Trip Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Guided fly fishing on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers:

Rates: $450 Single Angler, $550 Two Anglers

Duration: Trips are Roughly 8 Hours

Timing: We will decide on our schedule based on angler goals, conditions, and any scheduling requirements. Trips can start as early as 6a.m. or as late as 6p.m., and it all depends on what the angler wants to focus on.

Before your trip: Texting, Emailing, and ideally calling Ellis to discuss what options are available (e.g. targeting rising trout with dry flies, fishing big streamers to predatory browns, mousing at night, etc.) will ensure that you and your guide are on the same page.

Gear: All gear is supplied by Ellis Ward Guide Service, and can include both fly and conventional fishing rods, reels, and tackle. All Flies are tied by Ellis, and the guides with whom he works tie their flies as well. Rods will range from 4-5 weights for dry fly fishing, 6-8 weights for streamer fishing, and 10-12 weights for musky fishing. If you plan to bring your own setup, please discuss with Ellis.

Cost: Full day rates are $450 and $550 for one and two anglers, respectively.

Items to bring: Any food and drink you will want aside from water. Lunch can be provided at no additional cost, but it is not standard. If you would like lunch to be provided, please ensure that this is communicated. Sunscreen, Hat, Polarized Sunglasses, Rain Jacket. Even if the forecast does not call for rain, I encourage all anglers to bring a rain jacket.

How we fish: Trips are run out of a drift boat, with space for two anglers and the guide. Generally speaking, we fish streamers and lures while we are moving, targeting predatory brown trout in their ambush zones. We will tweak how and what we are fishing based on conditions, angler experience, and feedback from the fish. We will seek out areas where fish tend to rise for dry flies, and when we spot them, we will anchor the boat and do our best to trick one into eating a dry fly.