Fly Fishing & River Reset

Slow down, connect with nature, and discover the rhythm of the river. Whether you’re brand-new to fly fishing or looking to grow your skills, my guided trips create space for learning, laughter, and genuine connection.

Choose Your Adventure

Each trip blends fly fishing instruction with moments of reflection, connection, and presence in nature.

Mindful Fly Fishing in the Smokies

Step into the river with intention. In this beginner-friendly walk-and-wade trip, you’ll learn the basics of casting, reading the water, and connecting with the Smoky Mountain streams.
Along the way, we’ll pause for moments of mindfulness — breathing, journaling, or simply soaking in the beauty of the forest. You’ll leave with new fishing skills, a calm mind, and a deeper connection to the river.

What to Bring:
Valid Tennessee fishing license, water, and snacks. All gear provided.

When emailing, please include:
• How many people in your party
• Whether you’d like a Half-Day or Full-Day trip
• Any preferred dates

Book This Trip

Women’s Walk & Wade: Fly Fishing for Beginners

A supportive, welcoming introduction to fly fishing designed especially for women. We’ll cover the basics — rod setup, casting, and simple knots — while creating space to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the water.
No pressure, no competition — just an opportunity to explore fly fishing in the Smokies with encouragement, laughter, and ease.

What to Bring:
Valid Tennessee fishing license, water, and snacks. All gear provided.

When emailing, please include:
• How many women will be attending
• Whether you’d like a Half-Day or Full-Day trip
• Any preferred dates

Book This Trip

Family Nature & Fishing Day

Bring the family out for a day that blends learning, laughter, and adventure. Kids and adults alike will get hands-on with casting and fishing in beautiful mountain streams, with breaks to explore, observe nature, and reflect.
The focus is on connection — to the river, the outdoors, and each other.

What to Bring:
Valid Tennessee fishing license (required for ages 9+), water, and snacks. All gear provided.

When emailing, please include:
• How many adults and kids in your group
• Whether you’d like a Half-Day or Full-Day trip
• Any preferred dates

Book This Trip

Multi-Day or Retreat Add-Ons

Custom pricing available

Combine guided fishing with other wellness experiences such as yoga, nature walks, holistic facials, or lodging at your hospitality spaces.
Perfect for groups seeking a full Smoky Mountain immersion — from water to woods to well-being.

Please fill out the booking form.

Pricing

Each trip blends skill, mindfulness, and time in nature — whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned soul seeking calm water.

Half-Day Walk & Wade

3–4 hours | $300 for 1–2 people | +$50 each additional (max 4)

Beginner-friendly fly fishing instruction (casting, gear, knots, reading water)
Time to slow down, pause, and take in the Smokies
Optional journaling or quiet nature-reflection breaks

Perfect for those new to fishing or anyone looking for a mindful half-day outdoors.

Full-Day Walk & Wade

6–7 hours | $450 for 1–2 people | +$75 each additional (max 4)

Extended fishing across multiple stream sections
Personalized instruction and on-stream guidance
Midday break for reflection, journaling, or a streamside lunch (provided by guide)

Ideal for families, friends, or those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the rhythm of the river.

Fly Fishing Trip Booking Form

Book Your Fly Fishing Experience
Whether you’re seeking a mindful morning in the Smokies, a women’s beginner trip, or a family nature day — I’d love to guide you on the river.

Please fill out the form, and I’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to confirm your trip details.

Book a Trip with Greg

For full-day floats or advanced fishing adventures, book a guided trip with my husband, Greg Patterson — a licensed captain and professional guide with Frontier Angler TN and co-founder of The Leaky Wader.
Greg specializes in tailwater and Smoky Mountain trips, creating unforgettable experiences for anglers of all levels.

Book with Greg

Knox Girls Who Fly Fish

I co-founded Knox Girls Who Fly Fish, a free community for women who love the water — whether you’re brand new or already casting confidently.
We host meetups, skill-sharing days, and relaxed outings that focus on connection, confidence, and fun.

Join the Community

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never fly fished before—how do I know if this is for me?

If you love nature, moving water, and slowing down to notice the small things, fly fishing might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. It’s not about competition or perfection—it’s about connection, curiosity, and presence. We’ll help you ease into it at your own pace and enjoy the beauty that surrounds the sport.

What should I wear for a day of fly fishing?

Here’s what we recommend for a comfortable and safe day on the water:

Wading Gear

Water shoes or felt-soled wading boots with wading socks
Lightweight waders (not necessary June–October)
Quick-dry leggings or base layers
Wool or moisture-wicking socks

Clothing & Accessories

Neutral-colored clothing: greens, browns, greys, or muted blues (to blend in with the stream)
Quick-dry tops and bottoms (no cotton)
Polarized sunglasses
Hat or cap
Rain jacket (the Smokies are a temperate rainforest—expect light showers!)

Do I need a fishing license or parking pass beforehand?

Yes—a valid fishing license is required. If you’re not sure which one to choose, we’ll send you a link and walk you through it. If we’ll be fishing inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll also need a parking tag. We’re happy to meet outside the park if that’s easier for you.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

If you have gear, bring it! We’ll go over what you already own and help you pack light (think: water, snacks, and a small personal bag). If you don’t have gear, we’ve got you covered and will provide what you need.

Where in the Smokies do we fish?

We keep our locations flexible and choose them based on conditions and group needs. You’ll find out where we’re headed the day of, and we’ll make sure it’s the right fit for your experience level.

What kind of fish might we catch?

We’re usually after native brook trout, wild rainbow trout, and wild brown trout—Appalachian treasures! Occasionally, we’ll spot other species too, but the trout are the stars of the show.

Is this a catch-and-release experience?

Yes, always. We follow ethical angling practices and Leave No Trace principles to protect fish habitats and ensure healthy populations for future generations.

Are there restrooms or accommodations nearby?

Most of our spots are off-grid and rustic, so plan for “nature’s restroom.” If we’ll be near a facility, we’ll let you know ahead of time. We always follow Leave No Trace practices when outdoors.

What are the best seasons for fishing in Appalachia?

Prime season runs from mid-March through December. That said, everything depends on water temperature and flow—if it’s fishable, we’re out there!