PBS Feature on the Pigeon River

PBS VIDEO FEATURE

Pigeon River Water Quality

In summer 2023, PBS contacted founder and owner of Asheville Fly Fishing Company, Galen Kipar, to discuss the aftermath of the paper mill in Canton and its impacts on the Pigeon River. Galen along with several others met up with PBS to share their knowledge and passion for the Pigeon River. The video was produced by PBS and released in Spring of 2024. Since the paper mill shut down, biologists are already reporting positive signs of water quality and aquatic life. Check out the full video below.

The Pigeon River or “dirty bird” begins its descent in NC, and flows northwest into TN, where it terminates into the French Broad River. (The section of river downstream of Canton, NC, has a tannic water quality, hence the nickname.) Several miles upstream in Pisgah National Forest, its headwaters are pristine with large boulder gardens and dramatic elevation change, making for scenic waterfalls and plunge pools. Throughout its headwaters downstream to Canton, anglers will find both wild and stocked trout. Below Waterville Dam, the Pigeon is a tailwater and considered a trophy smallmouth bass river with fish averaging 1-4 lbs. This section of river has it all and historically holds the most diverse fish species of all the Tennessee rivers. During summer months, Duke Power regulates a recreational flow schedule. These regular high flows increase oxygen content and decrease water temperature, which provide ideal conditions for abundant aquatic life. The Pigeon River is a year-round fishery.  ~ Galen Kipar

Gray's Sporting Journal features Asheville Fly Fishing Company

AFFC featured in Gray’s Sporting Journal - January 2021

One of the most renowned sporting publications, Gray's Sporting Journal, is the world's leading periodical of sporting literature, art, and photography.

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Check out a great story on William Bartram and how we traced his travels along the Tennessee River in the latest issue of Gray's Sporting Journal, Volume 45 / Issue 7. We are honored to have been a part of such an epic adventure that will ring long in all our memories. That was fun!
Thanks to Gray's Sporting Journal for having us!

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing - Asheville, NC

GUIDED SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING TRIPS

NOW BOOKING 2018 SPRING SEASON

Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is renowned as some of the best on the continent.  We target these fish on our float trips on the fly and with tackle.  If you enjoy a tenacious pull from the surface and seeing acrobatic fish dance, then this is for you.  We target several rivers located in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.  Click here for more information.

GUIDED SMALLMOUTH BASS - WHITEWATER FLOAT FISHING TRIPS

For the adventurous angler looking for a remote experience, Asheville Fly Fishing Company is the only guide service in the Asheville area offering a smallmouth bass fishing trip on Class III-IV whitewater.  While it is becoming rare to find a true remote wilderness experience in the east, we are fortunate to have access to the French Broad River section 9 and the Nolichucky Gorge.  These trips offer excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing and flow through two of the most remote, beautiful sections of river found in the eastern US.  All guides are ACA Level IV Swift Water Rescue and CPR/First Aid certified and fully insured.  Click here for more info.

GUIDED OVERNIGHT SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING TRIPS

So much water, so little time.  If you need more than one day of fishing, we understand all too well.  We offer multi-day trips with Safari style camping.  Click here for more info and watch the video below.

REVIEWS

At Asheville Fly Fishing Company, we value long-lasting relationships with our guests and enjoy sharing memorable days on the water.  Click here to read what people are saying about their experience with us. 

ABOUT US

Guiding is our passion.  Sure we love catching fish on our days off, but sharing the experience is far more rewarding.  We are problem solvers who enjoy the connections and process just as much as the pull.  We push each other to be innovative, aware of the fine details and to always anticipate the next move gracefully and with respect.  Our goal is to give you the best service you have ever experienced, and to always enjoy as much river experience as possible while putting fish in the net.  Our first time out with you, we are taking notes on the details that make a difference to you.  From the moment we meet you onward, we go the extra miles so you are right where you want to be, fishing better and laughing louder.   Click here to read more about the guides.

FISHING REPORT:  SPRING FORECAST

With several good snows under our belt the ground water table is up as we move into the rainy season.  We anticipate good water levels for spring fishing on our freestone rivers.  This week we are getting our first taste of warmer temperatures and perhaps the beginning of the warming trends that will take us into spring.  As this trend progresses, we recommend your fishing efforts be spent during the end of each warm spell.  Don't go the first day it warms up.  If you've got five days of warmer temps in the forecast, hit the water on day 3, 4 or 5.  This will give the water temperature a chance to increase resulting in more active fish and more fish in the net.