Find solitude on our
North Fork Private Waters

As professional guides who spend over 200 days a year on the water, we here at Headwaters Outfitters recognize that public trout waters in the Southeast are under a lot of stress. The Pisgah National Forest and surrounding area where we work is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the nation’s population, and even the most remote brook trout streams are seeing more angling traffic as an ever-growing population of fisherfolks seeks out the solitude of wild trout water.

The result is more and more overcrowding of popular public waters and heavily pressured fish that are harder to catch. Realizing this, Headwaters has strengthened its commitment to protecting existing resources, promoting catch-and-release regulations and spreading out angling pressure among different streams. But that, unfortunately, is not enough to provide every fly fisher with the privacy and quality of experience they seek.

That’s where our North Fork Private Waters come in. Located just 10 minutes from our River Shop, our private water offers fly fishing the way it used to be: peaceful solitude and fat, colorful trout in a wild, forested setting. Rainbows and browns on our trophy section run from 9-inch wild jewels to four-pound bruisers who explode into the air when hooked. Because the river bottom is private property (we lease both sides), the only visitors allowed by law are our customers.

A maximum of four anglers is permitted on the private stretch at a time, and we strive to rest the water between trips to allow each angler the best fishing experience possible. We manage this water exclusively under catch-and-release, fly fishing only regulations. Rates for the private water are $325 for one angler and $400 for two anglers, and all trips include a scrumptious shore lunch, gear rental (waders, boots, rods and reels) and transportation to and from the river. Call or email us to book your exclusive private waters trip today!