Original story published at: http://www.wjhl.com/story/22243536/cable-country-goes-fishing-on-the-wnc-fly-fishing-trail

Cherokee, NC (WJHL) -     Retired high school principal Alex Bell says he's changed careers, but he's still teaching and coaching, He's a guide along the scenic Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.  According to Bell, the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trial is the first and only designated fly fishing trail in the country.   There are 15 designated hot spots around Jackson County and one at the 2.2 mile catch and release stream at Raven Fork on the Cherokee Indian reservation. 
     According to Bell, the trail has just about everything a fly fisherman is looking for and that's bringing in tourist dollars.  "It brings a lot of people in from a lot of places and even gets people interested in fly fishing that hasn't been before, " Doug Reed said. 
     Alex Bell worked with Tim on his form. "Managing line is a big part of trout fishing and fly fishing. You're trying to work on your timing, tempo and technique. Harder is not farther in fly fishing and that's one of the most difficult things to get across to people they want to rear back and sling it instead of letting the rod and the line do what they're designed to do but it's such a relaxing atmosphere once you get involved with it it's very addictive," said Bell.
   For more information about the trail, click here.

By Alex Bell

I enjoyed my day fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River with Laura and Camille from Greensboro. Laura (aka Trout Slayer) had a great day including a large brookie. Camille joined us for the last hour and also enjoyed her time on the river.

By Alex Bell

We'll be at the Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival from May 17-May 19th. The festival includes live music, an auction, educational sessions, exhibitors, and more.

Please join us for the fun!

Alex will be speaking four times during the festival on the following topics:

Therapeutic Benefits of Fly Fishing/Tying and Instructing People with Disabilities

• Friday, May 17th at 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, May 18th at 10:00 a.m.

The Five W's of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail

• Friday, May 17th at 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m.

The festival includes a screening of the Fly Fishing Film - see the promotional video below.


By Alex Bell

On Monday, May 13th at 7pm Alex, the owner of AB's Fly Fishing, will speak to the Georgia Women Fly Fishers Club at 5 Seasons Brewing in Atlanta, Georgia. All are welcome to attend! For more information and directions, see http://www.georgiawomenflyfishing.com/#!events.

By Alex Bell