DISCOVER FLY FISHING PRESENTS

The Native Waters Expedition 2026

Three days. Two nights. Deep in the Appalachian Mountains.October 24-26, 2026A small-group backcountry fly-fishing expedition in pursuit of Southern Appalachian native brook trout.

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I'M INTERESTED
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Is Native waters right for me

IN PURSUIT OF A SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN NATIVE

At the heart of this expedition is the opportunity to pursue Southern Appalachian native brook trout in the cold, clear headwaters of the Great Smoky Mountains.Getting there means going a little further.Away from the crowds. Away from cell service. And into the waters these trout have called home for generations.Come for the trout, leave with so much more.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSDO I NEED FLY-FISHING EXPERIENCE?No. Previous fly-fishing experience or lessons with Discover Fly Fishing are not required. If needed, we'll work on casting and basic skills before putting them to use on the water.DO I NEED BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE?No. First-time backpackers are welcome. We'll cover equipment, packing, expectations, and preparation during our pre-trip Zoom meetings.HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKE?The hike into base camp is approximately 4.8 miles with about 684 feet of elevation gain. Expect uneven mountain terrain while carrying a loaded backpack. Day two involves additional hiking and fishing, but we'll leave our heavy overnight packs at base camp.HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?We're targeting approximately 32 pounds, although individual pack weight will vary somewhat based on body size, personal items, and how group equipment is distributed.WHERE DO WE SLEEP?We'll spend both nights at our backcountry base camp using tents/shelters and appropriate sleeping systems provided by Discover Fly Fishing.WHAT ABOUT BATHROOMS?This is genuine backcountry camping. Bathroom facilities are unavailable at camp. We'll cover proper backcountry sanitation and Leave No Trace practices before the trip.WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS OR GETS COLD?We prepare for changing mountain weather. Rain and cold temperatures do not automatically cancel the expedition. Severe weather, unsafe water conditions, park closures, or other significant safety concerns may require changes to the itinerary.ARE THERE BEARS?Yes. Black bears live throughout Appalachian Mountains. We'll review food storage, campsite practices, bear awareness, and what to do during an encounter before entering the backcountry.WILL I HAVE CELL SERVICE?Do not plan on conventional cellular service during the backcountry portion of the expedition. That's part of the experience. Emergency communication capabilities and procedures will be discussed before departure.AM I GUARANTEED TO CATCH A NATIVE BROOK TROUT?No. These are wild fish in wild water, and catching fish is never guaranteed. The goal is to give you the opportunity, skills, guidance, and access to pursue them responsibly.WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR A MEDICAL CONCERN?Let us know before the expedition. We'll discuss dietary needs, allergies, medications, physical limitations, and other relevant considerations during pre-trip preparation.WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE I'M PHYSICALLY READY?Reach out before committing. I'm happy to talk honestly about the hiking, pack weight, terrain, and daily expectations so you can decide whether Native Waters is appropriate for you.WHAT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE MY SPOT?A $250 deposit reserves your place. The regular deposit deadline is October 1, 2026, with October 5 being the absolute final cutoff for the 2026 expedition.HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING?Native Waters is intentionally kept small, with 4–6 participants. We currently have 3 anglers committed and need 1 more to officially confirm the expedition.STILL HAVE A QUESTION?You don't need to commit just to have a conversation.

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DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

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DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

RESERVING YOUR SPOTA $250 deposit is required to reserve your place on the 2026 Native Waters Expedition. Your remaining balance must be paid before departure according to the payment schedule provided after registration.MINIMUM PARTICIPATIONNative Waters requires a minimum of 4 participants and is limited to a maximum of 6.If the three-person minimum is not reached and Discover Fly Fishing cancels the expedition, you will receive a full refund of all payments made to Discover Fly Fishing.IF YOU NEED TO CANCELPlans change. If you need to cancel, please contact Discover Fly Fishing as soon as possible.Cancellations received on or before September 23, 2026 will be able to transfer the $250 deposit to another Discover Fly Fishing service. Must use within one (1) calendar year from cancelation. Not eligible on merchandise.After September 23, the deposit becomes non-refundable as food, transportation, equipment, and backcountry logistics are finalized.Full Payment is due by October 20 2026. Any cancelations after that will lose their deposit but the remaining balance will be transferable to another service, not merchandise.Any payments made beyond the deposit will be handled according to the cancellation terms provided with your final trip agreement.September 23- FINAL REGISTRATION CUTOFFSeptember 23 remains the regular deposit and cancellation deadline.If space remains, Discover Fly Fishing may accept new participants through October 1, 2026. October 1 is the absolute final registration cutoff for the 2026 expedition.Deposits made by participants registering after September 23, 2026 are non-refundable at the time of payment.IF DISCOVER FLY FISHING CANCELSIf Discover Fly Fishing cancels the expedition because of insufficient participation, park closure, significant safety concerns, or another circumstance that prevents the trip from reasonably proceeding, payments made directly to Discover Fly Fishing will be refunded.Discover Fly Fishing is not responsible for non-refundable personal expenses you may incur independently in preparation for the expedition.WEATHER & BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONSRain, cold temperatures, or ordinary changes in mountain weather do not automatically cancel the expedition.Safety comes first. Severe weather, unsafe water conditions, trail or road closures, park restrictions, wildfire, or other significant backcountry hazards may require us to modify the route, fishing locations, itinerary, departure time, or other aspects of the expedition.TRIP CHANGESNative Waters is a backcountry experience, and flexibility is part of traveling in the mountains.Fishing locations, hiking routes, campsite plans, schedules, and activities may change when conditions require it. Catching fish, including native brook trout, cannot be guaranteed.QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU COMMIT?If you're unsure about the trip, physical requirements, equipment, cancellation policy, or anything else, reach out before sending your deposit.I'd rather answer your questions now than have you commit to an experience that isn't right for you.

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THE itinerary
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DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

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THE JOURNEY

Day 1, Saturday, October 24

INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY4.8 MILES • 684 FT ELEVATION GAIN • MODERATEWe'll shoulder our packs and hike into the Smokies to establish our backcountry base camp.Once there, we'll settle in, eat well, explore and fish the surrounding water, and get ready for the heart of the expedition.

Day 2, Sunday, october 25

INTO NATIVE WATERS1.6 MILES • 532 FT ELEVATION GAIN • MODERATEWe will wake up and have coffee and breakfast fireside. Then we'll leave our heavy overnight packs at base camp and travel light, following the water higher into the mountains and exploring the cold headwaters Southern Appalachian native brook trout call home.This isn't about moving camp. It's about going deeper into the wild.We'll return to base camp for dinner and fish stories for our second night in the mountains.

Day 3, Monday, October 26

THE JOURNEY HOMECoffee. Breakfast. One more morning in the Smokies.Then we'll break camp, shoulder our packs, and make our way back toward the trailhead.4.8 MILES • 684 FT ELEVATION LOSS• MODERATE

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WHAT DO WE PROVIDE?

You don't need to buy a backpack full of specialized gear just to experience Native Waters.Discover Fly Fishing provides the major equipment and logistics needed for the expedition, including:BACKCOUNTRY GEARBackpack
Tent/shelter
Sleeping system
Camp cooking equipment
Water filtration
Other shared backcountry equipmentFLY-FISHING GEARFly rod and reel
Fly line and leader
Flies
Essential fishing equipmentYou're welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you prefer.FOOD & DRINKBreakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Trail snacks
Coffee
Water filtrationTRANSPORTATION
Round-trip transportation from Mount Juliet to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is included.PRE-TRIP PREPARATION
We'll also hold two Zoom meetings before departure to review gear, packing, physical preparation, weather, safety, fishing expectations, and any questions you have before we leave.WE PROVIDE THE GEAR. YOU BRING THE PERSONAL ESSENTIALS AND A WILLINGNESS TO GO.____You bring your personal essentials. We take care of the adventure.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

REQUIRED- TENNESSEE FISHING LICENSE
Please make sure you have your Tennessee fishing license with the appropriate trout privileges before the trip. No need to carry a copy.- PERSONAL WATER BOTTLE- BASE LAYERS (TOP AND BOTTOM)- HOODIE
This can also function as your pillow at night.- WARM JACKET- 2 PAIRS OF PANTS
1 pair for hiking/fishing and 1 pair to keep dry for wearing around camp.- 1 PAIR OF LIGHTWEIGHT SHORTS- 4 PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR- 4 TSHIRTS - preferably a Discover Fly Fishing one - haha- WOOL SOCKS 4 PAIR
I personally use and prefer Darn Tough, but any quality wool or merino wool hiking sock will work just fine.- WOOL GLOVES- COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOTS/SHOES- TOILETRIES
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal essentials.- SMALL TOWEL- ANY PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
Please let us know about any medications or medical considerations we should be aware of before the trip.FOR FISHING- LIGHTWEIGHT WATER SHOES
Closed-toe water shoes recommended. Sandals and Chacos are not recommended.BEAR SAFETY: BEAR SPRAY & FIREARMS- BEAR SPRAYBear spray is my recommended primary bear-defense option.I am not here to tell you that you cannot legally carry a firearm. Bringing a firearm into the park is legal if you comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.Introducing a firearm into a backcountry group changes our safety considerations and will change the emergency medical equipment I carry.Discharging a firearm within the park is generally prohibited. Any defensive use of a firearm would also need to be reported to park authorities immediately.My preference for this expedition is simple: proper bear-awareness practices first, with bear spray readily accessible as our primary defensive option.If you plan to bring a firearm, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BEFORE THE EXPEDITION.

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NO CELL SERVICE. THAT'S KIND OF THE POINT

THE TRAIL • THE WATER • CAMP • GOOD FOOD • CONVERSATION • THE NEXT CASTThere is something different about waking up in the mountains, drinking coffee beside camp, and knowing the day ahead is simply about following the water a little further.Sometimes getting away isn't about escaping life. It's about returning to it with a little more clarity.Some carriers do provide satellite texting. We have tested this last year at the same backcountry site and our phone carries this ability for safety concerns.

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the investment

October 24-26, 2026$999 PER PERSON3 DAYS • 2 NIGHTS • APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINSTravel • Gear • Meals • Guiding • Backcountry Logistics Included$250 deposit reserves your spot.Deposits and payments are refundable up until October 6, 2026, after that the deposit is transferable to another Discover Fly Fishing service.ENROLLMENT ENDS september 23, 2026

FISHED WITH DISCOVER FLY FISHING BEFORE?

SAVE 25%RETURNING CLIENT RATE - $749.25

SMALL GROUP. BIG EXPERIENCE.

This is a small group experience with a max number of 6 spots.We will need 4 clients to confirm the expedition.

WE currently have 4 2 spots remaining

This is a small group experience with a max number of 6 spots.We will need 4 total clients to confirm the expedition.

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your guide

Kenneth Davis

Owner • Discover Fly Fishing
Tennessee Licensed Fishing Guide
Certified Wilderness First Responder

A multi-day backcountry trip requires more than knowing where the trout are. Preparation, judgment, equipment, and understanding the environment all matter.Native Waters is designed to give you a genuine backcountry experience while taking much of the guesswork out of planning it yourself.You focus on the experience. I'll take care of getting us there and back.

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IS NATIVE WATERS RIGHT FOR ME?

You don't need to be an experienced fly fisher or backpacker to join us. You do need to be comfortable spending a few days outdoors, hiking with a pack, and being willing to learn along the way.THIS TRIP MAY BE A GOOD FIT IF YOU:Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and being outdoors.
Are comfortable hiking several miles over uneven mountain terrain.
Can carry a backpack with your personal gear.
Don't mind getting wet, muddy, tired, or a little uncomfortable.
Are willing to learn and follow backcountry safety practices.
Want more than simply being taken to a fishing spot.
Are interested in learning about the water, the fish, and the environment around you.YOU DO NOT NEED:Previous fly-fishing experience.
Previous lessons with Discover Fly Fishing.
Previous backpacking experience.
Your own fly-fishing, backpacking, or camping gear.If you're new to fly fishing, we'll work on casting and the fundamentals while were on the trip.THIS MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT TRIP IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR:Roadside or vehicle-access fishing.
Comfortable indoor accommodations.
Cell service throughout the trip.
A trip where someone carries all of your personal gear.
Guaranteed numbers of fish.
A traditional guide experience where you're simply placed in a spot and told where to cast.WHAT WE DO ASKCome prepared to participate.We'll hike together, make camp together, eat together, fish together, and work through the challenges that come with spending a few days in the backcountry. You will be asked to contribute to camp maintenance. This expedition is to also to help you learn and develop skills for yourself.You don't have to arrive knowing everything.You just need to arrive ready to learn, explore, and be part of the experience.Not sure whether Native Waters is a good fit for you?Let's talk before you commit.

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last year's native waters trip (same location as this year)

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