Let me be the first to welcome you to the Trout Capital of Georgia and to my web site troutcapitalgeorgia.com. Whether you are a first time visitor or a regular, I am grateful that you are considering me to be your guide for a Fly Fishing Adventure. I have been Fly Fishing for over 20 years in the pristine waters of North Georgia, Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee in addition to most states in the west.

Whether it is the tail waters of the Toccoa, Hiawassee or Holston Rivers or the plethora of spring creeks meandering thru the National Forest, I have wet a line there.

From 1999 until 2007 I lived in Colorado where I got serious about Fly Fishing, having been mentored by some of the best teachers and guides in the industry. My abilities were continuously tested in the technical waters of Cheesman Canyon in Deckers or in one of many of the high alpine lakes chasing Native Greenback Cutthroats. I have experienced the story-book Caddis Hatches on the Arkansas and have fished over 200 miles of the Colorado. The San Juan and the Frying Pan were regular weekend getaways and I have fished some of the most remote Wilderness Lakes in the state accessible only by foot or horse.

In 2010, I returned to the famed freestone waters of the Colorado where I attended the top rated Guide School in the Country. There I earned certifications in rowing, entomology, wilderness first aid and CPR and became a Certified Fly Fishing Guide recognized in 6 western states.

Today, I live on the Tail waters of the Toccoa River in Fannin County where I am active in the local Trout Unlimited Chapter and engaged in the Preservation of our watershed. I am the owner/operator and Chief Appraiser of a regional Real Estate Appraisal firm and hold the highest level Certification in the Industry in 4 states.

Bottom line; I fish because I Love to Fish. The river is my therapist. It is the place that I feel the closest with God and when I have a fly rod in my hand and the hatch is on, there is no place I would rather be. I also love to teach fly fishing. When I find a new fly that works well or a new technique that catches fish, I run to tell my friends so that they to can benefit. There are no secrets in fly fishing. There are no guides that have the magic fly that magically causes a fish to jump on their line. The formula is simple; figure out what the fish are eating, tie on a fly that closely resembles the food source, and get that fly in front of the fish. Tight loops and perfect drifts are fine but nothing surpasses the results that come from getting the right fly in front of the fish.

In a River Runs Through It, one of my favorite lines is when Jessee said, "we had a strong up bringing in Fly Fishing as well as other spiritual matters".

To me, fly fishing is as spiritual of a practice as I know. The river has taught me more about God than any other source. And when I am surrounded by its flow, I am truly happy.

Come spend the day with me and give me the opportunity to share with you one of my greatest loves.

To speak to Duane direct, call 706-994-6135