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Why the Tuckaseegee River Is Perfect for Beginners

Why the Tuckaseegee River Is Perfect for Beginners

Tuesday, 01 June 2021 21:06

Whether you are cooped up in an office all day, spend your work hours outdoors, or find yourself working remotely from your dining room table, you need a break. You need to be able to step away from work and stress for a few days and reconnect with nature. 

While there are many different activities you can enjoy in western North Carolina, fly fishing is the perfect blend of beauty and adventure. There is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than fly fishing. However, it may seem daunting and challenging if you have never tried it before, or you've never been taught what gear you need, proper techniques, and where to fish. 

For beginners and anglers of all levels of experience, The Tuckasegee River is perfect. In this post, we are discussing the reasons you should schedule your Tuckasegee River getaway. 

 

Why You Should Try Fly Fishing

If you have never tried fly fishing or had a bad experience, you may not realize how much fun it can be. Historically, documented instances of people using this method of catching fish go all the way back to the Roman Empire. Known as Tenkara, fly fishing was once popular in Japan and is currently making a comeback. There is also a notable history of it in the Scottish Highlands. In other words, there are centuries of stories of people enjoying fly fishing.

Is it challenging? Absolutely. However, it is not at all inaccessible for beginners. Once you get the right gear and learn the basics of fly casting, you can start catching fish. Casting is challenging because, unlike traditional fishing methods where you are casting a lure, with this method, you are casting the line itself. However, once you get the basics covered, you can begin to master the craft. There are many different techniques for various situations, but you can often catch beautiful fish if you know where to look and what to do. 

If you are a beginner, you might be discouraged by gathering gear, learning to tie and cast, only to end up catching just a few fish. But that is why beginners love the Tuckasegee River. 

Why Beginners Love the Tuck

Typically fished between the western North Carolina towns of Sylva and Dillsboro, the Tuckasegee (often referred to as the Tuck) is one of the best places in the world to begin your fly fishing hobby. Here are a few reasons people love to fish the Tuck:

  • It's beautiful: There is hardly a more beautiful place than the area surrounding the Tuckasegee River. 
  • It's relaxing: The river is wide and the water relatively calm. You will find fishing on the Tuck the perfect break from your day-to-day.
  • It's accessible: It is one of the easiest accessed rivers where you will catch the most fish. 
  • It's convenient: The Tuck is near Sylva, Cullowhee, Western Carolina University, Bryson City, Cherokee, Cashiers, Franklin, Canton, Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and Asheville. 
  • Its fish: The Tuck is full of beautiful trout. It is not out of the question for a beginner to catch 30 to 50 trout per day or more.

This is big water with lots of stocked fish. Anglers have the chance to catch lots of fish, and there are big fish spread throughout. If you want to have the best chance of catching a ton of fish on your first outing, you should go fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River. However, you can shorten the learning curve by hiring the right guide.  

Why You Should Hire a Guide for Fly Fishing on the Tuckasegee River

Your first fly fishing experience will be vastly improved by hiring the right guide. Here's why:

  • Your guide will be able to set you up with the right gear. 
  • Your guide will be able to teach you how to set up your line. 
  • Your guide will be able to teach you how to cast. 
  • Your guide will know the best places to fish on the Tuck. 
  • Your guide can help make sure your first fly fishing experience is the beginning of a hobby you can enjoy for life. 
  • Your guide will become a resource for future trips and more challenging experiences. 

Based in nearby Franklin, North Carolina, the guides at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing spend a lot of time on the Tuck. We have seen true beginners catch a lot of fish, but more importantly, have amazing experiences on the Tuckasegee River. If you are ready to get away from the stress of work and life and spend some time in nature, you need to try fly fishing in western North Carolina. There is no better place to "get your feet wet" than the Tuckasegee River. 

Our guides have the experience, expertise, and personality to make sure you have a fun beginner experience fly fishing in the Sylva area. Contact our team for more information about how you can schedule your Tuckaseegee fly fishing excursion. 

Written by:

Gordon began fly fishing as a teenager in southwestern Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He has snagged great catches from as far away as Nevada, California, and Belize. However, he and his wife decided to settle in western North Carolina, where they started Turning Stones. Gordon is a Certified Casting Instructor for the Federation of Fly Fishers and the  Southeastern Coach of the USA Youth Fly Fishing Team.