Waynesville’s Main Street welcomes Tuckaseegee Fly Shop
Fly fishing is a pillar of the outdoor recreation scene in WNC.
Tuckaseegee Fly Shop photos
A new, highly anticipated storefront has recently popped up on Main Street in Waynesville. Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, a popular fly fishing outfitter and guiding service in Western North Carolina, relocated the Waynesville store from Depot to Main in an effort to expand the company and grow its clientele.
“As a Haywood County local with a deep appreciation for the area’s fly fishing history, I felt that Waynesville truly needed a dedicated fly shop — one that could serve both the local community and visiting anglers,” said Waynesville TFS manager Justin Pilat.
To note, the original Waynesville location on Depot Street opened in 2021. Leading up to that launch, TFS also opened locations in Bryson City (2014) and Sylva (2017). Founded by Dale Collins and Bobby Bennett, the business offers “a full selection of fly fishing gear, flies, guided fishing trips and regional fishing reports, along with expert advice for anglers exploring the rivers and streams of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding waters.”
“Our [recent] move to Main Street placed us right in the heart of downtown Waynesville,” Pilat said. “It’s been an important step forward, giving us greater visibility and allowing us to better connect with the people we serve.”
Growing up in Waynesville, Pilat has been fishing the waters of Western North Carolina for over 20 years. He was six years old when he first learned to fly fish with his father, he said, “and it’s been a part of my life ever since.”
“Fly fishing has always been therapeutic — an escape and a way to clear my head and stay grounded,” Pilat said. “I’m especially passionate about wild and native fish. Whether I’m fishing close to home or traveling, I love hiking into backcountry creeks and chasing small, wild fish on dry flies.”
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For those who fly fish, it’s a lifelong passion and hobby. And as the sport continues to spread in popularity, there may be some apprehension for beginners to walk into the shop and ask what they need for gear, where to fish and what to do when they get there. Pilat assures that all who walk through the door will be greatly taken care of, regardless of skillset or knowledge.
“When beginners come into the shop, many feel intimidated by fly fishing,” Pilat said. “Between casting, choosing flies, understanding gear and figuring out where to go, it can feel overwhelming at first. I always tell them to keep it simple and not overcomplicate things.”
Pilat emphasizes to those new to the sport “to lean on their local fly shop — that’s what we’re here for,” and that there’s no such thing as a bad question.
“When someone is getting started, I’ll walk them through an assortment of flies that are working for that time of year and what to expect in the months ahead,” Pilat said. “I’ll also show them how to do a basic roll cast and try to give them the tools and confidence they need to get on the water.”
Lastly, Pilat also recommends booking a guided half-day trip through TFS.
“In just four hours with a knowledgeable guide, beginners can learn a tremendous amount and significantly shorten their learning curve,” Pilat said. “No matter how long you’ve been fishing, it’s important to stay curious and always be willing to learn. After more than 20 years in this sport, I’m still learning every time I get on the water.”
Want to go?
The Tuckaseegee Fly Shop is now open at 44 Main St. in Waynesville. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday). There are also other locations at 530 West Main St. in Sylva and 3 Depot St. in Bryson City.
The Tuckaseegee Fly Shop in Waynesville recently relocated from Depot Street to Main Street in a move to grow the popular local business.
For more information on TFS and/or to learn more about the numerous guiding services offered, call 828.488.3333 or visit tuckflyshop.com.
WNC Fly Fishing Trail
All of Western North Carolina is renowned for its fly fishing. And its reputation continues to grow. Jackson County developed the first officially mapped fly fishing trail — dubbed the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
And, of course, there are plenty of outfitters and guides ready to take visitors to the best fishing holes in the mountains. Encompassing big rivers, small streams, easy access points and backcountry hike-ins, the 15-spot trail was the first of its kind in the United States. For more information and a complete list of the 15 spots on the Fly Fishing Trail, visit flyfishingtrail.com.
As well, complimentary fishing maps and lodging details are available by contacting the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828.586.2155 or the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority at 800.962.1911. Both are located in Sylva.
