My brother and I took a 3/4 day trout charter with Collin. It was our first real experience with fly fishing and we had an amazing time. The trip went smoothly and Collin was awesome. He was incredibly patient and a very good teacher. Couldnt have asked for a better day on the water or a better experience with our guide Collin. Big shout out to HCGS and Collin for the experience.

What an experience for family fun! Alyssa was our guide, she was fantastic. Brought our children 10 and 8 years old and they had an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend High Country Guide for a family, did the grandfather mountain climb, gem mines, hiking and apple picking, but this was the best activity hands down! And it was educating to learn how to fly fish. Awesome time! Kami, Falyn, Hudson, Brian and Tony. We loved it!!! See you again next fall!!

Did a half day trip with David. Was a great experience considering I have never done fly fishing before. David knew the river well and where all the fish liked to hang out.

Would like to say that I had an amazing trip with guide Skye who put me on some of the best fish. He was very knowledgeable and made sure of safety first. What a memorable trip and thank you High Country for the great service and easy booking. Can’t wait to book with you again as soon as I step into my car for my next road trip back to NC. Peace and tight lines.Chris

Perfect day on the Watauga with David Sterling of High Country Guide Service. Exactly what you want a guide to be. Knowledgeable, personable, and totally guest focused. I had not held a rod in my hand for 3 years and was never that good. Asked David to take time and make this a teaching day. He was patient and I went from missing strikes to landing a 19 inch native rainbow. Had 2 larger fish on, but could not land them. He has amazing knowledge, skill and speed in rigging the line. We went from midges to mayflies until we found the right combination. Fished an egg imitation with mayfly nymph dropper and got hits on both. Highly recommended

My first experience fly fishing with High Country Guide Service exceeded my wildest expectations. Ben was so patient and considerate of my bad back, and provided so much expert instruction that I feel I have a good basis on which to build when I return. Which I definitely plan to do.

After fishing with Davo in Alaska and seeing his character and professionalism I wanted to make it a point to travel to his home watersheds and experience the fishing in North Carolina/Tennessee with him. As per, it was an awesome day on the Holston and there was plenty to take in and learn. Davo’s organization is second to none.

Newer to fly fishing, I came to the shop in January with a bunch of questions and the guy helping me was super knowledgeable and happy to give me some detailed pointers. This experience was positive so when we returned to Boone this past week I chose to book a TN float trip with them for me and my 11 year old son, his first time fly fishing. We floated the Watauga with our guide Collin. Collin has great knowledge of the river and how to fish it, was super patient and overall a great guide. The scenery was spectacular, and we had an awesome time catching some nice rainbow and browns. This trip is an absolute gem and the High Country Guide Service was fantastic, I hope to book a trip with them again.

We had a blast this past weekend! HCGS is the best shop in the area. If you’re considering booking a fishing trip, look no further! VERY knowledgeable and experienced staff. Literally caught a fish the 1st time the fly hit the water! The action continued all day. We lost track of the # of beautiful fish we landed! Will be back soon!

This was my first float trip and Dave my guide made it a memorable one. His years of experience with float guiding and his deep intuitive knowledge of the trout and the river all made this trip one that I’ll try to repeat soon. I caught some nice trout in every section of the river. Dave and the High Country Guides are the best bet on the water. Thanks for a great trip Dave.

4 of us had a great day on the Watauga with David and Skye. We ranged from experienced to never having fished with a fly rod before. They were both awesome guides and ensured everyone had a great day (and caught fish). Looking forward to fishing with them again!

Ive been twice with HCGS now and both times have been incredible experiences! Weve been with Kole and Skye and both guides were so knowledgeable and put us on a ton of fish. Beyond that, they were such great teachers for all things fly fishing. I cant recommend HCGS enough to anyone looking for a trip of a lifetime in the mountains of North Carolina!

Me and my wife did a half day float trip and had a blast! Dave and his guides are the best! We learned so much, caught so many fish and were left with an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to book another trip!

We had the best time with Alyssa and Colin! We are two husband and wife couples of which neither wife has ever fly fished (nor cared to) but High Country Guide Service not only taught us (we all caught fish) but made it so fun and enjoyable we went in and bought our own poles the next day! I can’t recommend them enough for knowledgeable, patient, and fun guides on any of the WNC waterways.

David is a great guide. My 9 year old son and I had a really good time catching many browns and a rainbow. We will be back!

This was my first time fly fishing and it was an awesome experience! We caught a ton of fish, but beyond that just the experience of floating down the river was great. Not only was David a great, patient guide, he is just a great guy to hang with for a day. I’ll be back!

I found myself in Kingsport, TN and after a google search found High Country Guide Service. I emailed them, received a call back within 30minutes and was scheduled for a full day float the next day.I met Wil bright and early and we set of, I have not fly fished in over 20 years so didn’t have a clue what I was doing or have any of the equipment needed. Wil had it all, was patient, showed me all I needed to know and put me on the fish right away.I had an amazing experience and will absolutely be back to do it againI would absolutely recommend High Country Guide Service, you will not be disappointed.

Amazing day fishing with High Country Guide Service!! Collin is an incredible guide who provided an unforgettable experience. He is highly knowledgeable, provided great instruction and was a blast to fish with. Thanks to him I caught several fish, learned a lot and enjoyed a beautiful backdrop while doing so!! I definitely recommend High Country Guide Service and look forward to booking another trip!

What an unforgettable fly fishing trip with High Country Guide Service! It was my 12 yr old sons first time and also mine and David took tremendous care and patience with us. The trout were biting in our first ten minutes and he coached us all day long as to the technique and intricacies of how to fly fish. My son has thanked me over and over for a wonderful day! I would recommend David and his company over and over! Get outside and make some memories!

Had a great time! First time for my wife and I to go fly fishing and Colin, our guide, was excellent. Beautiful scenery, actually caught some trout on our first trip. Can’t wait to go again

Young Ben took good care of an old-timer. He put me on the trout and I landed the biggest brown of my life. Had 20+ hookups walking 1 mile.

My experience with HCGS was Five-Star all the way. My buddy Vince and I had never fly-fished for trout, and I’d never even fished with a fly rod. We are both experienced anglers, but this is something completely different and Skye made it super easy to learn, and fun. He was super patient with us all day, informative, not pushy, and you could tell he wanted us to not only enjoy our day and learn something, but to enjoy the area we were fishing. He really knows his stuff, and was able to convey a TON of knowledge to us, from technique to where to find the fish. I called them the morning prior to the day we fished, and David was extremely helpful and you can tell they genuinely care about their brand and doing the right thing for the customer. I’d recommend them any day of the week to a newbie, or someone who’s fished all over the country. Already looking forward to getting back and spending another day with these guys.One last thing...the experience isn’t complete without a trip to Boone’s Fly Shop on Depot Street in the heart of Downtown Boone. They are affiliated with HCGS(a lot of the guides work/manage the place) and these guys/gals are extremely passionate about their fishing, and this place oozes with that passion. It is FILLED with all of the best gear, and some really awesome stuff to take home with you.

Went into the shop looking to get more into fly fishing. I learned (briefly as a kid) but want to get my own gear and improve. The staff spent time explaining the gear and necessary items needed for a successful day on the water. They also recommended the guide service to practice with someone more experienced who can give us some feedback. Ill definitely use the guide service and look forward to learning more about this fun sport. Thanks for the information and advice. Great staff and good selection of gear.

As always a great experience in the high country. it really does not get any better from beginning to end the professionalism is there as well as the scenery and catching quality fish.

I’ve been fishing with Dave for a long time now. I’ve never had a bad experience. These folks are knowledgeable, talented, personable, and attentive. Bite’s not on? They’ll find some fish willing to take your fly. Bite’s on? Be prepared for a day of non-stop action. Limited fly fishing experience, or first timer? They’ll teach you the basics and provide you with a enjoyable fishing experience. Stop in and book a trip, you’ll be booking a first class experience with top notch folks dedicated to providing you a great time.

Captain Davo couldnt have offered a better experience. Had us doubled up within the first couple of casts and kept us on fish all day long.

David is an amazing Guide! Boat was in tip-top shape, he communicated promptly prior to the trip, was at our meeting location before we were supposed to arrive, and has a thourough knowledge of the local rivers and how to row/fish them! Great personality and never cussed me for bird-nesting my line, taught me many things with a great attitude!Highly recommend his company, I’ve heard great things about his other guides as well!!

My family had a great experience with High Country Guide Services. We couldnt have asked for a better time. We highly recommend them to anyone looking to book a radical fishing trip. We cant wait to take a trip again this summer! Thanks again David!

Great trip on South Holston with HCGS. Dave was awesome to work with in getting the trip set up and Joe was a great guide. He set us up on fish all day and helped us out so that we could float in our own boat on the second day. Definitely would recommend HCGS to anyone looking for a guide service.Neal

Dave and his crew treated myself, my girlfriend and her family to one of the most unforgettable weeks we will ever experience on the Kanektok. The guides, their knowledge & experience, the food, the company and the comfort were all top-notch. Months later, we still think about this trip almost daily, and are confident it will not be our last. You will be hard-pressed to find a better outfitter, guide and person. Thanks again Dave!

Had a great trip with Dave! Tip top equipment, process was easy and enjoyable and Dave was superb. He is extremely knowledgeable, gives great instruction and makes everything run like clockwork. Thanks again!

Had a two day float trip on the South Holston with Dave and Skye. They are fantastic guides and will put you on the fish. They have great personalities and will teach you a lot. I highly recommend High Country Guide Service.

Couldn’t say enough great things about our trip out with David. Super pro and patiently had us first-timers up and running. Caught lots of fish and had lots of laughs. Would highly recommend High Country Guide Service! No doubt we will be back.

I have been fishing with Davo almost annually for the last 13 years. He is without a doubt the hardest working guide on the river! It doesn’t matter if it is spring or fall, Dave can put you on fish, and lots of them. He also has tons of other outdoor knowledge. But most importantly, Dave is a great guy to spend a few days on the river with.

Dave rocked the house. Ryan And I had a great drift trip on the Watauga and caught a boat full of fish. High Country Guide Service is best in class. Thanks again David. Looking forward to next trip!

I chose this guide service because of the excellent reviews. David was really professional over the phone and assured me my timing was good because the rivers were being re-stocked. I booked the trip so my 7 year old daughter could finally catch a big fish, enlisting the help of professionals to achieve my goal. The guide I met with told me the spot was a short 15 minute drive so I agreed to follow her- after an hour of driving (and without communicating to me anything during that long drive) she finally pulled over at the spot. Despite this oversight in communication, she was really sweet with my daughter and very attentive. My daughter worked hard in the freezing water and weather (25 degrees outside) for about an hour and a half. The guide suggested we move to a new location. After another hour and a half of hard work my daughter still hadnt caught anything- and not for lack of trying. She was casting really well. We could literally see the fish in the water and were watching the flies float right past them. We tried one more fishing hole in a desperate attempt to catch something but came up dry. When all was said and done, my daughter was happy with the experience but I was disappointed. To add insult to injury, when I was taking my waders off, I finally realized the reason my feet and toes hurt so badly- I was wet up to my knees because the waders werent waterproof. At least it was my waders and not my daughters.*Update- David called me about my review. He expressed sincere concern over my less than perfect experience and offered to find a way to improve my experience in the future. I really appreciated his phone call and his professionalism throughout.

New micro fly shop on King St in Boone in cool convenient space downtown. Stocked with the basic supplies that you really need: flies, tippet, shot, indicators, etc.; plus, some wicked slick tees and hoodies with original artwork. Rumor that beer sales are coming...David and staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Usually inside working at the vise. Stop in. Pizza next door.

I have been on multiple trips with Captain Dave and have enjoyed every moment. Great service and great knowledge. Whether you are just learning or are a veteran, David will take care of you. Always a great time!

I just popped into the store because they had beer signs outdoors. The place is cozy and relaxed. I bought beer and asked some questions about introductory fly fishing pursuits. The staff was super helpful and friendly while also succeeding at not making me feel like a noob or an idiot for asking basic angling questions. Ive been off-put by other outfitters/gear shops because of the incipient demeaning attitude that often accompanies their staff. The mark of true knowledge is being able to speak to masters and novices alike in a manner that promotes learning and encourages the pursuit of new experiences. It was a breath of fresh air to chat with the owner about my questions while he expertly tied flies and fielded my question even though I wasnt even asking about booking trips. I got some great advice and great local beers all in the same spot. I will definitely be popping back in for any fishing needs or beverage wants in Boone!

Ive fished with Dave countless times over the last 10 years and every trip was amazing. It didnt matter if it was spring or fall, he knows the rivers and we caught a lot and several big trout each time. Dave has a relaxing presence on the water and truly makes it an enjoyable experience. Already counting down to the next trip!

I have fished with Dave, each Spring over the past seven. All trips have been an awesome experience, good catches with pleasurable tone... I have developed a high regard for Dave and his operation... We’ll be back in 2018 for our eighth trip... Highly, highly recommend Dave as your guide and captain!!!

Highly recommend!

It was a good experience. Owner of the store is very personable guy who I had a good time chatting with. Store has great deals on beer. Cheapest in town. $1.50 Sweetwater tallboys. Handmakes plenty of his flies, seem good quality.

Great place to hangout with friendly staff, Plus plenty of beer to pick from weather your coming or going from king street. Overall wonderful place

WOW, WHAT AN AWESOME TRIP. With our 4 person crew, we needed 2 boats and HCGS was able to accommodate us. Our fishing talent ranged from novice to intermediate. Both guides were extremely professional in assisting us. We caught a good amount of fish (you can always catch more) and had a memorable day. Definitely a do over. Glad HCGS brought on a female guide, I am looking forward to bringing my granddaughter on a spring trip and hope Allyssa is available.

My son and I have fished with David for 10+ years and it is always a much looked forward to event. David knows where to go, what to flies use and makes each trip memorable. If you want a REALLY great fishing experience go to High Country Guide Service.

Best fly fishing guide service Ive experienced in the NC mountains. I hired them for a trophy section Watauga river float trip for a father son float trip. We had an amazing and not to be forgotten experience. Dave was incredibly patient with my father and I and he quickly gave us the knowledge and right tools to be successful and catch fish all day. Already scheduled a trip next year!!!! Hope to go to Alaska with H.C.G.S. one day!!!!!Thanks again

Experienced guides, knowledgeable, professional. Successful fishing day while enjoying amazing scenery. Cant wait to go again!

Called on a Saturday to try and book a last-minute half day float for Monday... they were more then accommodating ....got linked up with skye and he was an oustanding guide. Loaded with knowledge and patience ...Had such a good time throwing streamers for brown trout on the beautiful South Holston River. It was the exact trip I was looking for! ...you cant fake the vibes....will be back agian and agian...thanks agian yall-Blake

In July of 2018 my family and I fished the Kanektok in Alaska with Dave and his crew and were treated to the fishing adventure of a lifetime. 10 hours a day of unbelievable fishing followed by outstanding meals and backcountry accommodations made this trip one I have to do again. Dave and his team made every effort to ensure we were well fed, comfortable, safe and absolutely worn out from fighting five different species of salmon, MONSTER rainbows, Artic Grayling and dozens upon dozens of Dolly Varden. It was clear that Dave is an expert on this river and showed in every way.

Trip was outstanding. Davo worked his tail off and the hard work coupled with his fly fishing knowledge and expertise made for a great experience ( and lots of BIG fish).