Year In Review

2019 In Review

We experienced a lot of new things in 2019.  David had a new addition to the family, we hired some new guides, changed locations, created a new partnership and forged new bonds. David became a member of the Scott Rods Professional Team in October and was voted "Best of The Blue Ridge".  Alyssa graduated from Appalachian State University, and we couldn't be prouder.  Lots to go over - Let's break it down!

South Holston Tailwater

Spring started off with a bang , lots of great fishing and trips were as good as ever!

Watauga Headwaters

New team member Nate with a local brown trout

Watauga Headwaters

Davo with Hardiman - aka Meatball

A logo we worked on with the old shop - before we moved and were thinking about using it.  What do y'all think?

David was honored with being voted in as "Best of the Blue Ridge" for Fly Fishing Guide

Scott Fly Rods welcomed David on board their Professional Team.  These rods are all handcrafted in Colorado and are the highest quality available.

We miss the old shop and its tininess, but are really digging the new space!

Its a really terrible picture but the new spot is so amazing!  It was the old Farmers Hardware building, built in 1914!  The doors are over 250 years old, theres floating beams and crazy amounts of soul and history inside this place.  We couldn't be happier to be a part of it!

View from the plane Kanektok River

Alaska was amazing.  2019 will forever be remembered for the remarkable weather and giant King Salmon run.  Best weather ever, but with the lowest water we had ever seen as well.  Made for fantastic rainbow fishing!

Kanektok River 2019

Sight fished less than 100 yards from the put in, about an hour in to the 7 day trip

Kanektok River 2019

Kanektok River 2019

Kanektok River 2019

Kagati Lake (The Source) 2019

THE WEATHER

Kanektok River 2019

We were honored to have our very own outfitter - Mike Trotter - come and float with us as a guest!

Kanektok River Rainbow

The rainbow fishing was non-stop for all 7 trips

Kanektok River 2019

Kanektok River 2019

We got a brand new custom made Western Shelter Systems Cooker/Diner Tent

We got a brand new custom made 1992 Ford F250 "Big Country" Edition
​(wheels are a big deal in the bush)

Thrashed some Lake Trout for the first time ever

Kanektok River 2019

We were honored with having the Head of the New Zealand Guide Association, Kevin Payne - as a guest 
(the dolly varden run was incredible too!)

Kanektok River Sockeye Salmon

Kanektok River 2019

This Arctic Char was definitely the biggest Char we have ever seen.  Estimated at 22 pounds

Watauga River Tailwater 2019

Returned home to Western North Carolina to a beautiful Fall and some fantastic fishing!

Watauga River Tailwater 2019

South Holston River Tailwater 2019

Checked out some new species to target in the Winter

Our beloved Mountaineer Football Program reached new heights - taking down UNC Chapel Hill and USC Gamecocks as well as their 4th consecutive SunBelt Championship and 5th straight Bowl Victory!

We are excited to host the 2nd Annual High Country Fly Fishing Festival in June! We will have more details to come

New / New Logo

Overall once again it was a big growth year for us at High Country Guide Service.  There are quite a few things on the horizon and were looking forward to growing some more with our community.  We have some events planned, monthly tying nights, clinics to offer, lots of expansions planned to the shop, some Travel Lounge and hosted travel opportunities.....Its looking like a fun and new year!

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Thanks for tuning in and we will be updating some more as the season starts to kick in!

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Upcoming Calendar:
First Weekend in February - "Closed" Spawning Sections on South Holston Open Back Up
First Week of March - Delayed Harvest Stocking begins for 2020
First Weekend in March until first weekend in April - Hatchery Supported Streams CLOSED
First Week of April - Delayed Harvest Stocking / Hatchery Supported Streams Open
June 20 - High Country Fly Fishing Festival
July 14 - First Week on Kanektok River Float Trips