The Cullasaja River

Cullasaja River Highlands NC IMG 2778 2

The Cullasaja River is without a doubt one of the most picturesque rivers anywhere in western North Carolina. This river gains its strength from high country tributaries near the town of Highlands, North Carolina, and creates Lake Sequoyah. From there, it flows drastically down the Cullasaja Gorge through the town of Franklin, North Carolina, and into the Little Tennessee River. 

The river can be fished all year long except the month of March due to stocking. It is under hatchery supported regulations. This river also boasts a solid population of wild brown trout and rainbow trout.

This river is very technical in nature due to the steep terrain.

For the adventurous angler you will not find a better place to play. To be clear, I do not recommend this river for beginners! If you want to get the true trophies on the Cullasaja River you will have to get way off of the beaten path and work for them. 

Not only are there fish to be caught, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Macon County.

The fly fishing guides here at Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing are probably the only guides in the area that know where the truly good wild areas are in this beautiful river!  The Cullasaja is within minutes of the towns of Cashiers, Highlands, Franklin, Sky Valley Georgia, Scaly Mountain, and Clayton, Georgia!

Testimonial Heather Cardwell

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

I gifted my husband a fly fishing lesson with Gordon Vanderpool of Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing. He had a fantastic weekend and learned a great deal about the sport. Plus, on his first excursion, he caught well over 40 fish! They provided all of the necessary equipment and taught him a lot about future fishing techniques. Whether you're new to fly fishing or want to improve your abilities, I recommend arranging a trip with them!

Heather Cardwell

Testimonial Zoe Metro

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

A fantastic day on the water! My guide taught me so much that I sat down and jotted down "notes" afterward to be sure I didn't miss anything. Turning Stone's comes highly recommended since they have a plethora of experience and expertise that they generously share with their clients.

Zoe Metro

Testimonial Adam Zabo

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

We had a fantastic day with our guide. Fly fishing is something Turning Stone's knows a lot about, and they are great teachers for beginners. To get the most out of your fishing experience, you'll need to have a good understanding of the region. Turning Stone's provides the knowledge you need to have a great fly fishing experience.

Adam Zabo

Testimonial David Riciutti

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

I've been fishing with Turning Stones for maybe 5 or 6 years. I not only have a good time and catch a lot of fish, but I also improve as a fly fisherman. I recommend fishing with Turning Stone's if you want to master the art of fly fishing or just have a fantastic day catching fish. There isn't another option.

David Riciutti

Testimonial Jess Westbrook

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

I've read every book, seen every video, and read what feels like a thousand blog entries on tightline nymphing. Flying from Arkansas to North Carolina was, without a doubt, the finest decision I've ever made in terms of improving my tightline nymphing skills!! Turning Stone's Fly Fishing's personal instruction helped me put all the pieces together and improve my game!! The best guides I've ever seen!!

Jess Westbrook

Testimonial Kristen Blanchard

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

We went fly fishing in Cherokee with Turning Stone's. They are a treasure trove of knowledge. We learned a lot from them and caught a lot of trout. Turning Stone's guides are fantastic tour leaders. So approachable. Excellent teacher. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Kristen Blanchard

Testimonial Brian Maduri

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

These guys went above and above to help turn a possible negative event into lifelong memories. Anthony and Forrest are exceptional tour guides, perhaps the best I've ever experienced. They turned adverse weather and water conditions into unforgettable learning opportunities for everyone. To be clear, they offered to let us out of the trip several times owing to the terrible conditions. This charter company is completely customer-focused, and they simply want us to have the finest time possible.

Brian Maduri

Testimonial Natalie

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

My 12-year-old sons and I had a fantastic day on the water! Turning Stone’s guides are the best; patient, knowledgeable, and willing to share their knowledge of fly fishing with my sons. They went above and above to help us find fish throughout our half-day on the lake, and they were completely involved throughout the trip. We plan to make this an annual event, and we can’t wait to do it again!

Natalie

Testimonial Susan Sachs

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

We had a great time with Turning Stone's. They bravely took two inexperienced women in our early 60s to one of their favorite fishing spots. We were given clear instructions and waded into the Nantahala River to put our skills to the test. I'm looking forward to going out again soon! Turning Stone's was a delight to work with and was very accommodating when it came to making reservations. Thank you so much, everyone!

Susan Sachs

Testimonial Tom Sterne

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

My son and I had yet another wonderful day in the river with Turning Stone's. We've used various fly fishing companies in the past, but none compare to Turning Stone's Fly Fishing. Regardless of your level of experience, you'll have a good time and learn something. Excellent company.

Tom Sterne

Testimonial Tara Powers

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

Knowing zero about fly fishing, I called Turning Stone and spoke with Gordon Vanderpool, the owner and lead guide. He explained the experience and assured me it would be enjoyable for newbie river fishers such as us. They contacted us the night before to confirm and get measurements for boots and waders. We had two, Forrest and Ryan. Both were amazing! As a South Florida zoologist, my daughter appreciated Ryan's knowledge of mountain creatures. Our guides helped us hook and release numerous rainbow, brown, and brook trout. We highly recommend Turning Stone and their guides.

Tara Powers

Testimonial Nathan Liversedge

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

Gordon took my wife and me on a fantastic half-day fishing expedition. He is an excellent teacher who alternated between giving me the advice to supplement my current knowledge and coaching my wife, who had never fly-fished before. I used the knowledge Gordon gave me to go out on my own a few days later on a lesser stream and noticed immediate results.

Nathan Liversedge

Testimonial Mike O'Donnell

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

Last year, a buddy introduced me to Gordon and a day on the Nantahala River, and when three family members requested a guided fly fishing trip this year and left it up to me to arrange the details, there was only one option for me. I spent Friday with Justin on the legendary Tuckasegee and the next two days with Forrest and Dan on separate smaller rivers, and I can't imagine better guides or better fishing days! We all had different experience levels, yet we all got precisely what we needed to make these days a huge success. We caught lovely brookies, rainbows, and browns all three days until our arms were exhausted. These gentlemen are world-class anglers and teachers, and if you don't leave a better fisherman, you aren't paying attention. Gordon's Turning Stones and western North Carolina should be at the top of any fly fisherman's bucket list, whether new or seasoned.

Mike O'Donnell

Testimonial Max Anderson

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

Despite having some fly fishing experience, I contacted Turning Stone's to learn how to become a better angler and catch more trout! Gordon and his team are outstanding teachers and coaches who are patient with their clients. Give Turning Stone's a call if you're ready to take your fly-fishing techniques to the next level.

Max Anderson

Testimonial Taylor Stockowski

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

We were on our honeymoon in Franklin, NC, and wanted to do something together that we hadn't done before. Since we both love fishing, we contacted Turning Stone's Fly Fishing out of the blue. Gordon Vanderpool took two complete novices and taught us a lot! We started catching fish straight away, and we are already planning our next trip!

Taylor Stockowski

Testimonial Flynn Connely

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

"For exceptional anglers and teachers, you won't find better than Turning Stone's. If you want to have a fun and challenging experience, Gordon and his team will make sure your day matches your experience while passing on his incredible knowledge. Plus, he's a fun person to spend the day with, with a clear passion for fly fishing. I'm still using the lessons he taught me!"

Flynn Connely

Testimonial Kathryn Harper

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

"My dad and I have been fishing with Turning Stones twice, and each time have said it's worth every penny. Our guide, Gordon Vanderpool, taught us so many new techniques, how to spot good holding water, how to tie flies, and so much more. We really had the best time. They took a great picture with us to help make sure we get to remember the experience. We give five stars for every trip and cherish our many memories from our days with Turning Stones. We can't wait to go again!"

Kathryn Harper

Testimonial Robert Swartwood

What People Are Saying
About Our Fly Fishing Tours

My son and I had a great time fishing with Gordon on the Nantahala for a full day. I've fished in the West, Patagonia, and various other locations, but I've never had so much fun or caught so many fish in all my years of fly fishing. Gordon Vanderpool, the owner of Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing, is an expert in his field and has incredible insight. It is his passion for his clients that makes him a fantastic instructor. We had a fantastic vacation and would highly suggest his guided trips to all of our friends and family!

Robert Swartwood

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Float Trips, Wade Trips, and Rates

Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing believes that a float trip or wade fishing trip is the best way of soaking in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. We strive to make this a comfortable and easy experience, unless an angler wants to get off the beaten path.

2-Hour
Wade Trips
(2 hours on the water)

  • One or Two Anglers: $250
  • Three Anglers (Max): $325
  • All rods, reels, and flies are provided.
  • Pending availability, waders are available for FREE.

Start Your Trip!

Full-Day
Wade Trips
(approx. 8:00-4:30)

  • One Angler: $350
  • Two Anglers: $475
  • All rods, reels, and flies are provided.
  • Pending availability, waders are available for FREE.

Start Your Trip!

Half-Day
Wade Trips
(4 hours on the water)

  • One Angler: $300
  • Two Anglers: $375
  • All rods, reels, and flies are provided.
  • Pending availability, waders are available for FREE.

Start Your Trip!

See Our Cancelation Policy

Items Tagged with: Cullasaja Rver