Our 2004 Newsletter

WHAT’S GOING ON!

NEW LOCATION!

Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop has moved to 13306 US Hwy 221, Fleetwood NC.  Now conveniently located in a strip shopping center, with plenty of parking, just 1.5 miles north on US 221 from the 421/221 intersection.  Phone numbers, e-mail, and website remain the same. COME SEE US!

Winter is tying season - we have everything you need to tie flies. Whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned pro, we have the supplies AND if we don’t have it we can surely get it for you. Winter also means awesome local fishing on Helton Creek, Ashe County’s designated Delayed Harvest, catch and release only through the month of March. Be sure to bring Tiny Olives (22-24), Little Blue Quills (18), and Streamers.

Spring is practically a non-season in the High Country. It is almost as though we go from winter into summer — there are many May days with snow flurries; however, the water temperatures begin to increase and before we know it, we’re floating the New River fly fishing for Smallmouth Bass.

Summer is beyond description in this area. Warm sunny days and cool breezy nights. Fishing is great during this season. The New River is a hot spot and promises to give a full day of fun, fish, and floating on one of our guide trips. Summer also offers night guided fishing trips - too much fun to even talk about — you just have to experience it for yourself!

Autumn in the High Country is beautiful — golden days & crisp nights. Fishing continues to be excellent in the cold streams and New River, techniques change but the fish are definitely biting!

Remember, Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop offers classes in both fly tying and fly fishing (including fly casting, insect hatches, and water-reading). Give us a call, whether it’s a specific question or just to share a fish tale or two, we’re here for you, our customers. WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

WHAT’S NEW

We want you to make www.whitetop.com one of your favorite stops on the ‘net. Be sure to bookmark it and refer to it often. Call us on our toll free number 888-WHITETOP for current water temperatures and hatch data on a regular basis - in order for you to know what to bring when heading toward the High Country. And, don’t forget to fill your shopping basket when you stop in for a look!

For those of you who have just surfed your way in here - we are located in the Northwestern corner of North Carolina, Ashe County, Creston... to be exact. Whitetop Laurel Fly Shop has been in existence since 1996.

We are looking forward to another great season. Helton Creek fishes all winter with great success — big trout, Browns, Rainbows, and some Brookies. Float trips down the New River for Smallmouth Bass begin in mid-May when the water temps warm and stabilize. These trips are worth every ounce of wherewithal it takes to get to the Ashe County area! Folks leave Raleigh at three in the morning just for a day on the New! Remember, we’ll be happy to help you with hotel accommodations if you give us some advance notice. And don’t forget our night trips! The Autumn will find us wading the New for Muskie — yes, there are Muskies the length of your arm in the New River! Just a reminder, BOOK EARLY, our calendar fills up fast.