Headwaters Outfitters Named TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2026Headwaters Outfitters Recognized as a Top-Rated Outdoor Adventure Provider in the United States Brevard, NC – April 28, 2026 – Headwaters Outfitters is proud to announce today that it has...
When most anglers think about fishing in Western North Carolina, trout usually steal the spotlight. But if you’re looking to spice things up this season, it’s time to turn your attention to smallmouth bass. These river-run fighters bring explosive takes, powerful...
Spring on the Upper French Broad River feels like the mountains waking up in slow motion. The mornings are crisp, the river runs clear and steady, and every bend seems to offer something new—wildflowers along the banks, songbirds moving through the trees, and quiet...
ClickonGraphicforFullArticleSpring Fever
Join Us for the 5th Annual Forks of the River Fly Fishing & Music Festival! Spring is around the corner — and so is one of Western North Carolina’s favorite gatherings of anglers, music lovers, and outdoor community! We’re excited to invite you to the 5th Annual...
Most of fall’s leaves are out of the water, tannins are dropping, and the water is clearing up into winter’s beautiful gin-clear clarity. We’ll see this clear water, outside of weather events, through spring of 2026. Don’t slump on late fall, deep winter, and early...
May 20, 2025 Over Two Tons of Trash Removed During 2025 Upper French Broad River Clean-Up 80 Volunteers Collect 4,580 lbs. of Trash from the First 10 Miles of the French Broad River ROSMAN, NC — On Saturday, May 17th, a passionate community of 80 volunteers came...
Summer SmalliesI heard a sound coming from downstream. A quick glance revealed two bands of grey bellybombers. They were low and heading straight for us.I gave a quick warning. “Look out, we may get hit.”The first wave of grey bellies honked as they...
Begin the most rewarding journey now! Welcome to the Fork’s Foundation Class! This course is designed to lay a strong foundation in fly fishing, specifically curated for 10-16 year old anglers. Students will enjoy a full day of fun, hands-on instruction, led by...
When overnight rains swell the water levels, pushing temperatures down to around 50 degrees, it's a familiar scenario for smallmouth fishing guides like myself in Western North Carolina. Here's my approach to keeping the bites coming when others might pack it in....
The daffodils are up and the trout will have dispersed and will be found in shallower riffles runs and pocket water searching for food. Direct morning and midday sun will be a bonus. Pools will hold fewer trout during the day. The trout will move into faster water as...
The water was 43°, still too cold for heavy feeding. The sun was out and it was still a good day to be on the water. This time of year, I like to get out on rivers and keep an eye out for early spring hatches. The cold nights are keeping the insects from hatching...
