We GUARANTEE, highly trained, veteran guides. Every guide at  Holston River Fishing Guides is required to be certified in First Aid, and CPR. It is important to us that your experience is safe, seamless, and fun. Our goal is for you to simply book the trip, and leave the rest to us!

We have 15 years of experience guiding customers and teaching the sport of fly fishing and decades of experience setting up, well stocked campsites and planning and organizing all of the finer details of your trip. If you are imagining the perfect fishing or camping trip, we plan to show you one even better!

Chris’ love of the mountains developed at an early age, on visits to his grandparents house in Hendersonville, NC. Much of his childhood was highlighted by vacations, camping or fishing, in western North Carolina. His love of fishing brought him to Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. There, he spent his time fly fishing every inch of accessible (and barely accessible) water. While at ASU, he earned his Degree in Sustainability, completely hiked the Appalachian Trail, and began his 15 year career as a fishing guide. At 36 years old, Chris continues to play in the woods, every moment that he gets.

Though Chris has guided thousands of people, he is constantly honing his craft by learning new methods of teaching people how to fly fish, and studying his target species. His passion for quality instruction while guiding is unmatched. Chris’ goals, besides putting nice fish on the line, are to set the bar higher on everything he offers. He is always scouting new water, flying his drone or taking his raft down uncharted rivers, to build and present customers with the coolest trips.

Chris preaches and practices conservation on his trips. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Basic Life Support and CPR. Chris holds guide licenses in NC, VA and TN, including USFS special use permits to guide in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

When Carter was ten years old, his father took him on a trip to a hunting camp in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Armed with an old fly rod, Carter ventured to a small Appalachian stream, eager to try his hand at casting a dry fly. To his astonishment, he successfully enticed a fish to rise to his bait. In that moment, a spark ignited within him—an indescribable thrill familiar to all trout anglers: the first encounter with an elusive trout. Landing that native brook trout marked the inception of Carter’s lifelong passion for fishing. Today, he channels this ardor into his work with us, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for trout fishing with our customers.

Since this first catch, Carter has remained addicted to the sport, spending countless hours targeting various species throughout the southeast and fishing every spare moment that he gets. Renowned for his versatility, Carter serves as our most adept guide, leading float trips on rivers such as the Smith, James, New River, TN tailwaters, and numerous streams and creeks in southwest VA. Chasing wild fish (Turkey and Deer too), and sharing those experiences with others, is his true passion.

He has spent years honing his craft, developing his rowing skills, teaching skills, and his intimate knowledge of the rivers we guide. A trip with Carter promises unparalleled enjoyment, and a damn good lunch too!

Corey Murphy, resident and native of North Carolina, is one of the fishiest float guides in East Tennessee and an absolute guru on the North Carolina and Virginia wade fishing program.

With a decade-plus of experience, Corey’s not just a guide – he’s a coach, turning anglers of any level into pros while keeping the good vibes rolling. Customers can’t get enough of his easygoing charm and expertise, making him the top choice every time.

Fish biting or playing hard to get, Corey’s boat is the place to be. Laughter and good times follow him wherever he goes. Beyond the fun, Corey’s a pro at rigging, finding big fish and coaching anglers of all skill levels to get the bite.