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Cullasaja River Highlands NC IMG 2778 2

Why Shouldn't I Go Fly Fishing Alone?

You might be thinking about just showing up and trying your luck in the beautiful Cullasaja River; however, without the help of an experienced guide, your fly fishing experience may not go as planned. Getting lost, finding yourself in a dangerous part of the river, or just failing to snag prized rainbow trout are all possible when you go at it alone. Enlisting the expertise of the right guide can make all the difference.

Guided Lower Nantahala River

Why You Should Go Fishing with a Good Fly Fishing Guide

For an amazing rainbow trout fishing excursion, the right guides can help ensure you end up with a great story that involves you telling all your friends and coworkers about how many beautiful rainbow trout you caught. But, of course, you don't want to book just anybody. You need guides who know the waters around Highlands.

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Why Choose Turning Stone's Fly Fishing Guides in Highlands, NC

Based in Franklin, the guides at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing are just a few miles from Highlands, NC. The Cullasaja River and surrounding area is our backyard. Our team loves fishing here, and we know all the best places to cast your line. We can help provide the gear you need to have the best possible fly fishing experience.

Lower Nantahala River Trip

Why You Should Book Your Trip Today

With a hearty population of both wild and hatchery-supported rainbow trout, you can fish the Cullasaja any month but March. We welcome thousands of people to the area every year, so guided trips book quickly. If you want an amazing fly fishing excursion in Highlands, you need to book your trip today.

Rainbow Trout

Why You Should Fish for Rainbow Trout in Highlands

Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific drainages of western North America but have been introduced throughout mountain streams in North Carolina. As with other trout, rainbows inhabit streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes with good water quality and temperatures that rarely exceed 70-degrees. Highlands is one of the highest towns on the East Coast, so the waters in this area are perfect for hatchery-supported and wild rainbow trout. Fly fishing and Highlands are a match made in Heaven; however, people also visit the area for numerous other reasons, including:

  • Hiking the many miles of beautiful trails in the area
  • Zipline canopy tours of the Appalachian Mountains
  • Whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, and other water sports
  • Excellent food and shopping throughout town
  • Stunning views, vistas, and waterfalls

A little town with much to experience, Highlands is just an hour or two from cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, Greenville, Knoxville, and Asheville.

The Cullasaja River gets its start in town, and its fast-moving waters flow down to Franklin. The river and its surrounding tributaries can be tricky to navigate no matter your skill level. The best way to ensure you have a great rainbow trout fishing excursion in Highlands is by booking a trip with the guides at Turning Stone's Fly Fishing.