Photo courtesy of DB bar D Outfitters
By Allison Taylor
Fall is fast approaching in Western North Carolina, with the official first day of the season just weeks away. As the season sets in and the leaves begin to turn, we welcome the colorful scenery and some great fishing in our region. When air temperatures start to drop, so do water temperatures. Relief from the summer heat and shorter days mean that the trout are on the move.
After a long, hot summer with minimal bug activity, autumn signifies the start of some great bug hatches. Throughout the fall, October Caddis, Blue Wing Olives and Black Stonewalls are all hatching. Trout are moving out of the shallow riffles and into the deeper, walking-speed water at this time of year. “Yellow, brown and black are good colors for fall streamer fish
ing,” says Ryan Waldrep, outfitter manager and guide for DB bar D Outfitters in Mills River.
DB bar D Outfitters staff members enjoy sharing the love of fly fishing with anyone interested in learning more about the activity. The company offers half-day and full-day guided trips on its private water, with clients regularly netting rainbow trout more than 20 inches long and browns exceeding 19 inches. These waters are well-suited for all who want to test their skills or learn new skills, and access points are equipped with handrails, steps and ladders to help enter and exit the stream safely and easily.
The private water accessed with DB bar D Outfitters is catch-and-release only, with barbless and single-hook flies. Owner Jason Davis is proud of the property and its river accesses, and looks forward to having guests experience the fishing there. “We strive to be stewards of the river and manage our land to ensure cleaner water and healthy fisheries, and we hope that others will learn more about water quality as we share the property we fish,” Davis says.
DB bar D Outfitters provides hands-on instruction that includes help with casting and reading the river, or will simply assist clients in having a relaxing day outdoors. The outfitters can provide all of the necessary equipment, as well as a fishing license. Waldrep welcomes any and all who are interested in a guided fly fishing experience. “Fall is a great time of year to be on the water, so give us a call to book a guided trip and experience some of the best fishing WNC has to offer,” he says.
For more information on DB bar D Outfitters or to book a trip, visit DBbarD.com.
