Hunting Deer in the mountain game lands is believed to be one of the greatest challenges for sportsmen in NC. Deer quickly disappear in these rugged open forests. Overcoming these challenges makes for a rewarding hunt. The number of white tail deer per mile will not compare with private hunting land. However, there are small pockets, given the right environmental factors that will hold trophy white tail. Many national forest are over hunted but with the unwillingness of many hunters to explore the remote areas, it is not hard to get away from the majority of hunters. What bucks are seen are often in the 3-5 year range and quality shooters.

What better place to catch a mixed bag of quality small and large mouth bass than on the mountain lakes surrounding Asheville, NC. Catch a 4 pound small mouth then turn around and catch a 6 pound largemouth! The lakes adjoining the Smokey National Park and Pisgah National Forest provide ideal habitat for excellent bass fishing (not to mention the scenery). Lake Fontana is considered one of the best small mouth lakes in the east and one of the best kept secrets. Many factors have to come together to catch these fish with any kind of regularity. With the “smart” maps he has developed along with local knowledge, Frank has fine tuned his fishing skills for an educational and exciting experience.

The only native trout to North Carolina is the brook trout. Living mostly in the small natural steams of the national forest, these trout are some of the most dynamic and beautiful species NC has to offer. Guiding mostly in the back country of the national forest, Up-Close Outfitters has stream lined the finesse and precision techniques used to catch wild trout. The further you hike in, the less pressure the trout get. This fishing is not for the beginning trout fisherman. These fish average 4-7 inches and combined with wild rainbows can offer some exhilarating areal displays. Overnight and combination trips are ideal for this experience. Up-Close Outfitters offers trips into the Smokey National Park for the ultimate wild trout experience. There is nothing better than fresh fried wild trout! For the angler pursuing larger trout we also offer trips to larger stocked streams and rivers in the area.

Striped bass (stripers) are one of the most exciting sought after fresh water game fish. Not only are anglers impressed with their size and power, but their yearly diverse migration keeps the fishing interesting. Frank often compares them to the Blue Fin Tuna of fresh water. Taken on live bait or artificial, strippers make for an exciting day or night on the water. Lake Hartwell holds trophy 20-30 pounders with the 5-10 pounders biting quite often. When these bass start feeding on the surface, buck tail jigs and spoons will offer fast and exciting action to any angler.

Lake trout are a spectacular sight. They stand alone in size and beauty. Feeding on threadfin and blueback herring they grow at fast rates and can offer multiple hookups of trophy fish. Lake Jocassee produces large brown and rainbow trout sometimes exceeding 10 pounds. Because trolling is the most effective way to catch them trout fishing makes for a great family outing.