Fly Fish Tennessee’s Trophy Waters with
Expert Local Guides
Whether you’re stepping into the river for the first time or have a hundred days on the water under your belt, we’re here to make your next fly fishing trip unforgettable. At Trophy Water Guide Service, we don’t just guide, we take care of every detail. From premium gear and expert instruction to access to East Tennessee’s most productive waters, we make sure all you have to do is show up and fish.
And yes, we’ll put you on big fish.
Fly Fish Tennessee’s Best Waters with
Expert Local Guides
Whether you’re stepping into the river for the first time or have a hundred days on the water under your belt, we’re here to make your next fly fishing trip unforgettable. At Trophy Water Guide Service, we don’t just guide — we take care of every detail. From premium gear and expert instruction to access to East Tennessee’s most productive waters, we make sure all you have to do is show up and fish. And yes — we’ll put you on big fish.
Why Fish with Trophy Water
Trusted Guides, Proven Fishing Spots
Trophy Water Guide Service is built around one thing: helping anglers have the fly fishing trip of a lifetime. Our expert team of local guides knows the rivers inside and out. We tailor every trip to your skill level, provide all the gear, and most importantly, we put you where the fish live.
Local Expertise: These are our home waters. We know how to find fish and when to find them.
Top-End Gear Included: Rods, reels, waders, boots, flies — no extra cost.
All Skill Levels Welcome: First-timer or seasoned vet — we guide both every day.
Diverse, Productive Waters: Trout, smallmouth, and even musky — we guide it all.
Repeat Clients, Lifetime Memories: Once you fish with us, you’ll come back.
Trophy Water Trip Options
Choose the Fly Fishing Adventure That’s Right for You
Wade Trips
Intimate Water. Hands-On Instruction.
For anglers who enjoy a slower pace and closer connection to the water, our walk-and-wade trips offer a focused and highly personalized experience. These trips are ideal for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals, perfect their casting, or explore Tennessee’s spring-fed creeks and freestone streams.
What To Expect:
Fish on foot with your guide by your side
Great for beginners and experienced anglers alike
Target trout in clear, shallow water with precise presentations
Full-day and half-day options available
Perfect for solo anglers or pairs looking for a quiet, technical experience
Float Trips
Cover More Water. Find More Fish.
Hop in a custom raft and drift some of the most productive river stretches in East Tennessee. Float trips allow you to access hard-to-reach water and fish deeper holding areas where large trout and smallmouth bass feed. Your guide rows, positions the boat, and sets you up for success.
What To Expect:
Fish from a comfortable, purpose-built raft
Ideal for covering long river sections in a single day
Excellent for casting streamers, dries, or nymphs to structure
Best for 1–2 anglers per boat
Great option for intermediate anglers and up
Tailwater Trout Trips
Cold, Consistent, Loaded with Big Fish
Our tailwater trips target rivers below dams, where year-round cold water creates ideal trout habitat. These waters hold some of the largest and healthiest rainbow and brown trout in the region, with steady flows and prolific hatches that make for reliable fishing.
What To Expect:
Year-round trout fishing, even in winter months
Float or wade options depending on conditions
Technical fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
Ideal for anglers focused on quality fish and consistent action
Great for anglers looking to fish during shoulder seasons
Not Sure Which Trip Is Right for You?
No problem. When you fill out our inquiry form, just let us know what kind of fishing experience you’re looking for — relaxed, educational, technical, high-adventure, etc. We’ll pair you with the best trip and guide for your goals and the conditions.
Big Fish. Legendary Waters. Local Knowledge.
East Tennessee is home to some of the most dynamic and diverse fly fishing in the Southeast — from cold, clear tailwaters to big-river smallmouth haunts and stillwater gems. At Trophy Water Guide Service, we focus on the region’s top fisheries. These are the waters we live on, guide on, and know better than anyone.
South Holston
The crown jewel of Tennessee fly fishing. With cold, consistent releases from the dam and one of the highest wild brown trout densities in the country, the South Holston offers technical dry fly fishing, long sight casts, and the real chance at a fish of a lifetime. It’s a river that rewards precision — and keeps you coming back.
Watauga River
Just minutes from the South Holston, the Watauga delivers variety, strong hatches, and a mix of wild and stocked trout. From boulder-strewn runs to long, smooth glides, this tailwater fishes well on foot or from a raft. It’s a reliable, year-round option for anglers who want action and versatility.
Nolichucky River
A big, powerful river known for its warmwater game. When the season is right, the Nolichucky shines with aggressive smallmouth bass eager to chase poppers and streamers. It’s a go-to during the summer months for anglers looking to trade trout for hard hits and topwater eats.
Boone Lake
A scenic reservoir with strong seasonal fly fishing for bass, stripers, and more. Boone Lake offers a different experience — slower-paced and visually engaging. Ideal for anglers who enjoy targeting structure, hunting bait schools, or exploring new tactics with a fly rod.
Where tailwater transitions to big, freestone river. The Holston Proper is a hybrid fishery — known for both trout and smallmouth depending on section and season. It’s floatable, beautiful, and often overlooked, making it a favorite among our guides for anglers who like covering water and chasing mixed species.
What’s Included with Our Trips
We Make It Easy to Show Up and Fish
When you book a guided trip with Trophy Water, we take care of the details so you can focus on fishing — not logistics. Every guided trip includes premium gear, expert instruction, and access to Tennessee’s most productive waters. Just bring your fishing license and weather-appropriate clothing. We’ve got the rest covered.
You’ll leave the water a better angler — and with great memories to match.
Fully Licensed, Local Guide
All Fly Fishing Gear Included
Custom Trip Planning & Instruction
Transportation to the Water
Catch-and-Release Focus
FAQs
Do I need my own fly fishing gear?
Nope. We provide everything — rods, reels, flies, waders, boots, leaders, and tippet. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer, but it’s not required.
What if I’ve never fly fished before?
That’s what we’re here for. Our guides work with beginners all the time. We’ll walk you through the basics, coach you at your pace, and set you up for a successful (and fun) day on the water.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, a valid Tennessee fishing license is required for all anglers. You can purchase one online from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). We’ll let you know which license you need based on the trip you book.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible — especially for spring, fall, and weekends, which fill up quickly. That said, don’t hesitate to reach out about last-minute availability. We’ll do our best to get you on the water.
What if the weather is bad?
We fish in most conditions, but safety comes first. If flows are blown out or storms move in, we’ll reschedule your trip or provide a refund if necessary. Our guides monitor water conditions closely and will keep you in the loop.
How long are the trips?
We offer both half-day and full-day guided trips. Float trips, walk-and-wade outings, and specialty experiences like musky or smallmouth trips can all be customized to fit your schedule.
Have Additional Questions?
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What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it
We planned a last minute trip and had luck on our side when Justin had a spot to take us out for two days on the hunt specifically for big brown trout. He’s experienced, professional, and extremely knowledgeable of all things fishing, teaching us so much about the river and trout as well as honing in on our technical work throughout day with casting. We have traveled all over fishing and this trip was really special. If you’re looking to level up your brown trout fishing experience …. Book this guide service. Highly recommended this business and especially Justin!
-Monica Squires
I have fished with all three of the Shroyer brothers and have had successful, courteous, professional experiences every time. A recent, particularly special outing involved Nick bonding with/instructing my 12 year old rookie grandson; forever grateful for the image of him rowing upstream into 18 mph winds (on the third Watauga flow adjustment) to put us back into a productive pocket. Priceless!!
-Edward Echols
I’ve been fishing with Trophy Water Guide Service since 2016, booking 4–6 float trips a year, and they’ve consistently delivered incredible experiences. Their team — Justin, Rhett, Nick, and Chris — are true pros who’ve helped me grow my fly fishing skills while making every trip fun and rewarding. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, they’ve got you covered; my wife had never held a fly rod and landed three fish within minutes, ending the day with 60 trout between us. From their well-stocked fly shop to their top-notch instruction and service, these guys do it all — trout, smallmouth, nymphing, dry flies, streamers — and they do it right. If 5 stars is the limit, they deserve 6.
-Michael Smith
Send Us A Message
Simply Fill Out The Form Below and One Of Our Guides Will Reach Out Shortly!
Send Us A Message
Simply Fill Out The Form Below and One Of Our Guides Will Reach Out Shortly!
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Elizabethton, TN