About Your Guide

Ellis Ward

Independent Guide 7 years of exp.

About Your Guide

Ellis Ward

Independent Guide 7 years of exp.

In Ellis' own words: "I am a full time, year-round fishing guide in Johnson City, TN, specializing in Fly Fishing and Light Tackle, with a emphasis on angler education, casting instruction, streamer fishing, and dry fly fishing. I tie all flies used on our trips, and I fish those same flies when I am out on my own.
Other job titles: Dad, fly designer, commercial tyer, bucktail processor

While the Watauga Tailwater is just down the road, I am not much farther from Boone Lake, South Holston Tailwater, Holston Proper, and mountain streams. Within an hours drive, I can find good musky fishing, and within two hours, I can be on some of the premier Musky fisheries (Melton Hill in TN, New River in VA) in the Southeast. I am constantly exploring this area and everything it has to offer, and I enjoy nothing more than sharing it with others.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, though the bulk of my fishing took place on Torch Lake - about 45 minutes from Traverse City, Michigan - where my family would spend a few weeks every summer.

I went to school at Vanderbilt University, and after graduating with a degree in Physics, I worked in the Washington, DC area for over 10 years. While my job titles changed, I focused primarily on data analytics, corporate finance, and healthcare economics. As odd as it may sound to those not familiar with the mid Atlantic, it was during this time that I started tying, picked up a fly rod for the first time, and quickly discovered the diversity of species and watersheds that were within a two hours drive. The two types of fishing that really sunk their teeth in were 1) wade fishing schoolie striped bass coming in from the Atlantic and staying for the summer, and 2) the variety of brown trout fisheries from south-central PA to southwest Virginia. Before that fully took off, I had started to poke my head into the local shop, District Angling. The crew there and community fostered by the owner, Richie, continues to influence how I operate both on and off the water. After enough of those puzzle pieces were in place, I knew I wasn’t going to be in an office until retirement age, and in 2019, I managed to get out.

After moving to Johnson City, and prior to beginning my life as a full time guide, I spent in excess of 400 days not just on the water, but actually fishing the water. The goal with this up front investment was to gain an understanding and perspective of these rivers and lakes that cannot be attained when the goal is to have someone else catch fish, or even to catch fish myself on many days.

I have been afforded amazing opportunities, knowledge, and experiences through the fly fishing and tying community, and my goal is to contribute, share what I love, and educate anglers and tyers - new and experienced - where possible.

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Tailwater Trout

NEW Johnson City, TN 1 - 2 People 8 Hours From $450

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Tailwater Trout

River Fishing in Johnson City

NEW Guided by Ellis

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Pricing Matrix

	8 Hours
1 Person	$450.00
2 People	$575.00

Pay 50% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

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About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

About Your Trip

If you've been looking for a truly exceptional day on the water, go no further. Ellis is a fly-fishing expert, and we would argue that there are few better guides east of the Mississippi. He offers trips tailored to the local waters around Johnson City, Tennessee, and his goal is to tie, fish, and guide in ways that are perfectly suited to the rivers that you'll be fishing. Trout are fishable all year long, but other freshwater species are more seasonal. Just ask Ellis and he can tell what will be biting when you want to fish.

The options are endless, whether that's casting for Musky in the fall and winter, streamer fishing for Trout year round, hunting rising fish on dry flies, going after Stripers on both fly and conventional tackle, mousing for big Browns, hitting Carp on the lake, or enticing big Smallies. With Ellis as your guide, you'll be able to try your hand at all of these kinds of fishing, and aim for a wide range of freshwater species. He's fished this water obsessively, putting in long days in every season and every kind of weather, and he knows the best spots like the back of his hand.

Ellis will provide everything you need for an amazing day on the water. He ties all the flies used on his trips, and his care and expertise are evident as soon as you step onto the boat. All you need to bring is a good attitude, proper clothing, sun protection, and a pair of polarized sunglasses. You'll also need a Tennessee fishing license! Book a trip to see what fly-fishing in East Tennessee is all about!

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 30 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Year Built: 2004
Boat Length: 15'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Drift Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Hyde
Year Built: 2004
Boat Length: 15'

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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Brown Trout	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good	Good
Hybrid Striped Bass	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good
Muskie	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good
Rainbow Trout	Not Ideal	Not Ideal	Good	Great	Great	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good	Not Ideal
Striped Bass	Good	Good	Great	Great	Good	Not Ideal	Not Ideal	Not Ideal	Good	Great	Good	Good