UPDATE!! 2012 Season off to a great start!
The 2012 season is shaping up nicely, thanks to all the rain we've recieved, the water table is as good as it's been in a few year's. The river's have fished great all winter, and will continue to fish even better as time goes on this spring. Due to the very warm temp's we've had, the bug's are showing up already! Once again, thank you all for a great 2011 season!! I'm blessed to be able to do what I love for a living, All of you make it possible! I'm looking forward to seeing many new faces this year, along with those of you who have been coming year after year since the beginning! I look forward to getting you all on the river, and being a part of all of your fly fishing journey! It's going to be a great season, see you all on the water!
Tight Lines,
Gordon Vanderpool
FISHING UPDATE! 3-20-2012 CHEROKEE FLY ONLY WATERS!
The fishing is terrific right now! This is the time to be out for the fly fisher who loves bugs!! Let me tell you, the bugs are evrywhere!! I've Been on the water the last three days with great results! Here is what's hatching, a Quill pattern size 12-18 will cover the Quill Gordon's and the Blue Quill's.....Right about 45 minutes or so before dark you have the Quill spinnerfall, and the females depositing eggs! A female Adams size 12-14 will do the trick! about 6 oclock or so the caddis have been coming off thick, size 18-20. caddis emerger's and drys in similar sizes will get it done! Also the ever constant zebra midge in size 18-22. olive crane flys are starting to show themselves in good numbers in about a size 16, a good pattern is a thin olive dubbed body on a scud hook, does not have to be fancy to catch fish! This pattern was very affective as the day went on today! Also the golden Stones are starting to pop up the last few days. they should really start to thicken up if it stays warm! Thats when the Yellow Stimulator becomes a deadly choice! You should use about a size 10-12. I hope you all can make time to fish in the coming days, you will not be disappointed!! Tight lines to you all, Take care! Remember, The bugs can differ slightly depending on river location and elevation, so be prepaired for some changes at different places.
Gordon Vanderpool
UPDATE!! Delayed Harvest streams have been stocked full of fish!
With springtime fly fishing right around the corner, most of the trips will be geared toward delayed harvest streams, or the catch and release "Fly Fishing Only"waters of the Raven fork in Cherokee North Carolina. These locations have some of the highest trout populations of any streams in the state of North Carolina! The delayed harvest regulations start October 1st through the first saturday in June, and are catch and release during that time. The fly fishing only waters of the Ravens Fork are catch and release year round, so one can only imagine how terrific the fishing can be here. Some absolute monsters swim in those waters!! So if it is a big fish you want, then this is the place for you! I look forward to fishing with you! Call today to book your adventure at 724-986-2652.
Private Instruction
Whether you've never seen a fly rod or have been fishing for years I look forward to sharing my knowledge of fly fishing with you. I offer one-on-one instruction at reasonable rates. Once completed, my goal is to have you completely confident to be on the area's streams by yourself. 
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Streams We Fish
Tuckasegee - Located just outside the Town of Dillsboro in Jackson County -
This stream is great for beginners and is under delayed harvest regulations.
As an angler you truly have a chance to land a trophy fish on this stream.
Nantahala - The Nantahala River is an excellent classroom for beginners. The stream is located in Nantahala, NC and features beautiful Wild Rainbow Trout along with stocked fish. You'll enjoy being surrounded by the steep mountain terrain of the Nantahala Gorge.
Big Snowbird - Is located near Robbinsville, NC in Graham County. Under hatchery support regulations, Big Snowbird is closed the month of March but open to fish the rest of the year. This stream has winter runs of Steelhead along with Native Brookies in the headwaters. Fishing for Steelhead on Big Snow Bird is a must for the fly fisherman who likes a challenge.
Cullasaja - Near Highlands, NC the Cullasaja River is under hatchery support regulations and therefore closed the month of March. The Cullasaja also contains plenty of Wild Trout due to the minute fishing pressure. This stream is beautiful with many waterfalls. You'll enjoy this stream and the immense beauty that surrounds it. Once it leaves the gorge, it flows into the Little Tennessee River.
Raven Fork/Ocunaluftee River - This river flows directly out of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and was already a good fishery prior to the new catch and release fly fishing only program. The 2.2 mile stretch is just full of fish, some absolute monsters too! The fishing started out too easy but recently after more pressure has settled in to fish more like a fly fishing only section should. Fish catch rates have been very good with big fish mixed in. This is an absolute must for a fly fisherman who likes to have a chance at giant fish.
