of fishing.

Every trip is different, as the experience and goals of each angler are different, so we work together in designing the day to ensure the best fit. We offer full day and half day float trips for 1 or 2 anglers, and can accommodate more if needed. All guided trips will be float trips from a drift boat, where all gear, tackle, and lunch is provided. For each of the target species, we have the option of using fly or conventional fishing gear.

Trout

South Holston River - Bristol, TN

Watauga River - Johnson City, TN

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Striped Bass

$600 Full Day 2 Angler

$500 Full Day 1 Angler

$400 Half Day 1 or 2 Angler

Musky

French Broad River - Asheville, NC

Clinch River/Melton Hill - Knoxville, TN

Musky

$600 Full Day 2 Angler

$500 Full Day 1 Angler

SMallmouth

Holston Proper - Kingsport, TN

Nolichucky River - Erwin, TN

Smallmouth Bass

$600 Full Day 2 Angler

$500 Full Day 1 Angler

$400 Half Day 1 or 2 Angler

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!