Meet The Fly-Fishing Guides

Passionate. Dedicated. Committed. Every Day.

WELCOME, THANKS FOR GETTING TO KNOW US!

We’re a family of 7-Day-A-Week fishing guides based along the headwaters on the French Broad River. Our everyday job is making sure you walk into our shop and feel right at home with our fishing guides and store staff. We truly do love our clients like family, and can’t wait to have you become part of ours, too!

Here at Headwaters Outfitters, we care about educating our anglers, finding new and exciting experiences on the water, and most importantly, giving you, your family and friends great memories during your trip!

Enjoy getting to know our fishing guides below:

Headwaters Outfitters Guide Staff:

Whether it’s a guided trip with our three boys, or a guys or ladies fishing weekend, our family never misses an opportunity to fish with our friends at Headwaters Outfitters.  We love the entire organization and feel as though they are part of our family.

– The Hobbs Family

Gavin Griffin

Fishing Guide

U.S.C.G. Captain, Gavin B. Griffin

Captain Gavin’s priority is making every day on the water meet, or beat your expectations, while being educational and just fun to fish with. He’ll often ask you what you expect from the day and do his best to learn about you. Expressing your wants and needs from the day helps him refine the day into becoming your favorite fishing trip!

 

Known to be incredibly patient with beginners and great with kids, he’s honest and insightful for even the most seasoned anglers. Even if you’ve fished it all, Gavin’s professionalism finds a way to offer something new, exciting and adventurous even to the most well-fished anglers.

He values a relaxed, intentional approach—taking the time to make a good cast, if we’re lucky, a great cast; maybe enjoy a bank-side break or beverage after a trophy fish to take it all in and fully experience the fishery, nature and the enjoyment of being present. “It’s not always about the fishing,” Gavin says. Life is fast and busy, fishing with Gavin is meant to be a break where everyone is enjoying the moment. He’s a chill guy doing what he loves most: guiding and fishing with folks that love the outdoors.

While often chasing trout, he also frequently guides river smallmouth bass trips across the lower French Broad River in and around Asheville and Marshall; the lower Tuckasegee River outside of Sylva, and Little Tennessee near the Great Smokies on both fly rods and light tackle during warmer summer seasons. He periodically guides musky on the fly and chases spring-run striped bass in South Carolina and Georgia.

Find Gavin on Instagram @troutexplosions
U.S.C.G. Captain, Gavin Griffin
Direct Cell: 814.227.8876 / gavin@headwatersoutfitters.com

CONTACT GAVIN

I like that they have all the things you need to be successful : high fly fishing IQ, great water, top gear, and just plain good people to fish with.

– Dave B.

Hannah Myers Overgaard

Fly Shop Manager & Guide

Hannah Myers Overgaard was born and raised in Transylvania County.  As a local to Rosman, she grew up playing in the creeks and woods surrounding her home. From a young age she was sure that the outdoor industry would be a path she would take. Hannah manages the main Fly Shop at Headwaters, as well as the Downtown Brevard location, in addition to the Headwaters Destination Travel Fishing Trips!

**Hannah has limited availability. Please inquire with her via hannah@headwatersoutfitters.com to check openings.**

When she’s not in the shop, you can find her at home in Greenville, SC enjoying life with her husband, Andy, and 2 Goldendoodles, Boone & Bear! Hannah is also an avid big game hunter and enjoys the chase and conservation of different species around the world!

**Hannah has limited availability. Please inquire with her via hannah@headwatersoutfitters.com to check openings.**

 

CONTACT HANNAH

Lydia Dann

Fishing Guide

In the summer of 2019, after 10 years as a service industry professional, Lydia accepted a hospitality position with Reel Action Fly Fishing in Quinhagak, Alaska. She enjoyed being fully submerged in the fly fishing industry and used that opportunity to hone her fly fishing skills by learning techniques from her coworkers, and using her free time to explore the Kanektok River for Pacific salmon, trout and Dolly Varden. Lydia is a jane of all trades here at Headwaters. You can find her pouring beers in the taproom, working in the shop, and helping out with the fly fishing program.

Chris Franzen

Head Guide

Chris Franzen found his passion for fly fishing at the age of three, while running through the isles of his dad’s fly shop. He started guiding at 16-years-old in the foothills of North Carolina. Upon graduating high school Chris moved to Colorado where he guided in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes.

Over the past few years Chris has spent time guiding the rivers of the Bristol Bay region of Alaska and the Patagonia region of Chile. Chris is well versed in a wide variety of techniques and enjoys sharing his knowledge with clients.  Nothing makes Chris happier than seeing his clients grasp the same passion that he has for the sport.

CONTACT CHRIS

Brett Meany

Fishing Guide

Brett Walker Meany was born and raised in Transylvania County and grew up along the French Broad. Brett has always had a passion for the outdoors, and is excited to put his skills to use. Formerly working with GIS systems goes seamlessly with his love for fly fishing, the outdoors, and wildlife.

Brett is available for full day and half day fly fishing wade trips for trout.

CONTACT BRETT

Ty Mooney

Fishing Guide

Captain Ty Mooney offers clients an array of largemouth bass lakes to choose from, including opportunities at smallmouth, striper bass and hybrids. Enjoy his luxurious bass boat as you charter the lakes and rivers of Western North Carolina and South Carolina.

You can Hire Ty for trout wade trips and lake bass for:

  • Small Tackle / Light Tackle Only
  • Children age 6+ are welcome aboard
  • Sorry, No Dogs Allowed
CONTACT TY

Jeremy Shurites

Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Guide, Jeremy, a PA native, grew up in the Pocono Mountains. In high school he found the sport of fly fishing as something to do when the snow melted and snowboarding was no longer a viable option. Jeremy quickly dove head first into the sport dedicating all of his time to hunting down big fish and specific target species.

Out on the water, Jeremy values fun, learning, conservation, and helping to create memories that will last an angler a life time. In Jeremy’s spare time you can find him fly tying, hiking, and camping in his roof top tent with his dog, Captain.

CONTACT JEREMY

Ryan Kaufman

Fishing Guide

Ryan Kaufman has been with Headwaters since 2014. He has been guiding in Western North Carolina for almost 10 years.  Before making his way to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Kansas City native spent time Colorado guiding. Ryan now owns his own Chimney Business, Smokey Rise Chimney Service, along with wife Lee.  He guides part here at the shop but is very much a big part of who we are.

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