The Speckled Trout Outfitters

The Speckled Trout Outfitters started simple: two brothers—William and Eric Brinker—combining a lifelong passion for wild places into a sustainable guide service. What began as trout chasing in the mountains evolved into a full outfitting business anchored on seven core values: Community, Stewardship, Integrity, Authenticity, Excellence, Fun, and developing outdoor professionals who know their craft.

"From the mountains to the flats, saltwater fly fishing has become his favorite obsession, and he's always searching for the next species, the next destination, and the next story worth sharing."

Main Location — 922 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Outpost Location — 201 West Laurel Avenue, Damascus, VA 24236 Lodging & Shop — 916 Main Street, Suites 200 & 210, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

They run guided trips across Western North Carolina's most productive waters: the Watauga River, South Holston River tailwaters, and high-country streams around Boone. Hunting guides work the NC mountains and coastal regions for multiple species.

• •Joel Brown — Head guide with Colorado and Montana experience. Fished the Bighorn River, now full-time on home waters.
• •Lawson Greene — Local creek specialist. Five years dedicated to fly fishing the Watauga and South Holston tailwaters.
• •Phillip Jamison — Started as weekend guide while working healthcare, now full-time. Known for teaching new anglers and building client relationships.
• •Joseph Lynch — Came from the Ozarks where he guided smallmouth bass and trout on the White River. Moved to NC in 2023 to guide full-time.
• •Wynn Parrish — Canadian-born fly fisher with 30+ years experience. Explores pristine Western NC and East Tennessee streams.

• •Ryan Hartley — Striper and bass specialist. Also guides bear hunts across NC and has elk experience out west. Licensed electrical contractor by trade.
• •Ryan Crawley — Hiking and backpacking guide with 4,000+ miles under his belt. Thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and John Muir Trail. Licensed EMT and Linville Central Search and Rescue team member.
• •Mark Spangler — Wildlife biologist and ecologist with field research experience in remote areas (Mojave Desert, Alaska Range). 2019 AT thru-hiker. Wilderness First Aid certified.
• •Emery Matthews — Nature educator specializing in Earth Skills. Wilderness First Responder since 2015. Certified in herbal medicine and ecopsychology.

Every guide on this team has real roots—most grew up in Boone or the surrounding High Country. They're not seasonal operators. Reed Conner (General Manager) started fly fishing at age 6 with his dad and grandpa. Joel Brown fished every chance he could in high school before leaving to build guide experience out West and coming home. These aren't transplants chasing a paycheck; they came back because this is home.

The company structure reflects their values: Michael Foreman handles both head chef and guide responsibilities. Ryan Hartley, despite being a leukemia survivor and licensed electrical contractor, dedicates himself to getting people outside. Mark Spangler holds a degree in wildlife biology and conservation—he's not just fishing for clients, he's stewarding the resource.

Head to their website to browse guided adventures, check the calendar for available dates, and book trips. They also operate a retail fly shop stocked with tackle and gear. The Blowing Rock location includes lodging options through "Rising on Main" for multi-day adventures.