Fishing Conditions and Blog
Mid-August Fishing Report with Headwaters Outfitters
Mid-August Fishing Report Aug 17, 2026 By: Brett Meany Welcome to the peak of the summer season! We are currently navigating the final stretch of the summer, with cooler temperatures fortunately on the horizon. August has seen a return to regular scheduled programming...
Honesty from the River
A message from Headwaters Outfitters Honesty from the River Summer 2026 | River conditions update For nearly 35 years, the most important thing to us as a family business has been about each person's experience on the water. We've built this business by providing...
Headwaters Outfitters Named TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2026
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...
A Guide to Smallmouth Bass in WNC
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...
Signs of Spring – An Upper French Broad Experience
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...
Early Spring E-News
ClickonGraphicforFullArticleSpring Fever
Winter Fishing Suggestions; Leaders & Flies
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!
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 Fishing Tips, Staying Comfortable, and Guide Picks
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...
Late Fall Fishing Report with Gavin Griffin
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...
No Better Time Than Now!
“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...