Eugene Shuler
Eugene is the head guide of our staff. He was raised on a small farm that bordered up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City NC, later moving to town where his home was on the banks of the Tuckasegee River. He started fly fishing at the age of 6, and has spent his entire life with fly rod in hand, exploring the waters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala River, and the Tuckasegee. Some may say it was time wasted, however Eugene insists that it has been time well spent. “Fly fishing has taken me to some of the most beautiful places in the world, and along the way I have made so many friends who all share in my passion of chasing fish with a fly rod.” Eugene has fished numerous destinations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. To date, he has caught 78 different species of fish on a fly rod.
Eugene is currently guiding his 15th season, and has guided well over 4,600 clients. He has floated the Tuckasegee River more than any guide in the area, having guided over 1,200 float trips just down the Tuckasegee River. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for fly fishing with his clients, and cherishes sharing the moment of catching their very first trout on a fly rod. “Everyone always remembers the first fish they caught on a fly rod, it’s exciting for me to share in that experience with the folks who fish with me. At the end of the day, it’s my hope people refer to me as their friend, not just their guide. A great guide must be someone who can not only put you on fish but, is a great instructor who teaches you and provides encouragement. In addition to this, they must be a great companion, someone you wouldn’t mind spending a day on the water with”.
Eugene is also a competitive fly angler, and has competed in numerous fly fishing competitions all over the US. He has won many events, and set a couple state records in the process. He currently holds the NC State Record for Distance Fly Cast set with a 9′ 5 wt fly rod that sent a fly 114 ft. He has competed in numerous US National Fly Fishing Championships, and Regional Qualifiers, and has won numerous regional events. His latest competition was the inagural Musky Fly Fishing World Championships where he finished a solid 4th place.
Eugene has built an extensive resume in the fly fishing world. He has appeared on numerous television shows on the following networks, OLN/Versus, The Sportsman Channel, Fox Sports South, UPN and UP40 Networks. He has also been in many publications including Fly Rod and Reel Magazine, Fly Fisherman Magazine, North Carolina Sportsman Magazine, Smoky Mountain News, Smoky’s Travel Host Magazine, Montgomery Style, and numerous local and regional newspapers.
When not on the water, Eugene enjoys spending time with his wife and two children sharing their love of the outdoors near their home in Bryson City.
Hank Lamar
Hank is a long time Bryson City resident and a former Army Ranger Scout.
Hank has spent countless years as a Fly Fishing Guide, White-water rafting Guide, and Kayak Instructor on the Nantahala River and surrounding gnarly whitewater rivers all over the Southeastern US. Hank is a competitive fly angler and can regularly be seen tearing it up on the competitive fly fishing circuit all over the US.
A day of the water with Hank is great experience. His laided back, easy going nature makes him the perfect instructor for the beginner, and his competitive edge and keen sense of surroundings and conditions make him a perfect guide for the experienced. His fly patterns and techniques are innovative and will keep you on the fish all day!
Alan Rogers
Alan is a true mountain man in every sense.
A current Professional Bass angler and savy outdoors-man, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better guide when the going gets tough. Friends of Alan’s and our guides will tell you that he would catch a fish from a mud-hole, and little puddle at that! Alan has been guiding for Fly Fishing the Smokies for nearly 10 years. Along that time he has become indespensible on our Back-Country Camping Trips and our most rugged of trips into the Smoky Mountains. Alan is a very patient guide, and one that will put you on fish in no matter the conditions.
Alan was a Fire Fighter for the US Forest Service for many years and has spent time fighting some of the largest wild fires this country has ever seen. He is tough as nails, and is as comfortable in the backcountry as he is fishing public water. Alan’s skills in fishing are to be matched, both in competitve bass fishing and competitive fly fishing, alan has travelled the country and competed against the best in the business, many times coming out on top! He was one of the founding members of the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team,and a two time qualifier for the Team USA Fly Fishign National Championships.
A day on the water with Alan is unforgettable!
Chris Myers
Chris was born and raised in the small mountain town of Andrews North Carolina.
He is currently finishing up his Nursing degree at Western Carolina University and will be a licensed RN at the end of May. Chris also holds two other degrees from WCU.
He is an avid sportsman and loves to fly fish and deer hunt, both of which he excels equally! Chris has spent 7 years as a Fly Fishing Guide, and Rafting Guide on the Nantahala River. Chris has spent countless hours exploring the Nantahala mountains, which are some of the most rugged in the east. He knows the woods and water there like the back of his hand. Chris is also one of the best on the Tuckasegee River, catching some of the biggest Rainbows and Browns on the river.
Chris is very professional and courteous, his laid back easy going nature makes a perfect guide for anyone with children and beginners. His passion for adventure and prowess in the outdoors make him perfectly suited for those looking to get in the “back of beyond”
A day on the water with Chris will be full of adventure and fish!
