This is my third summer in Western North Carolina and without a doubt the hottest and driest I’ve seen. As summer temps hovered consistently around 90 degrees and water levels dropped, the fishing in bigger watersheds predictably slowed down. The solution to the “dog...
Fishing Conditions and Blog
WNC Adventure Guide Highlights Headwaters Fly Fishing Program
Headwaters Outfitters Fly-Fishing Adventures from Land of Sky Media on Vimeo.
Guide Life
Summer’s here. Mornings start around daybreak, tying flies, making lunches, organizing fly boxes and gear, readying the drift boat… mental checklists, physical checklists… don’t forget to grab more 6x flouro at the shop before you leave, don’t forget to clean out...
Sharing Secrets
There is no doubt that some people are better than others when it comes to keeping secrets. Some people are born with a propensity to uncontrollably blurt out any juicy piece of confidential information that comes there way while others staunchly take even mundane...
Fishing in the Late Winter Months
Winter re-appeared here in Western North Carolina and hopefully for the last time. As crazy as it seems now, with temperatures struggling to break the freezing mark, just over a week ago I had clients out on the water with high temps in the 60s. Though I am...
The ins and outs Buyers Guide for Fly Fishing
A few days ago I was working behind the counter in our shop when a couple came in to do some browsing and pick up some fly fishing odds and ends. They checked out with a dozen or so flies, a new traditional braided Tenkara leader, some hemostats, nippers, a zinger or...
Fishing on the Brain……all the time!
I’ve got a bad case of fishin’ on the brain. So, what’s new? I always have fishin’ on the brain. After the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Expo the insidious nature of this dilemma has been greatly compounded. Last weekend people from all over gathered in...
Dear Mom and Dad,
In the past few years I've had the joy of witnessing many people catch their first fish on a fly rod. It’s something that never gets old; sharing in the pure and simple joy of a new experience. Last week I had the great pleasure of watching one more person catch...
Euro-Nymphing the Chattooga
Any avid fly fisherman will tell you that the pursuit never stops. We talk to each other, we read, watch videos, attend seminars; all in the hope of gaining new insight to make time spent on the water more productive. Sometimes it’s as simple as a new tying...
What’s your take on Delayed Harvest?
Well there is no doubt about it folks... delayed harvest is in full swing. That means a lot of different things to different people. For a lot of people the inception of delayed harvest regulations means some of their favorite local streams are packed full of fish...
Autumn Brings Ideal Season for Fly Fishing
Standing in the river on a guided trip a few days ago I noticed the arrival of a cool breeze and saw a few leaves slowly fluttering toward the ground. I thought to myself… finally, fall has arrived. That means some of the best trout fishing of the year is just...
Creating a Family Tradition
As a young boy I was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with my father. We spent many evenings shooting hoops in the driveway, playing catch out in the yard, and most memorable of all, fishing. He would get home from work and with a slight smirk ask, “What do...