From the serene lakes and winding rivers of our homeland to the vast stretches of ocean coastline, fishing enthusiasts—whether casual or hardcore—have countless chances to dip a line, net, or even a hand into the water. The beauty of this sport? For most of us, these opportunities are practically right around the corner, just a stone's throw away from home.
That's why, teaming up with our pals over at Men’s Journal, we’ve created a new video series called “America’s Backyard.” It highlights some of the nation's best outdoor escapes where you can reconnect with nature and try something new and exciting. Think of it as your passport to adventure, no passport required!
Back to Basics: A Fishing Reset
Meet Lydia Dann, a guide at Asheville Fly Fishing Co., who grew up splashing around in the water since she was a little tyke at her family’s fishing camp. This Buffalo, New York, native now spends her days teaching others the art of fly fishing in the breathtaking waters of North Carolina. Recently, Lydia took three of her friends on a day trip to learn the ropes of this timeless sport.
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Her students for the day came from all walks of life when it came to fishing experience. Madelyn Silcox, the owner of Down Dog—a yoga studio and off-leash dog-friendly bar in downtown Asheville—had dabbled in fishing with her fiancé Matt, who also happens to be a fly fishing guide. Miranda Ryan, an artist and photographer, considered herself a beginner, having only fished once before. Then there was Heidi Wheildon, the newbie of the group, who joked that she was a “total fish out of water.”
Despite their varying levels of expertise, all the women were eager to dive into a day of fishing fun, ready to soak up some lessons along the way.
No Signal? No Problem
As the group floated along the river, cell reception was spotty at best. But guess what? Not a single one of them seemed to mind. In fact, the absence of social media notifications and text messages was a welcome change.
“When you're out here, your mind is completely focused on the moment,” Lydia shared. “Fly fishing isn't just about catching fish—it's about immersing yourself in the environment. You're constantly aware of your surroundings, the underwater world, and what the fish might be nibbling on. By the time I leave the water and head home, I've had a total mental reset. It's like a mini-vacation.”
Unplugging: A Digital Detox
For Madelyn, disconnecting from her phone was nothing short of a blessing. “I feel so much better when I’m not glued to my screen,” she admitted. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless scrolling, and before you know it, your brain just zones out. But being outdoors, away from service, forces you to live in the moment—and it feels amazing.”
Heidi echoed the sentiment, adding, “Especially since the pandemic, working from home has turned into a lot of screen time. It’s become an addiction I’m ready to break. Today, I’m embracing the simplicity of nature and leaving my phone behind.”
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As the ladies got the hang of the basics, Madelyn reeled in her very first rainbow trout. “It was inspiring!” she exclaimed with a laugh. “Maybe I could rough it in the wild after all.”
Women and Fly Fishing: Breaking Stereotypes
Miranda had some advice for women curious about fly fishing: “If you’re hesitant, I’d suggest removing the word ‘sport’ from the equation. For me, it didn’t feel like a competition—it felt more like an activity, almost meditative. Like yoga, it connects you deeply with nature. So, don’t think of it as just a guy’s thing. It’s for everyone!”
From River to Table: A Culinary Adventure
To cap off the day, local chef Nichols Barr joined the group back at their lodge to teach them how to filet a trout. “River-to-table cooking means catching a fish, cleaning it, and then preparing a delicious meal with that fresh ingredient,” Nichols explained. “We’ll start by pan-searing the trout skin, then finish it with breadcrumbs and bake it in the oven for a flavorful dish.”
For more stories from the group and to learn more about fly fishing in the area, check out the video above and visit Asheville Fly Fishing Co. for details.
