Alex Bell owns and operates AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service in Sylva. A long-time resident of Western North Carolina, Bell has an intimate knowledge of the trout waters along the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, especially the portions that include the Tuckaseigee River. Bell recently retired after 30 years in public education to provide fly fishing instruction and fly fishing guide services in the trout-rich waters of Jackson County. 

Bobby Kilby is a native of Western North Carolina who lives in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Kilby is an outdoorsman who began fly fishing in 1991. Between 1994 and 2007, he achieved the astonishing feat of catching at least two trout in 1,000 streams in North Carolina. The total now exceeds 1,040 streams, including all 15 on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail and 75 more in the vicinity. Kilby’s detailed fishing journal has been used by biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. 

Julie Spiro Donaldson is a Jackson County native and Executive Director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visitor Center. She grew up fishing the Tuckaseigee River adjacent to her family's farm. It has been her vision for many years to showcase the county's abundant trout waters to fly fishing enthusiasts. Julie is the founder of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, coordinated the Mountain Heritage Trout City designation throughout Jackson County, founder of the Hook, Line & Drinker Fishing Festival, and has spearheaded the efforts as the Chamber Director for Jackson County's quest to become the Trout Capital of North Carolina.