Evening Guided Trip for Big Brown and Rainbow Trout
When the sun dips and the river cools, big predators slide out to feed. Our guided Darkside Drifters Float Trip is an evening drift trip that puts you on some of the coldest tailwater fisheries in the South—perfect for chasing heavy brown trout and hard-charging rainbows with either a fly rod or light spinning tackle. Why evening and night you might ask? Lower light, cooler temps, active baitfish, and confident big trout. It’s the daily “window” when big fish make mistakes. Fact is large predator fish may only eat 4-5 “meals” per day. More often than not- this happens after the sun gives way to the night. Our Darkside Drifters Trip puts you in position to take full advantage of chasing predator fish when the sun sets.
After several years of behind the scenes running our Fly Shop and the Smoky Mountains largest Guide Service- Fly Fishing the Smokies owner Capt. Eugene Shuler is back on the water guiding clients on some of his favorite after dark haunts!
Book Your Darkside Drifters Float Trip
Call or Text 828-421-6378
Darkside Float Trip
Evening Drift — Fly Fishing
Ideal for anglers who want to target large Brown and Rainbow trout
- Techniques: streamer work, mousing at night, deep water nymphing, late evening light tippet dry fly fishing for trout. Large streamers and top water for Muskie
- Watercraft: Hyde drift boat with outboard setup for fishing after dark or bass boat depending on conditions.
- 1–2 anglers per boat • ~ approx 6 hours
- Premium rods, reels, leaders, tippet, and flies included
Evening Drift — Light Tackle
Perfect if you prefer spinning gear or want a crossover experience.
- Techniques: small swimbaits, jerkbaits, inline spoons, floats & micro jigs for trout. Large soft plastics and hard baits along with top water lures for Muskie
- Target: large browns near structure, banks and weed lies, fast-track rainbows on seams, pockets and submerged logs,
- 1–2 anglers per boat • ~ approx 6hrs hours on water
- Quality rods, lures, and terminal tackle included
What to Bring
- Valid fishing license for the state we’re fishing that evening
- Polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket (it cools off fast on tailwaters) We fish in most all weather conditions except thunderstorms, so be prepared for the weather. You will need to supply your own rain gear
- Non-marking footwear; optional: your favorite rod
Rates & Availability
$500 — 1–2 anglers • approximately 6hrs on the water • All gear and lunch included
Must be at least 16yrs old or older to participate
Gratuities appreciated. Weather/flow dependent; we reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe.
Evening Game Plan
Meet at Fly Fishing the Smokies Fly Shop in Bryson City at 4:30pm The address is 157 Everett Street, Bryson City NC
We launch before sunset and fish into the night until midnight. Expect a short golden-hour streamer window followed by hatch or bait pulses as temps drop.
Safety & Flows
Tailwaters can rise quickly with releases. We monitor flow schedules and choose stretches with the right gradient, temperature, and clarity for your date.
FAQ
Do I need previous fly fishing experience?
Yes with this trip, previous experience definitely will help your success rate. We are happy to help you along the way and teach the techniques needed on this trip. However this particular trip, you will need to have some previous fly fishing experience. We do offer light tackle fishing on this trip and you can definitely catch fish using spin tackle.
Can we switch between fly and spinning?
Yes. Many guests like to start on fly and finish with light tackle during the final light window.
Which tailwater do you fish?
You don’t expect us to openly disclose our favorite places to fish do you? It’s the internet, we cant just give away all the secrets. We select from three of the coldest tailwaters in the Smokies region based on conditions that evening. Your final confirmation includes the meeting point and license info.
Is this a catch-and-release trip?
Yes. We are strictly catch and release. We will take photos of your catch’s and are happy to get the measurements taxidermists need when reproducing your trophy!
Book Your Darkside Drifters Float Trip
Call or text: 828-421-6378
Email: guides@flyfishingthesmokies.net