These Western NC fishing guides, lodges rank among 10 best in the U.S.
These Western NC fishing guides, lodges rank among 10 best in the U.S.
Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen TimesMon, May 11, 2026 at 3:19 PM UTC
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Several Western North Carolina offerings made it into a roundup of fishing-themed 10BEST Readers' Choice lists, earning recognition as some of the best establishments countrywide.
10BEST winners are chosen by voters across the country, who pick their favorites among locations nominated by an expert panel. WNC has been placed on several lists throughout 2025 and 2026, with locations including a favorite arts district, best health and wellness retreats, best dog-friendly bars and more.
Three locations in the North Carolina mountains ranked on two separate lists, including best fishing lodges and best fly fishing guides. Here's what 10BEST writers had to say about the winning Western N.C. locations, plus the full lists of winners and more.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock
Chetola Resort ranked No. 2 in the nation for best fishing lodges in 2026.
The resort, located in Blowing Rock, has previously been recognized by 10BEST ― in fact, 2026 marks the resort's third consecutive year ranked No. 2. 10BEST writers praised the Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge located in the "picturesque" Blue Ridge Mountains, with private and public waters available for half- and full-day trips, including gear and pro instruction. The resort also offers tennis, pickleball, indoor swimming, hiking trails, fitness classes and a restaurant with waterfront dining.
Blue Ribbon Angler
Blue Ribbon Angler, located in Boone, ranked No. 1 in the nation for the best fly fishing guide.
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The 2026 win is the location's first 10BEST recognition. 10BEST praised Blue Ribbon Angler for its full- and half-day float trips for brook, rainbow and wild brown trout, plus smallmouth bass, with a 2:1 angler-to-guide policy.
Western North Carolina Fish Hunter
Western North Carolina Fish Hunter, located in Hendersonville, also scored its first 10BEST recognition this year, ranking just behind Blue Ribbon Angler at No. 2 in the country for fishing guides. 10BEST praised trips through Western N.C. Fish Hunter in hatchery-supported waters and backcountry, with the option to fish for "elusive" musky and trout. Both jet boat and walking-and-wading tours are available.
Best fishing lodges in the U.S.
The full 10BEST list of best fishing lodges in the U.S. included:
Blue Bank Resort (Hornbeak, Tennessee)
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (Blowing Rock)
Ballard's Resort (Baudette, Minnesota)
Sage Lodge (Pray, Montana)
Gates Au Sable Lodge (Grayling, Michigan)
Gallatin River Lodge (Bozeman, Montana)
Alagnak Lodge (King Salmon, Alaska)
Canyon River Ranch (Ellensburg, Washington)
South Fork Lodge (Swan Valley, Idaho)
Chelatna Lake Lodge (Chelatna, Alaska)
Best fly fishing guides in the U.S.
The full 10BEST list of best fly fishing guides included:
Blue Ribbon Angler (Boone)
Western North Carolina Fish Hunter (Hendersonville)
Explore Kenai (Soldotna, Alaska)
Fly and Field Outfitters (Bend, Oregon)
R&R Fly Fishing (Townsend, Tennessee)
Gallatin River Guides (Gallatin Gateway, Montana)
The Fly Fisher's Place (Sisters, Oregon)
Damsel Fly Fishing (Belgrade, Montana)
Angler's Covey (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Taco Fly Co. (Plumas County, California)
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Western NC fly fishing guides, fishing lodges among best in the US
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