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
Fishing in Pisgah National Forest; some folks’ bucket list, some folks’ backyard escape! Either way, January and February are beautiful months in the forest and they bring cold, ultra-clear water, and the year’s lightest fishing pressure. Pisgah is worth visiting in...
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...
Winter fly fishing in Western North Carolina is a quieter, more intentional season. One that rewards patience, a willingness to slow down and a little pre-planning for both fishing and safety concerns. As water temperatures drop, the trout’s metabolism also slows...
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...
“Right on time,” I’d say. The pre-spawn and spawn-phase smallmouth bass are back in the rotation for guided trips. During this early spring window, the bass are hungry, a little fat and sassy, and ready to eat—especially in the warmth of the day. Being in a raft makes...
The Quill Gordon Dry Fly The cold winter has finally shaken off its icy grip. We had a long week of sunny skies with warm temperatures. The Davidson is flowing near ideal levels and the daytime temps are reaching into the mid 40s. Earlier in the week I drove around...
Winter fishing typically means higher water and cold temps. Sometimes standing in water that is 35° is challenging, even on sunny warm days. A great alternative is to float bigger rivers in the winter. Rafts and drift boats navigate higher water in winter and keep you...
A true “must have” fly!
