Turning Stones Blog

Nine months of the year, the weather in western North Carolina and northern Georgia is perfect for getting outdoors. Temperatures are often cooler near the rivers and waterways around Batesville, Clarksville, Franklin, Cashiers and surrounding areas during the summer than in nearby cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. Yet, in spring and fall, the air feels significantly warmer than the higher elevations around Highlands and Boone. 

New residents and people visiting from out of town wonder whether winter weather makes fly fishing impossible. We are happy to report that our area is uniquely supportive of trout fishing throughout the year, even during winter.

Not only is it possible to fish here during the coldest months of the year, but you may also find it is the perfect season to chase prized trophy trout. From October through May in north Georgia is the absolute best time to hook into these beautiful giant trout.

Western North Carolina is a trout fishing wonderland. There are miles upon miles of pristine streams and rivers with an abundance of fish. If you’re searching for the perfect fly fishing getaway, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Smokies. 

Turning Stone’s Fly Fishing knows these waters. The areas we fish vary from dense Rhododendron forests with small tributaries meandering about that are filled with tiny wild brook trout to large rivers that are rough and tumbling that hold enormous, wild brown trout. We also frequently fish areas that are stocked with massive fish that increase your odds of catching a monster. 

Many people ask us how to identify the difference between wild and hatchery-supported trout. In this article, we are helping you answer that question. 

As kids return to school and temperatures start to cool, if ever so slightly, it means one of the best times of year in western North Carolina is here. Fall is one of the busiest times of the year in Asheville and throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. Millions upon millions of tourists visit our area to experience the dazzling display of colors as the leaves change. 

With such vast differences in elevation, leaves begin changing color as early as mid to late September above 5,000-6,000 feet, but the valleys can remain colorful through Thanksgiving. The peak of fall color is usually in late October. 

You may already be planning your weekend excursion to the mountains, but what will you do? Drive on the Parkway? Hike the trails? The same things everyone else does? We think the best way to really enjoy the season in the mountains is fly fishing. 

All year long, the North Georgia Mountains are a fantastic destination full of amazing options for top-notch outdoor enjoyment, including fly fishing. 

The Soque River is one particular river that is well suited for fly fishing with its slow-flowing lanes over sand and rock bottom, strong runs of rapids, and deep pools.