Welcome to Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC

Hello everyone. My name is Gordon Vanderpool and I have been fishing for trout almost my entire life. I'm currently living in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina in the Town of Franklin in Macon County where you'll find some of the best trout fishing anywhere. I take tremendous pride in my teaching of the wonderful art of fly fishing! I specialize in wade fishing trips for fisherman of all ages and all skill levels. READ MORE

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. READ MORE

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.