Rob Lilley

Rob grew up fishing in England targeting a variety of species, though trout were always his first choice. In 2009 Rob moved to North Carolina to study Ecology at UNC Greensboro, where he met his future wife, a WNC native. Rob quickly fell deeply in love with the lush mountains of Western North Carolina. After graduation it was a no brainer to make the move permanent

Rob's first love is getting into the backcountry to explore lesser visited parts of the forest in search of wild trout and he’s found a few hidden gems along the way. Rob delights in sharing his discoveries with his clients as well as teaching and discussing the unique ecology of these mountains.

Favorite Fish: Southern Appalachian Brook Trout

Favorite River: West Fork of the Pigeon

Special Skill: Ecology & Natural History

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Let's Go Fishing!

Our area has hundreds of miles of streams and rivers to explore, giving DRO's guides a large canvas on which to create your fishing adventure. Whether you are looking for a two-hour introduction to fly fishing for trout or a full-day float trip in the hunt for Musky, we've got the perfect guided fishing experience for you.

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Guided Fly Fishing

A great fishing guide goes a long way! DRO's guides can help you learn new skills and explore endless miles of Western North Carolina trout streams.
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Fly Fishing Instruction

DRO offers instructional programs in a variety of fly fishing disciplines. Our class options cover everything from casting and fishing techniques to fly tying and custom rod-building.
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Destination Fishing Trips

From floating the legendary trout streams of Montana to high adventure trips chasing Golden Dorado in Argentina, DRO has a fly fishing adventure for every angling appetite.
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Located in Pisgah Forest, N.C., with the legendary Davidson River right out our back door, DRO carries a full line of fly fishing gear and apparel, as well as a wide range of fly tying materials and tools. Advice is always free, and we love pointing anglers in the right direction.

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