Trout & Tunes

Near Brevard, NC · October–May

Inquire About Availability

Start your morning on the water and finish the day picking the banjo. 

❋ A Full Day Experience

Immerse yourself in the mountains. You’ll visit a beautiful mountain stream, have lunch at a private residence, and play and learn banjo with Bennett Sullivan.

❋ Expert Teachers

Stratton and Bennett are at the top of their respective fields. You’re coming to the best to learn about western North Carolina fishing and banjo picking!

❋  2.5 hours of Banjo

The best way to dive deep into learning music is to spend the time exploring and practicing bluegrass with a mentor. Learn how Bennett approaches practice and making music.

Your Team

Stratton Hunter

Fishing Guide

Voted #2 in USA TODAY 10 Best Fly Fishing Guides for 2026.

Stratton is an Asheville native who has fished in waters across the globe. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned-pro, Stratton knows hows to get you on fish.

Bennett sullivan

Banjo Instructor

An in-demand banjo player, educator, session musician, and composer whose performed alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Strings, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka, Ben Sollee, Woody Platt, Shannon Whitworth, Weird Al Yankovic, Elle King, Balsam Range, Darren Nicholson, The Falco Brothers, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, and many more.

Ives Farm

Lunch & a banjo lesson

The Ives Farm is where you’ll relax for lunch and dive into the banjo with Bennett.

Schedule

Guided Fishing

8:00am – 12:00pm

Lunch Break

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Banjo Intensive

2:00 - 5:00pm (with a break built in)

pricing

Packages start at $900 for a single angler, which includes guided fishing, lunch, and the banjo intensive.

Lodging & travel not included.

FAQ

  • Yes! But due to the nature of both the fishing and lesson, there’s only room for 2 people max per trip.

  • Simply put, when the rivers heat up the fish don’t eat. You are more likely to hook up during trout season, which is in the cooler months of the year.

  • Accommodations are not included but we can recommend some great rentals or hotels to stay at!

  • We are fortunate to have a variety of yummy & healthy dining options around our area. You can leave it up to us or we can present you with some options.

  • Certainly! Just let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll do our best to accommodate.