Ask Jim Stein what he does for a living and he won’t say “fishing guide.” His title at Barefoot Guides is Experience Deliverer, and he means it — the difference between a trip that ends with a photo and one that changes how you see a river.

Owner, Lead Guide, Teacher

As the founder and lead guide of Barefoot Guides, Jim brings a deep passion for fly fishing to the serene waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. His approach is rooted in respect for nature and the preservation of wild trout habitats: every trip is about connecting with the environment in a meaningful way, not just the thrill of the catch.

Jim’s passion for the sport is matched by his dedication to teaching it. Whether he’s guiding a beginner through a first cast or helping a seasoned angler break an old habit, his patient, educational style makes every trip both enlightening and enjoyable. Conservation and ethical fishing practices are woven into every lesson — the goal is a new generation of anglers who leave the water as stewards of it.

Home Water

Jim guides out of Todd, on the New River and its headwaters between Boone and West Jefferson. Trips are wade trips — small groups, catch and release, barbless hooks, wild water over club water, every time. He is also a champion of Tenkara, the traditional Japanese method he considers the purest way to learn a mountain stream.

Want a morning on the water with him? Reserve a date — Barefoot Guides delivers experiences, and Jim delivers them personally.