Guided Fly Fishing on the New River
Wade the New River and its cold headwater creeks with a local guide who knows where the trout hold. Rods, reels, flies, and waders provided — all you bring is you. Beginners genuinely welcome; catch-and-release, always.
Guided Trips & Rates
Half a day or a full day on the water, or a lesson-and-trip combo built for first-timers. Every trip is private — just your group and your guide.
Half-Day Wade Trip
$300
+$50 per additional angler
About four hours on the New River or a nearby creek — a great first taste or a focused morning or evening session.
Full-Day Wade Trip
$450
+$50 per additional angler
A full day chasing trout through changing water and light, with lunch on the bank. More water covered, more learned.
Quick-Start Essentials
$350 / person
$450 for two
A lesson and a guided wade trip in one — casting, knots, and reading water, then putting it all to work. Built for beginners.
Also ask about fly-fishing lessons ($125) and Tenkara ($125). Tell us what you're after →
What's Included
- All gear — rods, reels, flies, and waders
- A licensed, local guide, in small private groups
- Wade fishing — no boat, no experience needed
- The New River and its headwater creeks near Todd
- Catch-and-release, always — we fish for the fish
- Guidance for every level, from first cast to fine-tuning
Who Comes Fishing With Us
First-timers
Never held a fly rod? Perfect. We start at the beginning and have you casting and catching.
Families & friends
A morning on the water everyone remembers — kids welcome.
Visitors to the High Country
In Boone for the week? Add a day of guided trout fishing on one of the oldest rivers on Earth.
Experienced anglers
New to our water? We'll put you on fish and share local knowledge that takes years to earn.
Your Guides
Barefoot Guides is a locally-owned outfit based in Todd, just north of Boone. Owner and lead guide Jim Stein and veteran High Country guide Kelly McKoy guide these waters year-round and love nothing more than turning a first cast into a first fish. We're not a factory — every trip is private and personal.
Common Questions
How much does a guided fly-fishing trip cost?
A half-day wade trip is $300 and a full day is $450, each +$50 per additional angler. Our Quick-Start Essentials lesson-and-trip combo is $350 per person ($450 for two).
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes — North Carolina requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. You can buy one in minutes from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and we'll tell you exactly which one to get for the water we'll fish.
Do you provide the gear?
We do — rods, reels, flies, leaders, and waders are all included. Just bring weather-appropriate clothes and a sense of humor.
Is this good for beginners or kids?
Absolutely. Most of our guests are newer anglers, and our Quick-Start Essentials trip is built from the ground up for first-timers. Kids are welcome.
What's the best time of year to fly fish the New River?
Spring and fall are the classic peaks, but the New River and its headwaters fish year-round here in the NC High Country. Tell us your dates and we'll make the most of them.
Do we fish from a boat?
No — we wade. It's the most hands-on way to learn to read water, and it opens up the intimate creek and river stretches a boat can't reach. No boat and no experience required.
Where do we meet?
We fish the New River and nearby creeks around Todd, a short drive north of Boone. We'll share the exact meeting spot when you book.
Ready to Fish?
Tell us your dates and your group, and we'll get you on the water.
Or email info@barefoot.guide