Jesse is the man. Local knowledge, super good fishing spots revealed and fish landed. Jesse knows the local culture and the area and was a wealth of information. Very patient guide, as I had not fly fished in 50 years and he got me right back on track. He knows what the fish are eating and he has the right fly ready, one which he may have just tied the night before in getting ready for your specific trip. Any future fishing trips to this area, Im going to try and get on Jessies schedule as he is the man in demand. Dont waste your time with outfitters who pawn off their unsuspecting clients on college student guides who really dont care if you catch fish and spend their days on social media. Get a guide who actually cares if you have an great experience.

Until I spent a day with Jesse, I never knew how much knowledge went into fly fishing! Not only did he know the creeks and rivers - in three different States, I might add - but he knew what kind of fly the fish in a particular spot on any given stream preferred to strike! He was cheerful and patient, giving pointers on where to cast and at what angle the rod should be, and was always there to pull our hook out of whatever we caught, whether it was a fish or a tree. He is not the sit on the edge and text type of guide; he stays engaged the entire day, giving his clients his full attention. When planning your vacation, I would highly recommend you see if you can get a spot on Jesse’s calendar!

Its hard to know where to begin to explain how great an experience I had with Jesse today. I was super impressed with his knowledge and ability to teach a newbie like me how to catch trout. He is a wealth of information and was able to teach me in a patient and laid back style. We caught a lot of fish and enjoyed beautiful scenery throughout the day. If your thinking about booking a trip with him, hurry because like the trout you have to react quickly to land the prize!

We met Jessie at his place and were quickly outfitted in our waders and boots. Jessie guided us to 3 different locations where we caught fish. The entire day was spectacular. We ate lunch in a gazebo along a creek. Jessie is extremely knowledgeable about the tri-state area. We fished Tennessee streams and caught a bunch of trout! Jessie would change techniques based on how the fish were biting and it worked! I highly recommend Tolliver’s and can’t wait to come back to try the Spring fishing! Excellent in every way!

We had a great day of fly fishing with Jesse. He was well prepared for our trout fishing outing. He had all of the equipment ready when we arrived and took us to some really nice trout fishing spots. Jesse really knows the NC, TN and VA fishing areas. He’s a great teacher for new Fly fishermen. We are looking forward to our next fishing trip with Jesse. If you want to catch some nice fish, he’s the guy that can show you the way.

I have fished with Jesse three separate times over the last 6 weeks and caught great fish every time. He is well prepared and has everything you need to experience fly- fishing regardless of your experience level. We had a great time every outing!

We booked our excursion about 6 wks prior to our trip. It turned out to be an absolute beautiful day on the water for us rookies. He met us at the campground we were staying (Roan Creek Campground) with waders & boots and we followed him (driving) to our fishing spot about 10 min. away.We parked and walked .75 mi. where we entered the creek. He gave us basic instruction and education on fly fishing and trout behavior in general. The stream gave us lots of action, w/ both of us catching, and Jessie was always ready w/ the net.After we were done fishing, we went back to the campground and Jessie prepared us lunch! Fried Perch, tater tots & hush puppies! He had everything covered including plates, drinks, utensils & condiments! A+ lunch and experience. We’re thankful and grateful for the opportunity Jessie provided us.

Jesse guided my grandson and I on a half day trip on July 16, 2021, to a stream in SW VA. We immediately had strikes, and over the course of our trip we landed many rainbow trout. Would have caught more if we were better at setting the hook! Jesse has an uncanny sense of where the fish are and showed us some techniques we had not seen before. Afterward he treated us to a delicious lunch of fried perch, hushpuppies and fries.I would highly recommend Tollivers Guide Service and hope to fish with him again soon!

Went on my first fly fishing trip a few weeks ago and I cant wait to hookup with Tollivers Guide Service for the next one. Jesse is extremely knowledgeable and provided excellent advice and technique to get us on fish from the first few casts.

Booked a trip with Jesse about a year and a half ago between the weather, Covid, and other things popping up after 4 cancellations we finally were able to hook up with Jessie. Even tho we made the reservations that long ago Jesse honored the rates that he quoted us which says a lot about a person and is something rarely seen in todays world in my book. Was my sons first time fly fishing and within a few minutes of fishing he hooked up with a dandy rainbow that looked like a football when it came out of the water even tho it got off it was a great way to start the day. Jesse is very knowledgeable and very helpful in teaching you how to read the water and where to put your fly to catch fish. He put us onto some nice areas that held fish and we both caught some nice native and stocked trout, the fish were doing their part in taking the flys Jessie did his part to put us on them and thru no fault of his we missed quite a few fish but thats part of fishing. The shore lunch was an added bonus and was nice to sit by the river and relax after wading and climbing up and down the rocks of the river. As it was my sons first fly fishing experience mission was accomplished and I believe he has now caught the fly fishing bug and big thank you goes out to Jesse for this. I would highly recommend Tollivers Guide Service to anyone no matter how experienced they are and look forward to booking another trip with Jesse.

This is the best guide service in the area. Jesse is an excellent guide and makes sure everyone has a great time. He is very good at making sure he takes guests to areas suitable to their needs, skill level and age. We were treated very well and will book again with Jesse in the future. He is very knowledgeable about the area and ensures you have access to good remote fishing areas without crowds even on holiday weekends. Excellent service!

After an incredible fly fishing experience with Jesse last week we are wondering if he has a dorsal fin under his shirt. Our nickname for him now is “ the fish whisperer “. His uncanny sense of where and when to get a bite or a catch was greater than 90%. What other sport, or fly guide for that matter, can approach that accuracy ? And he goes over and beyond with an incredible fish fry for lunch. Five fins up for Jesse

My husband and I enjoyed our half day fishing excursion with Jesse today. He is very patient with instructions and guidance. We caught fish. He really cares that the clients have success. The lunch was delicious. We intend to book a future trip. Happy Fishing. 🎣

This was the best guide service caught so many trout and was an amazing experience!!!

Had a fantastic trip with Jesse fly fishing in the Jefferson National Forest Saturday. His knowledge of what flies to use & how to fish the steam was excellent. Caught (in the net) 14 trout (15 inch rainbow & 19 inch brown). Not only did I have a great day of fishing but he made the day enjoyable. He was very helpful without being to technical in casting & proper drifts. He has a permit to fish in the National Forest which helps to find trout waters that are not overly fished or too crowded. Would highly recommend his service for your next fishing trip. I plan to set up another trip this fall.

I contacted Jesse months ago to book a trip for my husband and father-in-law. He was very prompt and patient with answering my tons of questions. Do you know how weird it feels to book an experience for people and you wont even be there to participate in it with them? Jesse went the extra mile to take them to multiple spots for the best opportunity to catch fish. This was definitely a memorable weekend for them and I thank him for that.

If you are looking for a first class fly fishing experience, Jesse Tolliver is your guy. We had a beautiful fall day to fish, and though it was a little colder in the morning, the fish cooperated all day. We landed more fish than we could count between three anglers, and missed/hooked up with more than double that. More importantly, we learned new techniques for casting, reading water, and fly selection based on each fishing spot (match the hatch). We even had the opportunity to fish some of his homemade dry flies and watch trout hit them on top of the water. Jesse provided top notch gear, and we stayed warm and dry all day. On top of the great fishing, we had an awesome homemade southern fried fish lunch by the creek. I will definitely be booking Jesse again for future trips.

First time fly fishing! We booked a fly fishing guide trip with Jesse, and had the MOST amazing trip! Jesse was the perfect guide for our family of 3. He was incredibly patient and took the time to educate us, walk us through every step and teach and share pointers, tips and his expertise! We are not expert fishers by any means and we’re looking for great memories and a learning experience, and Jesse delivered hands down. If you’re looking for a unique experience with your kids, you can not go wrong with Tolliver’s guide service. He customizes each trip to the level of his customers. We walked away having learned so much and wanting to try again soon! Also, when He says he says he provides lunch- he isn’t joking. He cooked and served the.MOST amazing& delicious fish camp lunch ever. Best way to end an amazing day! Thanks again for everything! Moms, if you’re looking for a great experience for your kiddos while in the Boone area, call Jesse!!

I booked Jesse to take my kids (11 and 10) and me out for an all day trip last week. None of us had fished before, and he was great to work with. He adapted the day for us, adjusting times and fishing locations through the day based on the kids needs. My son picked it up quickly and Jesse coached him through landing a 17 inch rainbow, side casting under trees, and reading the river. My daughter and I were a little slower to pick things up, but he helped us both out and let us come along at our own pace. He encouraged everyone and was generous sharing his knowledge. Both the kids had a great time and we would definitely book him again!

Great day on the water with Jesse. He said he’d put me on the fish and he did. I was wanting to learn more about flyifishing from an experienced guide. Jesse exceeded my expectations and I will be using his service again.

3 of us (self, wife, son) spent a full day with Jesse catching (and releasing) fish in beautiful locations in TN & VA. Jesse provided wading boots, neoprene socks, and all the gear needed. Took us from zero skills to knowing how to target the best fishing holes with the right flies for the moment. We highly recommend that you book Jesse for your fishing adventure in the mountains!

I would give our guide six star for the size and number of fish I caught in our third fishing trip. Actually, it was yesterday. We had tremendous fun going out with Jesse. The excitement of having a strike and the enjoyment of releasing that trout is indescribable to me. Sadly, I lost three big fish by not setting the hook fast enough or correctly. My husband lost two or three big ones too. Besides the usual misses though, I probably caught about 20-30 fish. Our first fly fish trip was Sep. last year. I caught at least 25 fish and lost another 25 by not appropriately setting the hook. We had a great time!! Therefore, we went back to Jesse a second time this year to go fly fishing again. I lost much less fish as on my previous trips. Jesse is a guide who knows every stretch and every pocket in these streams. We couldnt do much advanced casting because of the trees and brushes surrounding these streams. Roll casts and side casts is all we needed though to have fun and success. And most importantly: please listen to your guide because he is the one who has been researching and studying these waters and fish for a long, long time. Jesse helps us to catch fish by trying different methods, such as adjusting to various depths, changing from nymphs to dry flies, changing the approach angle, etc.My husband booked his fourth trip already. We hope you will have much fun as we did. This has been a first-class experience: 5 stars.

For Father’s Day, I arranged for a fly fishing trip. for my husband and myself with Tolliver’s Guide Service. We had a great time! I had not done any fly fishing since I was a child but Jesse was very patient and guided me through the day. We caught and released rainbow trout of various sizes. Jesse was very accommodating to individual needs such as level of experience and physical abilities, so be up-front with him and you’ll enjoy your fishing trip. Thank you Jesse.Karen W

Could not have had a better time with Jesse. I booked a half day trip for me and my dad for Fathers Day, and we had a blast. Jesse is knowledgeable of the area and put us on the fish. We thoroughly fished the stream we were on and caught several rainbows on a day when another fisherman we came across said the fishing was slow. I wouldnt book a trip with anyone else in the Boone area!

I have been out with Jesse twice now and each experience has been outstanding. My first trip was a solo trip on a small creek and I was amazed by how many fish we caught in what seemed to be just a little Creek. I caught a “Grand Slam” of all three species early in the trip and they were very nice size for wild trout. In addition the lunch was restaurant quality.After my excellent first trip I arranged for a trip for my sons and I to take a trip together. We went to Tennessee and again hit a Grand Slam. We were constantly on fish as we took turns working the stream. The lunch was even better than the first time Jesse cooked as he continues to work on improving his culinary skills.I highly recommend Jesse as a guide and a teacher of the finer points of fly fishing and reading the waters.

Mr. Tolliver put us on fish right away and was sooo patient. We had no idea what we were doing. He made a tasty lunch and guided us to several great spots! Would def come back

I spent weeks researching guide services in and around Boone, Nc. I called several local fly shops to inquire about these services, however nothing stood out or really impressed me to book a trip.After continuing to do research I came across Tolivers guide services.I reached out via e-mail to inquire about a trip. I had concerns because though I’m not new to fishing, I just recently started learning to fly fish.I also wanted to see if he could work with me because I’m disabled do to complications from being a type 1 Diabetic for 38 years. He assured me that wouldn’t be a problem and he had experience working with people who are limited like me.Jesse also suggested we fish in Tennessee, about a 45 minute drive from Boone, Nc. Jesse even went further and helped me acquire a cabin rental right on Doe Creek for only 85 bucks tax not included. That’s very inexpensive compared to a hotel in Boone.I booked a full day wading trip. Jesse showed up at the cabin we loaded the gear and took of for a day of trout fishing. He definitely new his stuff. What else can you expect from a former ranger and someone who has fished the area for quite some time. With in seconds of my first cast they were hitting the flies aggressively. I must admit I missed several hook sets to begin with until I finally started landed the fish. He was very patient with me asking questions and wanting to learn to become a better angler. I had a great day of fishing to be honest, I don’t think I had that mush fun since I was a kid and fished the Outer Banks with my Dad and Grandad and that is saying something!🤠In concluding if you looking for a guide to fish some of the best trout waters on the east coast, and you want a guide that can work with you and any needs you may have, then Jesse is the guide you need to put you on the fish. I’m already working on finding some time next spring to book with him again.....

Me and a buddy did a full day guide trip with Jesse on 11/2/19 and it was a great experience. My friend had no experience and I had some but Jesse was excellent at teaching to our current skill level. We caught rainbows all day long, probably over 30. Jesse not only was focused on getting us into some fish but also gave lots of tips and knowledge about technique, gear, and the local waterways. It was a wonderful day of fishing. I would most certainly do a guide with him again.

What a great day of fishing. I am a novice fly fisherman and was excited for a trip catching trout....wow what a day. Caught too many fish to count and missed more than I caught! Some of the prettiest trout I have ever seen. Jesse was spot on with locating fish and teaching me how to fish. Excellent service for sure and the lunch on the River was a great touch. This was my first time using a guide and I would highly recommend Tolliver’s. Thanks again for a great day on the water!!

Jesse was a fantastic guide for my novice 13 yo son and myself. He was very helpful and patient w my son. Explained all of the nuances of the stream, casting technique and trout behavior. We are looking forward to our next trip with Jesse.

Awesome Fathers day gift from my son. Jessie will definitely put you on the fish! We caught multiple rainbows, culminating in an 18 on a fly that Jessie tied! Dont book with anyone else.

Did 2 days of wading trips in VA National forests. Did a great job of getting us on fish. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this service.

This was our first time fly fishing and it exceeded our expectations. It was such a fun experience and Jesse is an awesome host. He drove us to his favorite spot and provided so much knowledge on catching trout! We caught several beautiful trout and brought some home to cook! He was very patient and taught us so much! Highly recommend Jesse and his fishing services!

Jesse was very patient with three newbies. He showed us some basics of fly fishing and helped us when we messed up. The weather did not cooperate in the morning but because Jesse knew the area so well, he found for us a good clear trout stream where we could spend most of the day and we even caught a number of fish!

I’ve watched Jesse consistently put his clients on size and numbers of fish on social media so I decided to hire him as our guide for my Dads first fly fishing outing in decades. I’m flat impressed with his knowledge, skill and spots. He put Dad and I on a ton of fish and some awesome quality Brown Trout and large Wild Rainbows!!! I was a guide for five years and I’d trust Jesse yo make your dream come true. Book now cause I’m going back!!!!!

Jesse has been my guide and mentor in the High Country for the last 6 years. We always catch fish, even if the rivers are more fit for Kayaking than fishing. Like Easter weekend, with swollen rivers and logs sailing past we still caught 50 native Brooks and Rainbows. Takes you to the streams where the levels are still low and safe for everyone. Great guide, great price and so much knowledge. Would never use anyone else in the area.

Wonderful day in May with Jessie FISHING. Wow, non stop action!!!!!!!!! You would have thought what we were doing was illegal. Never seen so many hungry wild rainbows. Incredible experience fly fishing with artificial flies. So appreciative for the knowledge, skill, and technique Jessie shared with us to present the fly without spooking the fish. Great personable and humble guide who teaches, demonstrates, and educates every step of the way. Our half a day trip exceeded our expectations.. Thanks for the fish fry lucheon; we thoroughly enjoyed the meal...

Wow, absolutely a fantastic day on the water. Jessie is a great guide. He knows where the fish are at and will so you how to catch them . Very reasonable price, all equipment supplied and the shore lunch was great. Check him outJim - Carolina Outdoor Adventures TV

What a great day of fishing! I went along with my husband and Jesse just to enjoy the mountain scenery and the fresh air. The stream we went to was lovely and my husband caught quite a few beautiful rainbow trout. Jesse provided all the equipment necessary for the trip and the stream side lunch was a great touch. We look forward to coming back.

Such a great experience and a highly skilled guide! Every step of the process from the initial booking to the excellent condition and selection of the equipment was easy. Our guide, Jesse, had spot on expertise in selecting the correct flies to use, he taught us how to determine where in the stream the trout were located. We caught over 50 rainbow trout that day! He even had sandwiches for us. Overall this was a really fun experience and I will be back!

My wife and I did a full day fly fishing trip with Jesse, in the Boone area. We both had a great time. We caught a good number of trout, and learned quite a few tips from Jesse. The trip was relaxed and fun. I would highly recommend Tollivers Guide service if youre looking to book a fly fishing trip.Thanks again Jesse,Eric and Joanne

What a great experience! We were first time anglers and not only did Jesse teach us how to fly fish, we caught wild rainbow trout. Price point is great. Hot lunch cooked on the side of the river was awesome! We caught fish all day in sub par weather conditions. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

We just got back from an amazing trip! It was my first time fly fishing with an actual fly fishing pole and my fiances first time fly fishing period. Jesse accommodated all of our needs and customized the trip to fit us. Despite some crazy weather that shocked all of the trout in the area, we got some really nice, strong bites thanks to Jesse knowing where to look! We look forward to fishing with him in Tennessee again this summer!

I wanted to know if this was something I could get into, I’ve never touched a fly rod before, and I literally lost count of how many fish I caught. Jesse is extremely knowledgeable of this area and all the different species of fish. He literally points, you cast, and Be ready to set the hook! The man is a natural fish whisperer.

If you want someone who really knows their stuff, check out Jesse Tolliver. He has put in hundreds of hours of research on best places to fish. I had a blast fishing with him. He taught me a lot. I would highly recommend Jesse for a guided trip. No matter your experience he can teach you something or show you a trick or two. .. some browns were nailing the dry fly you gave me today in my home town.

Wow! What a day, Jessie took me to a gemof a stream, and we caught wild Brown and Rainbow trout in a beautiful setting. We had rain, and changing water conditions but Jessie adjusted our tactics and we kept catching trout. I recommend him highly for a fantastic day on the creek and a delicious shore lunch too!

Just returned from a second trip with Jesse and once again had a great day. This time my wife, who is new to fly fishing, came too. Jesse matched the stream to her skill level perfectly. His low key instruction style made it fun and easy. He even threw in some technical runs to make sure this old guy could still cast. Caught a great mix of numbers and size. When the ‘bows got finicky he changed tactics to keep us on fish. ( I gotta get some of JT’s hand tied little gems to try on my home waters!) . As always, I was impressed with Jesse’s professionalism and emphasis on safety, not just on the water but his adaptations to the Covid scene. He even watches out for poison ivy! I highly recommend him for new or experienced fishermen alike.

Me and my Dad had a great time with Tolliver’s guide service. Caught Brown and Rainbow Trout with good size and caught plenty of them. Would definitely recommend to anybody!

Jessie knows his stuff, serves the customer well, and you will catch wild fish. He takes care of all the details and keeps you very well informed. I give this guide my highest recommendation.

Jesse was very knowledgeable about the local waters and showed us a few techniques and patterns particular to the area. He put us on big fish, and plenty. We wouldn’t have had such a great trip if we didn’t have Jesse’s input and instruction.

Fantastic experience this weekend with Jesse. Lots of both wild and stocked trout caught. And lunch was delightful creekside. Thank you for a wonderful all day experience!

We have seen Jesse bring many clients through our property on Doe Creek. We have had the opportunity to visit with many of them. We were always very impressed with how pleased they all were with their choice of guides. We took the opportunity to purchase a package for a family friend. We have never met a more successful fisherman.

Last September Jesse took my son in law and I out for the day trout fishing. We caught a mess of rain bow. Jesse provided everything we needed, from waders and boots to rods and flys. Most importantly he taught us how to use them all together to catch local trout in the east Tennessee area. We had a blast.Thanks again Jesse for the good time and all the knowledge you passed on to use.

My wife and I learned to fly fish small creeks with Jesse Tolliver this past weekend, and it was a SUPER experience – it was not just a fishing trip, it was a fishing experience. At the end of the day my wife and I both felt knowledgeable and comfortable enough to fish in this manner on our own!We met Jesse at a central location in Boone and he took us to one of the many creeks he knows about. As a first time fly fisher I had my doubts when I looked at the creek – it didn’t look like a fishing area at all. Boy was I surprised!We wanted to learn how to fish, so Jesse showed us how to rig the rod, and he patiently answered all our questions. Then, after donning waders and boots, we walked down to find a spot to enter the creek. Jesse had warned us to wear neutral colors because trout have keen eyesight, and when we got to the water he reminded us to watch our shadows and make sure our approach avoided casting our shadows where we thought the fish were.In less than 10 minutes, and at the very first spot we stopped, we had caught three nice stocked rainbow trout. I wore out our welcome when I snagged a tree with an errant cast and we made a ruckus getting it unhooked.No matter – we proceeded up the creek and caught fish at several spots along the way. We caught both stocked fish and wild fish (which Jesse taught us to release back into the creek – keep the stocked fish because they are for eating, release the wild fish to allow them to reproduce.)We took a short break for a hot lunch which Jesse cooked for us and then we went back to catching fish. Even though we made some novice mistakes, Jesse was a great teacher and we caught over 20 fish, more wild than stocked! It was so much fun and none of us – Jesse included - wanted to quit, but we had dinner reservations with some friends so we had to stop.It was a wonderful experience and Jesse has an excellent price point (compare his prices – you’ll see). We will definitely use Jesse to teach us other techniques – we can hardly wait! Thanks a bunch Jesse – you did good!

With the rain in the area, Jesse did all he could to find trout. He changed locations and setups, to make sure we caught trout. He knows his craft and is a good teacher.

Best full day of fishing rolled into a half day we have ever had. To keep up with todays methods ask Jesse to help you with keeping your line wet and your mind alert. This is not napping by the creek angling.

Jesse is a wonderful guide! He worked so well with our kids they had a great time. He taught them how to fish, clean, cut and even cook the fish!

Jesse provided a relaxed yet successful (many trout) day on a mountain stream; he then topped it off with a fresh and hot stream-side meal!

The best guide service I have ever used. I left with a ton of knowledge and jesse was super helpful the hole trip. Will deffintly be back and strongly recommend you choosing this guide service if your going to be in the area.

Excellent guide, greatest fly fishing experience on East coast.Markus W.

We had a great time fly fishing with Jesse and we are looking forward to another fishing trip with him that we are taking this summer!

Had an awesome time and caught lots of fish!