Testimontials
See What Others Are Saying About Their Trips With Us
Can’t Wait to Go Again!
“I had a near perfect (except for the rain!) first-time guided Fly Fishing trip by Katala Outdoors and guide, James. From the easy scheduling online, to quick communications, great equipment, expert knowledge, and a most beautiful setting, this was a fantastic trip and I am the one who is now “hooked”!!! I can’t wait to go again!”
A Great Guide Company!
“Katala Outdoors was an awesome experience. We received a call from our guide the day before our trip to give us the run down about what we’d be doing on the Tuckaseegee River. Our guide was extremely prepared, and knowledgeable, arrived a half hour early ready to roll and the bottom line put us on some nice Rainbows and Brooks. All day we were throwing big streamers and I’m sore just from the amount of time we were fishing/casting, basically nonstop action inbetween runs. They truly care about assisting you and are very helpful if you’re hung up/tangled etc. I felt leaving the trip that we were in the best possible positions to be put on trout and we had great #s of landed fish with even more missed bites (user error lol). James Lambert runs a great guide company and is well prepared to put his customers on fish. Can’t thank them enough for an unreal experience out of the float boat.”
Rewarding Experience!
“My sons (18 and 24) and I totally enjoyed our afternoon walking, wading and fly fishing with James outside of Cherokee in the Smokies. We fished a beautiful creek — all to ourselves underneath a high canopy (aka plenty of room to throw flies without hooking trees!). Although there was no lack of fish, hooking them was another story! Our slow reflexes and novice skills were no match for the native little brown trout! Nonetheless, James’ patience and wry sense of humor made it a very rewarding experience. Highly recommend!”
Highly Recommend!
“We had a blast with James from Katala Outdoors! James was extremely knowledgeable and a fantastic guide for both beginner and advanced anglers. We only wish we booked a full-day trip instead of a half day! Highly recommend.”
Made Me Feel At Ease!
“Wow! What an experience! From the first email to the last trout! Josh was a terrific guide! He put me on fish and was very informative. Being a beginner fly fisherman, Josh made me feel at ease and if you follow his instructions you will catch fish! Thank you Josh for a great day of fishing!”
Friendly & Detailed Experience!
“My husband loved his wade trip! Very friendly and detailed experience! They communicated very well through the booking process. Our guide was friendly and helpful. We moved locations when the fish stopped biting. It was great.”
Knowledgeable Guide!
“I have never fly fished before and I caught two! Patient and knowledgeable guide.”
Memorable Experience!
“We had a wonderful time with Josh on our recent wade trip. He was so personable and knowledgeable and was especially good with my young grandson teaching him how to cast, how to rig, and where to look for fish. I highly recommend Josh and Katala Outdoors! They will definitely create a fun and memorable experience for your fly fishing adventure.”
Experienced Guides!
“Great experienced guides! Check out the hand-tied flies that Josh Whorton does, amazing!!”
Fantastic Day of Fishing!
“Our guide was excellent. He took us to a beautiful stretch of river and advised us on how to catch the fish. While everyone around us was having little to no luck, we were catching fish of all sizes every few casts. Thoroughly enjoyed the half-day trip and highly recommend it to anyone. Fantastic day of fishing!”
Can’t Wait to Go Again!
“I had a near perfect (except for the rain!) first-time guided Fly Fishing trip by Katala Outdoors and guide, James. From the easy scheduling online, to quick communications, great equipment, expert knowledge, and a most beautiful setting, this was a fantastic trip and I am the one who is now “hooked”!!! I can’t wait to go again!”
A Great Guide Company!
“Katala Outdoors was an awesome experience. We received a call from our guide the day before our trip to give us the run down about what we’d be doing on the Tuckaseegee River. Our guide was extremely prepared, and knowledgeable, arrived a half hour early ready to roll and the bottom line put us on some nice Rainbows and Brooks. All day we were throwing big streamers and I’m sore just from the amount of time we were fishing/casting, basically nonstop action inbetween runs. They truly care about assisting you and are very helpful if you’re hung up/tangled etc. I felt leaving the trip that we were in the best possible positions to be put on trout and we had great #s of landed fish with even more missed bites (user error lol). James Lambert runs a great guide company and is well prepared to put his customers on fish. Can’t thank them enough for an unreal experience out of the float boat.”
Rewarding Experience!
“My sons (18 and 24) and I totally enjoyed our afternoon walking, wading and fly fishing with James outside of Cherokee in the Smokies. We fished a beautiful creek — all to ourselves underneath a high canopy (aka plenty of room to throw flies without hooking trees!). Although there was no lack of fish, hooking them was another story! Our slow reflexes and novice skills were no match for the native little brown trout! Nonetheless, James’ patience and wry sense of humor made it a very rewarding experience. Highly recommend!”
Highly Recommend!
“We had a blast with James from Katala Outdoors! James was extremely knowledgeable and a fantastic guide for both beginner and advanced anglers. We only wish we booked a full-day trip instead of a half day! Highly recommend.”
Made Me Feel At Ease!
“Wow! What an experience! From the first email to the last trout! Josh was a terrific guide! He put me on fish and was very informative. Being a beginner fly fisherman, Josh made me feel at ease and if you follow his instructions you will catch fish! Thank you Josh for a great day of fishing!”
Friendly & Detailed Experience!
“My husband loved his wade trip! Very friendly and detailed experience! They communicated very well through the booking process. Our guide was friendly and helpful. We moved locations when the fish stopped biting. It was great.”
Knowledgeable Guide!
“I have never fly fished before and I caught two! Patient and knowledgeable guide.”
Memorable Experience!
“We had a wonderful time with Josh on our recent wade trip. He was so personable and knowledgeable and was especially good with my young grandson teaching him how to cast, how to rig, and where to look for fish. I highly recommend Josh and Katala Outdoors! They will definitely create a fun and memorable experience for your fly fishing adventure.”
Experienced Guides!
“Great experienced guides! Check out the hand-tied flies that Josh Whorton does, amazing!!”
Fantastic Day of Fishing!
“Our guide was excellent. He took us to a beautiful stretch of river and advised us on how to catch the fish. While everyone around us was having little to no luck, we were catching fish of all sizes every few casts. Thoroughly enjoyed the half-day trip and highly recommend it to anyone. Fantastic day of fishing!”
Fantastic Day of Fishing!
Our guide was excellent. He took us to a beautiful stretch of river and advised us on how to catch the fish. While everyone around us was having little to no luck, we were catching fish of all sizes every few casts. Thoroughly enjoyed the half-day trip and highly recommended it to anyone. Fantastic day of fishing!
Rachel J | Trip Advisor
Our Private Fly Fishing Trips
Both fly fishing walk and wade or float trips are available on North Carolina and Tennessee’s finest waters
Fly Fishing Walk and Wade Trips
We provide options for 2-hour, half-day, and full-day walk and wade excursions in beautiful western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Every adventure is customizable and comes with an experienced guide for your private trip. After you book your desired trip type and date, we will collaborate with you to select the most appropriate destinations for your fly fishing vacation.
Fly Fishing Float Trips
Our fly fishing float trips in the scenic areas of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee can be fully customized to fit your needs. One of our knowledgeable guides will accompany you on your private outing, which can last 2 hours, a half day, or a full day. As soon as you book the trip you want to take and when you want to do it, we’ll start working with you to figure out where you should go for the best fly fishing.
Scenic Float Trips
Want to float without fishing?
Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee are home to several stunning rivers, and we offer scenic float trips along many of them. Half-day and two-hour excursions are available, and private guides are provided for each customized trip. After you book your guided river excursion with us, we’ll help you decide where to go to see the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Fly Fishing Classes
Hone your skills or learn a new hobby
Our fly fishing lessons are suitable for those who are new to the sport as well as those who are more experienced but are looking to sharpen their skills. Our fly fishing instruction lasts 3 hours and accommodates up to 3 anglers. You are welcome to bring your own equipment, but we can provide everything you need to improve your fly fishing technique.
Guided Hunting Trips
Cast ’n Blast and Other Hunting Trips
Our Cast ’n Blast trip is the biggest adventure you’ll find at Katala Outdoors. Start your day hunting for geese in the morning, then spend the afternoon casting for trout on the river. If you prefer to stay dry, we’ll take you on one of our other hunting trips, where you’ll search for squirrels, turkeys, or deer.