Meet the Guides at New River Fly Fishing
About Us
New River Fly Fishing has been guiding anglers since 2007 in the beautiful New River Valley of Southwest Virginia. We specialize in fly fishing trips on the New River, Smith River, and private trout waters. Whether you prefer wade or float trips, targeting smallmouth bass, trout, muskie, or walleye, our experienced guides will help you enjoy best-of-class fishing in scenic, uncrowded locations. With over 25 years of guiding experience, we’re passionate about sharing our love for the sport and helping every angler improve their skills.
Our Guides
If you’re looking for knowledgeable, skilled, and personable guides with deep roots in Southwest Virginia’s rivers, you’ve come to the right place. Our team lives and breathes fly fishing, and they’re excited to share that passion with every client. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a seasoned angler, our guides offer expert instruction, local insight, and the kind of guidance that turns a great day on the water into a lifelong memory.
Mike Smith
Guide Info
In one form or another, Mike’s been fishing on the New River for most of his life. As a teenager in the mid-1970’s, he stayed at his family’s cabin on the river near Lone Ash for weeks on end and fished the upper New at Bertha Falls.
During the 1980’s, Mike attended Virginia Tech and regularly wade-fished the lower New near McCoy. Then in 1997, he opened the first fly shop and guide service based on the upper river, which later became New River Fly Fishing. In 2002, his first guidebook Fishing the New River Valley was published by UVA Press.
As the Product Development and Brand Specialist at Flymen Fishing Company from 2014 to 2019, Mike was instrumental in introducing the Fish-Skull and Surface Seducer lines of products to the fly fishing industry.
Steve Howard
Guide Info
Steve grew up fishing on the Jackson River in Virginia for smallmouth bass before it became a tailwater fishery. During his teens, summer days were spent in the river wading or fishing from inner tubes, and at age seventeen he picked up his first fly rod.
Steve discovered the New River while attending Virginia Tech in the 1980’s. After graduation, he headed to Colorado where his love of river fishing turned toward trout on the fly. While living in Colorado and Utah, he had the privilege of fishing many of the great rivers in the West.
Steve returned East in 2003 and began guiding on the New River. His passion for smallmouth bass fishing was thus reignited, and the numerous tailwaters and wild trout streams in the region now feed his hunger for trout fishing.
Alex Wise
Guide Info
Alex has been fishing on the Smith River for over two decades. Living no more than a mile from its banks in Eden, NC, he has fished from the headwaters near Woolwine, VA all the way to the confluence with the Dan River in Eden. He has dedicated the last ten years to fishing and guiding for brown and rainbow trout from Philpott Dam downstream to their furthest reaches.
Alex enjoys traveling to fly fish in numerous states including Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Montana, West Virginia, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Tennessee, but is proud to call North Carolina/Virginia home. He hopes that a day spent with him on the water will result in his clients learning how to improve their angling skills and abilities.
Frank Armstrong
Guide Info
Frank’s been fly fishing for over 50 years. While in college, he cut his teeth fly fishing small streams and rivers in the Ozarks of Missouri. Since then, he’s traveled around the world fly fishing in both fresh and saltwater, but one of his favorite places to fish is at their family farm in Southwest Virginia, where he manages two miles of private trout water and runs guided fishing trips for New River Fly Fishing.
Your Next Great Trip Starts Here!
At New River Fly Fishing, we go beyond just guiding trips we create memorable fishing experiences tailored to every angler. Our deep local knowledge, expert guides, and personalized approach ensure you get the most out of your time on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate our commitment to quality, safety, and fun.
Expert Guides
Skilled and knowledgeable guides dedicated to improving your fly fishing skills and making your trip unforgettable.
Scenic Locations
abundant wildlife.
Personalized Trips
Customized trip options for individuals or small groups, ensuring a relaxed and focused fishing experience.