These demonstrations are free. No reservation is necessary. All you have to do is show up at the Shop. This schedule could change due to unforeseeable circumstances, including weather conditions, sickness or other causes. Check the FISHING REPORT where any cancellations or changes will be posted or call 865-448-9459 if you have any questions.
Josh Pfeiffer, owner and head guide with Frontier Anglers has deep local knowledge and decades of hands-on experience fishing East Tennessee tailwaters for smallmouth and trout and the mountains for wild trout. Over the years, Josh has developed his expertise for smallmouth on Little River, The Holston and French Broad rivers. If you’re looking to learn about flies, reading water and techniques for smallmouth you’ll want to be here on Saturday. Josh stands out as a deeply knowledgeable and passionate guide for East Tennessee waters.
Clayton is the real “Most Interesting Man in the World”. He is an accomplished fly fisherman and tier who has traveled and fished throughout the US and the world. An active member of the Clinch River Chapter Trout Unlimited, he has been a fly-tying instructor and mentor for many years. He’s an expert at tying and fishing midges on tailwaters, especially the Clinch, South Holston, San Juan River in New Mexico and other western rivers. Midges are an important part of a trout’s diet and knowing how to tie them and the best ways to fish them will help you be more successful on the water. If you want to improve your midge game this demo is for you. This demonstration is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. New tiers will appreciate Clayton’s teaching style and experience. Advanced tiers will pick up subtle adjustments that will make their flies more effective on the water. Even if you don’t tie flies, our fly-tying demos are a great place to increase your understanding of trout behavior and learn from people who share their insights from years fishing our local waters.
Steve and Tom Brown are members of Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Steve will be tying wet fly patterns which can be especially effective on the Clinch River. Tom has yet to decide what type of patterns he will be tying.
Dave grew up fishing in southeastern Kentucky and recently retired from TVA after 34 years in Land Management for them. He’s a member of the Clinch River Chapter TU where he was one of the fly tying class instructors for six years. He started tying flies 30 years ago and has been a featured tier at the Sow Bug Roundup in Mountain Home, AR and other events. Dave ties saltwater flies and will be tying sulphers for tailwaters for us at the Shop on Sunday, January 4.
Walter Babb has been tying flies since he was a youth. He knows flies and trout fishing better than most of the rest of us could ever hope to. Walter will be tying Smoky Mountain patterns and most definetly telling more than a few stories.
David Knapp is the head guide and owner of TroutZone Anglers. He guides in the Great Smoky Mountains, on our local tailwaters and also the Caney Fork. David guides for both trout and smallmouth bass.
Greg grew up in rural Missouri fishing for bass with his parents. In 2007 he moved to Knoxville and got a fly rod. Since then, he’s been fishing all around East Tennessee and has worked at the Orvis store in Knoxville and is a guide with Frontier Anglers. Greg is active on Instagram @lets_trade_flies and recently launched The Leaky Wader podcast with his wife, Jayme Hanna; who also founded the grassroots community, Knox Girls Who Fly Fish. Greg is an excellent fly tyer of trout and smallmouth patterns. He’s a fun guy to be around. Come out to see this talented fly tyer on Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 to 2:00.
Like many fly tiers, Jimmy is self-taught. His interest in tying began fifty years ago, after moving to East Tennessee. He enjoys fishing in The Great Smoky Mountains National park for wild trout and most of his flies are tied for this purpose. Over the years Jimmy has demonstrated his skills and techniques here at the shop and other public fly tying demonstrations. He has helped teach fly tying for the Little River Chapter Trout Unlimited and at the John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp. Jimmy will be at the shop Sunday, January 18 from 12:00 to 3:00
Jayson is a local artist, fly tyer and lure maker. We sell his stickers here at the Shop. Jayson will be tying a selection classic Smokies nymphs which he has adapted to "euro style" on jig hooks. He might even be talked into tying some Chuck Kraft inspired smallmouth patterns.
Mike Bone has been fishing and guiding on our local waters longer than almost anyone we know. Mike guides on the tailwaters of the Clinch River and Holston. He is a wealth of knowledge of information and stories. Don't miss out.
Gary Troutman guides for Frontier Anglers. He loves fishing for smallmouth bass on tailwaters. One of his favorite flies is the Stealth Bomber. Gary will show several variations of this and also tie a Sculpzilla streamer. If you are a smallmouth angler or if it is on your list to try this Summer definitely come by to see Gary.
Pat Tully is a guide for Troutzone Anglers. Pat divides his guiding between trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and on local tailwaters. He will be demonstrating some of his favorite "Guide" flies from the Smokies and the Clinch.
Each month, usually the last Monday, members of Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited get together to tie flies. On Saturday February 14 they are going to get together here at the Shop. We haven't hosted an event like this before so we are going to stay flexible and see how it goes. Everyone is invited...especially kids. Bring your vise and tools. If you haven't tied before we'll have tools on hand. This is going to be a hands on, interactive event not just a demonstration. Things start at 10am.
Rob Fightmaster guides in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He is also the author of Hatch and Fly Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rob is a great fly tyer, guide and instructor.
