In Part 2 of our interview with Lance Wilt and JD Vera of Outcast Anglers, they discuss what makes all the rivers in the State College area so special. They also discuss the bugs you’ll see on the river as well as how to fish each. They share great knowledge on how to have a successful fishing experience. Watch, learn and enjoy!
The Davidson River, like most of the rivers we’ve fished, is really many different rivers. The various sections hold different fish and take different techniques to catch them. We went out with J.E.B. Hall of Davidson River Outfitters in Brevard, NC. We fished both the “trophy” section of the Davidson as well as the main branch of the river in several different spots. J.E.B put us on fish in each spot. I would highly recommend grabbing a copy of J.E.B.’s book, The Southern Appalachian Fly Guide. Its got a wealth of information that we will be putting to good use when we come back to this area to fish. For now, enjoy this interview with J.E.B on fishing the Davidson River.
Miller Watson, our Tuckasegee guide from Hookers Fly Shop in Sylva, went to Western Carolina University and indicated he might have skipped a few classes to fish. What makes the Tuck so special is the pristine water that feeds it. Here you can find rainbows, browns and brook trout. You will find stocked and wild browns and rainbows. Also, stocked brookies. The “grand slam” of the river is to net all three. Biggest in boat for Miller was a 27” wild brown.
Trekking through what seemed like a rainforest filled with rhododendron, we followed Harrison Beckwith, our guide from Brookings Cashiers Village Anglers, to the Chattooga River. From shop rat to guide, Harrison Beckwith has been fishing in and around these area waters since he was 6. He takes great pleasure in helping others have a successful day on the water. His shop (and now Instagram) name, River Wizard, is so perfect!
Hunter Morris is a renaissance kind of guy with a background in business, fly fishing and music. We were lucky enough to spend the day with him recently talking about all three while floating and fishing the Toccoa River.
We spent a great half day with Chuck Head of Unicoi Outfitters fishing the Upper Chattahoochee River. This portion of the Hooch (as its know to the locals) is much different than the tailwater that runs out of Lake Lanier near Atlanta. Chuck was able to put us on fish using both nymphs and streamers. Watching these big, beautiful fish chase streamers was truly a highlight. Their aggressive pursuit of the streamers is simply amazing to watch. Almost as much fun as catching them…. almost.
River Through Atlanta owner and lead guide Chris Scalley took us on an awesome all day float trip down the Chattahoochee River. We had a blast and caught some beautiful rainbows and brownies. This is an amazing fishery and having Chris guide us along the way made it extra special. He’s a native and has been fishing the river for decades.
We decided to test our our ability to capture quality video and interviews along the way a while back on the Guadalupe. Our fishing buddies who really are two “characters”, James Kelley and Dan McCormack, came down to fish. There will be much more on them in a later post.
We hooked up with Alvin Dedeaux and JT Van Zandt of All Water Guides and had an incredible day on the river fishing. All of the video from the Guadalupe Ramble video as well as this video was shot by Keith Mitchell (Digital Aspirations).
At each spot we fish, we hope to capture interviews with local guides…. Hence, Guide Talk! In this case, Alvin and JT were game to share some of their adventures, best stories and most importantly to all you fly fishers out there…. tips on catching fish on the Guadalupe River. In addition to being awesome guides, they are truly “characters”. Their interview was priceless!
Please share your thoughts on what kinds of questions you’d like us to be asking the guides we float/wade with along the way. We want to make sure we capture the info that is helpful to fly fishers coming to the river for the first time.