Southern Ghost
Outdoors
Guided fly fishing trips on the Doe River's hidden blue lines and the Tellico River through Tellico Outfitters. Wild trout, small water, big adventures. Follow our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes fishing stories.
The Doe River
Big Wild Trout
I'm one of the few guides in the Tri-Cities area who specializes in guided wade trips on the Doe River. While most guides and shops focus on floating tailwaters like the South Holston and Watauga rivers, I've dedicated years to mastering the intimate, technical fishing of small mountain streams.
The Doe River holds the biggest wild brown trout and rainbows of any tributary blue line in East Tennessee. Based on my experience, these native fish in small water are unmatched in size and quality. Technical, rewarding, and rarely pressured — small casts under overhanging rhododendron, careful wading through boulder gardens, and the chance to land a 16+ inch wild trout in a small mountain stream.
The Tellico River
Through Tellico Outfitters
We partner with Tellico Outfitters to offer guided wade trips on the Tellico River — a beautiful, productive stream flowing through the foothills of East Tennessee. The Tellico River's delayed harvest program is incredible. Fall and winter bring big trophy trout — stocked specifically for serious anglers targeting substantial fish. This is premium water for trophy hunting, with the opportunity to land some of the biggest trout in East Tennessee during the cooler months.
The Tellico is the closest high mountain blue line drainage to Nashville and areas west of Atlanta that provides exceptional habitat for wild trout. The Tellico River system has an unprecedented brook trout rehabilitation program through the Tellico Fish Hatchery. The abundance of native and restored brook trout streams in this drainage is unmatched in the region. These high mountain tributaries hold pristine populations of wild brook trout in their natural habitat.
Fishing for brook trout in the Tellico requires a full day guide trip because of the time it takes to hike in to where they dwell. You'll experience true wilderness fishing in some of the most beautiful high country in East Tennessee.
The Tellico is now starting to produce bigger and more wild brown trout and rainbows. The fishery is evolving, with natural reproduction creating a population of quality wild fish alongside the delayed harvest program. This combination makes the Tellico one of the most exciting waters in East Tennessee right now.
Brook Trout Streams
The high mountain tributaries hold pristine wild brook trout populations. These remote streams require significant hiking to reach, making them true wilderness destinations. A full day on the water allows you to experience the beauty and solitude of these high country streams while pursuing native brook trout.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
The lower section of the Tellico River offers incredible smallmouth bass fishing. While some areas can be waded, a full day float trip is the best way to experience this fishery. Casting to structure and working topwater flies for aggressive smallmouth in beautiful lower elevation water is an exciting alternative to high country trout fishing.
Southern Ghost Outdoors on YouTube
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes fishing adventures, technique tutorials, gear reviews, and real catches from the southern Appalachians and beyond. New videos every week.
Latest Video
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Technique Tutorials
Learn roll casting, tight-line nymphing, and small-stream tactics from years of experience on Appalachian water.
Real Catches
Watch wild trout being caught, handled, and released on the Doe and Tellico. See what's possible in these waters.
Gear & Reviews
Honest reviews of fly rods, reels, waders, and gear tested in the field on real fishing trips.
Choose Your Adventure
Half-Day Blue Line Wade
Intimate morning or afternoon on carefully selected small water. Technical casting, wild fish.
Book NowFull-Day Gorge Expedition
Deep into the gorge. Big wild browns, plunge pools, lunch on the stream. Unforgettable.
Book NowTellico Wade Trip
Scenic, productive water through Tellico Outfitters. Great for all experience levels.
Book NowGuided Trip Pricing
All pricing includes professional guide service, all gear (rods, reels, flies), and expert instruction. Lunch is provided on full-day trips.
Half Day Trip
$275
4 hours • 1 person
- ✓ Professional guide
- ✓ All gear provided
- ✓ Expert instruction
- ✓ Doe River or Tellico River
Full Day Trip
$385
8 hours • 1 person
- ✓ Professional guide
- ✓ All gear provided
- ✓ Lunch included
- ✓ Expert instruction
Additional Person
$95
per person • up to 3 clients per guide
Bring friends and family. All additional guests receive the same professional guide service and gear.
Ready to book your adventure?
Call 803-730-5868 to ReserveAvailable for trips year-round. Seasonal conditions vary.
Southern Ghost
Merchandise
Show your support with quality hats, tees, and hoodies. All merch is made with premium materials built to last.
Southern Ghost Trucker Hat
Forest Green
Structured trucker hat with embroidered Southern Ghost logo. Adjustable snapback. Perfect for the stream.
Blue Line Badge Tee
Charcoal
Premium cotton t-shirt with topographic map design and fly fishing motif. Comfortable for everyday wear.
Doe River Gorge Hoodie
Dark Forest
Heavyweight hoodie with embroidered gorge scene. Warm, durable, built for mountain weather.
Southern Ghost Snapback
Tan & Black
Classic snapback with woven Southern Ghost patch. Vintage-inspired, perfect for any season.
Fly Fishing Crew Neck
Off-White
Soft crew neck sweatshirt with small chest logo and back graphic. Ideal for layering on cool mornings.
Appalachian Trout Tee
Sage Green
Lightweight tee with hand-drawn trout illustration. Soft, breathable, perfect for summer fishing.
All orders ship within 2–3 business days. Free shipping on orders over $75.
View Full StoreWhat Anglers Say
Micah is an exceptional guide. His knowledge of the Doe River is unmatched—he reads the water like a book. We landed five wild browns, including a beautiful 18-incher. The whole experience felt like fishing with a friend who just happens to know everything.
I've guided with several outfitters, but Micah's approach to small water is different. He doesn't just show you where the fish are—he teaches you why they're there. Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the rivers.
First time fly fishing and I was terrified. Micah made me feel comfortable immediately. His instruction was clear, his encouragement genuine. By day's end, I'd caught my first wild trout and booked another trip.
The Tellico River trip with Micah was unforgettable. We hiked into remote brook trout water, and he shared stories about the hatchery program while we fished. Caught beautiful brookies and felt like we'd discovered something special.
Micah doesn't oversell the experience—he just delivers. Small water, big fish, and a guide who genuinely cares about your success. I've booked three trips with him already. Worth every penny.
The fall Tellico delayed harvest trip was incredible. Micah knows exactly when and where to find trophy trout. We landed three fish over 20 inches. His expertise and work ethic are unmatched in the region.
Book a
Guided Trip
Trips fill quickly, especially in spring and fall. Submit your request and I'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and discuss the details.