Ready to wet a line and chase some bass just minutes from downtown Chattanooga? Our 2-hour guided wade trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to hook into some hard-fighting river bass. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a fly rod, we'll get you into fish and show you the ropes of fly fishing in the heart of Tennessee.
Picture this: You're standing knee-deep in a crystal-clear river, surrounded by the beauty of the Tennessee Valley. Our expert guide Brian is right there with you, helping you read the water and perfect your cast. We'll provide all the gear you need - top-notch rods, reels, and flies that the bass just can't resist. This trip is ideal for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or make it a family adventure. Choose between a morning or evening trip to hit the river when the fish are most active. The best part? We're just a stone's throw from downtown, so you can easily fit this fishing fix into your Chattanooga visit.
Don't sweat it if you've never fly fished before - we've got you covered. We'll start with a quick casting lesson right on the water. You'll learn how to load the rod, time your cast, and present your fly like a pro. We use lightweight gear that's easy to handle, perfect for beginners but still a blast for experienced anglers. We'll wade into some prime spots where the bass like to hang out - behind rocks, along current seams, and near overhanging trees. Our guide Brian will show you how to "read" the water, spotting likely fish hideouts and how to approach them without spooking the fish. You'll be amazed at how quickly you pick it up!
"Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him." - Nathaniel
"We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. Definitely looking forward to joining him again and catch more fish." - Christopher
"Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area." - Erica
Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouthed bruisers are the heavyweights of our local bass. They love to ambush prey from cover, so we'll target them around submerged logs and weed edges. Largemouth can grow up to 10 pounds in our waters, and they put up a mean fight when hooked. Spring and fall are prime times to catch these guys, but they're active year-round.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. They're built like little footballs and when they hit your fly, hold on tight! Smallmouth love fast water and rocky areas. We often find them in riffles and runs. They're most active in the cooler months, making them a great target in spring and fall.
White Bass: These silvery speedsters often travel in schools, so when you find one, you've found a bunch! They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. White bass make spawning runs up our rivers in the spring, creating some of the most exciting fishing of the year. They're a blast on light tackle and readily take small streamers and poppers.
Skipjack Shad: While not a bass, these cousins to the tarpon are some of the most fun fish you can catch on a fly rod. They're incredibly fast, make long runs, and jump like crazy. Skipjack show up in our rivers during their spring and fall migrations. They're a favorite target for many local anglers and make great bait for catfish if you're into that kind of fishing.
Look, we could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but the proof is in the pudding - or in this case, the fishing. Whether you're looking to learn the basics of fly fishing, improve your skills, or just have a great time on the water, this 2-hour wade trip hits the spot. You'll be fishing productive waters with an expert guide, using top-notch gear, and targeting some of the most exciting fish species in Tennessee. Plus, it's so close to town you can squeeze it in between other Chattanooga adventures. Don't let this chance slip away - book your trip now and get ready to make some fishy memories!
April 11, 2025
We had a great time with Brian today. He took the time to make sure we understood what we were doing and helped us along the way. Definitely looking forward to joining him again and catch more fish.
November 10, 2024
Brian was great, very knowledgeable. We will be booking again next time we are in the area.
November 4, 2024
Largemouth bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing around here. These big-mouthed predators usually run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 10+ in prime conditions. You'll find them lurking near cover in weedy shallows, fallen trees, and dock pilings. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active in shallow water. Anglers love largemouth for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll give your tackle a real workout. To land a trophy, try working a big soft plastic worm slowly along the bottom on hot summer days. These bass will often hunker down deep then, but the patient angler can still coax out a strike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, hooking into a big largemouth is always a thrill.
Skipjack shad might not be glamorous, but they're a blast to catch and make prime bait for bigger predators. These sleek, silver fish usually run 12-16 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them schooling in fast currents, often near dams or in tailwaters. Spring is prime time as they make spawning runs upstream. Anglers target skipjack for their value as cut bait for catfish, but don't overlook the fun of catching them. They're aggressive and will readily strike small jigs or flies. To get into a school, look for diving birds or baitfish dimpling the surface. Cast small, flashy lures and retrieve quickly. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Keep a few for bait, but release the rest to keep populations healthy for future trips.
Smallmouth bass are the scrappy cousins of largemouth, packing a big fight into a smaller package. Most run 1-3 pounds, with 4+ pounders considered trophies. You'll find them in clear, rocky areas of rivers and lakes. They love current, so target eddies behind boulders or along current seams. Spring and fall are great seasons as smallies move shallow. Pound-for-pound, smallmouth are arguably the hardest fighting freshwater fish - they'll test your gear and skills with acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. To entice a bite, try working a tube jig or crawfish imitation slowly along the bottom. Smallies are suckers for crayfish. Whether you're fly fishing or using conventional tackle, hooking into a chunky smallmouth is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
White bass punch above their weight class when it comes to fun fishing. These silvery fighters usually run 10-15 inches but can reach up to 3 pounds. Look for them schooling in open water or near points and drop-offs. Spring is prime time as they make spawning runs upstream. White bass are aggressive feeders and will readily attack small lures, making for fast action when you find a school. Anglers love their hard hits and spirited fights on light tackle. To get in on a frenzy, watch for gulls diving or baitfish breaking the surface - that's a sure sign white bass are feeding. Cast small jigs or spinners into the school and hang on tight. The meat is mild and flaky, great for a fish fry if you keep a few.
Had a great time fishing with Brian today. If you are in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend spending a couple hours with him.