THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Float into the Appalachian foothills with guides who bring you to waterfalls, stealthy bass holes and quiet coves. This six‑hour kayak fishing and scenic paddle tour combines local angling knowledge with hands‑on instruction and all gear supplied.
Float into the Appalachian foothills with guides who bring you to waterfalls, stealthy bass holes and quiet coves. This six‑hour kayak fishing and scenic paddle tour combines local angling knowledge with hands‑on instruction and all gear supplied.
Book with Craig Gorton
Book directly with Craig Gorton for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Craig Gorton · Asheville, North Carolina
The paddle slips from your hands with a soft, steady rhythm and the water answers in concentric rings — the lake seems to breathe. Morning mist lifts off pockets of cove and the ridge line beyond Asheville cuts a clean silhouette against a pale sky. Your guide steers toward a narrow inlet, exchanges a few low words about current and structure, then casts a line where rock meets shadow. This is not aimless paddling; it’s guided access to places that otherwise take years of local knowledge to find.
moderate.
6 hours.
Moderate fitness; able to paddle and cast repeatedly, climb in and out of a kayak, and sit for extended periods.
No — guides provide basic paddling and casting instruction; previous experience helps but isn’t required.
The tour includes fishing kayaks (paddle or pedal), paddles, life vests, rods, reels, tackle, coolers, snacks and electrolyte drinks; photos may be provided by the guide.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram before the water leg, but all participants must fit a PFD and meet safety guidelines — check with the operator for age and weight limits.
Trips are canceled for unsafe weather and you’ll receive a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure; the operator may cancel same‑day for thunderstorms or high wind.
Expect roughly 3–6 miles depending on fishing stops and flow; most days include extended stops for casting and structure inspection.
Tipping is customary for good service; 15–20% of the trip cost is a common guideline and appreciated by guides.
Rivers here supported Cherokee fishing and later powered 19th-century mills; the waterways shaped settlements and local angling traditions.
Guides emphasize cleaning gear to prevent invasive species spread and practice catch-and-release where appropriate to protect fish populations and shoreline habitat.
Craig Gorton operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Craig Gorton
Book directly with Craig Gorton for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now