Trout Wade Trips
All Ages | All Skill Levels | Private & Public Water
We are known as the local fly shop at the headwaters of the French Broad River watershed. we have Programs for Anglers of all skill levels, and options for retreats and groups as well. We work with you to customize and create the right fishing outing for you.
Guides at Headwaters Outfitters are licensed, highly skilled and passionate in their field of work. Providing unique memorable and educational experiences for both new and seasoned anglers is a daily goal for our guides. Join us on the water!
PRIVATE VS PUBLIC WATER
When choosing a trip, you’ll see private water and public water trips are available. SOME OF The biggest differenceS in location and settING is AS FOLLOWS:
on private water trips, you’ll have exclusive access to unique private property, fishing sections of the rivers that only headwaters outfitters’ clients fish.
on public water trips, you’ll fish local streams nearby, that all have access to. Many, but not all, of these streams are located within our public lands including: Pisgah National Forest and Dupont STate Forest. (Both of which we are permitted to guide on)
Trip Cost
Private Water
Half Day Private Water Trips
1 Angler: $325
2 Anglers: $500
3 Anglers: $675
Full Day Private Water Trips
1 Angler: $450
2 Anglers: $650
3 Anglers: $825
Public Water
HALF Day Public Water Trips
1 Angler: $275
2 Anglers: $425
Full Day Public Water Trips
1 Angler: $375
2 Anglers: $550
GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO
To provide the best customer service and experience to all our clients we follow certain guide to client ratios. For public water trips a 1-2 guide to client ratio will be followed. For private water trips, there is a 1-3 guide to client ratio. For groups larger than our guide to client ratio, additional guides are required.
INCLUDED IN TRIP COST
- A licensed, knowledgeable fishing guide who can assist you with casting, locating fish, and whatever questions you may have.
- All necessary fly fishing equipment – Rod, Reel, Fly Line, Leaders, Tippet, Flies, Boots and Waders when needed.
Not Included in Trip Cost
- A North Carolina Fishing License. You will need an “Inland Fishing License”, available in either a 10 day, or annual option. You can purchase this ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org.
- A ride to and from the water you’ll be fishing. Your guide will set a meeting time and place and plan shuttling, if needed, with you prior to the trip.
- Lunch, beverages and snacks are not provided.
Billy P.
Trout Wade Trip Overview
BEST SUITED FOR:
All levels of experience
SEASONS TO FISH:
Year Round! With Mid-March through Mid-May and Mid- September through Mid-December being prime time.
DESTINATIONS:
Private Water:
East Fork and North Fork of the French Broad River
Public Water:
- Tuckaseegee River
- Pigeon River
- French Broad River
- Davidson River
- Over 250 miles of small backcountry creeks and tributaries
TRIP DESCRIPTION:
The average meet time is 8:30am. 4 hour Half Days and 8 Hours Full Days Available. If you choose a half day, we have two time slots during the day to fish: morning or afternoon. If you choose a full day, your guide will choose a start time and you’ll fish 8 hours from the start of the trip, taking an hour long break for lunch.
Before arriving for your trip please fill out our online release waiver. You will also need to purchase your North Carolina Fishing License.
Once you check in and meet your guide they will help you get geared up — yes, we provide everything you need to have a successful day! Next, you’ll gather your belongings into your own vehicle and follow your guide to your fishing destination.
From there, you can expect to be walking up and down the river with your guide, standing and fishing for your 4 or 8-hour session.
*If you book a full day trip, expect a 1-hour lunch half way through your trip. Remember, all guests are responsible to provide their own food and drinks on their trips. We do not provide food and drink due to COVID-19 recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Trout Wade Trip?
- What's a standard wade trip entail?
- Possible Fishing Destinations
- What's included?
At Headwaters Outfitters you have the option to either (1) walk in the river as you fish or (2) ride in a boat down the river as you fish.
A “wade trip” means you’ll be choosing option (1) above: walking and standing in the river as you fish.
For beginners, large groups of more than 3+ people, or any angler looking to really learn to read water and connect with a stretch of water — a wade trip is for you!
You can fish for 4 hours (half day) or 8 hours (full day).
If you choose a half day, we have two time slots during the day to fish: morning or afternoon. If you choose a full day, your guide will choose a start time and you’ll fish 8 hours from the start of the trip.
Once you meet your guide and check in at the start of the trip, your guide will help you get geared up — yes, we provide everything you need to have a successful day. Next, you’ll gather your belonging into your own vehicle and follow your guide to your fishing destination.
From there, you can expect to be walking up and down the river with your guide, standing and fishing for your 4 or 8-hour session.
*If you book a full day trip, expect a 1-hour lunch half way through your trip. Remember, all guests are responsible to provide their own food and drinks on their trips. We do not provide food and drink due to COVID-19 recommendations.
Possible destinations:
The Davidson River through Brevard, North Carolina; The East Fork of the French Broad River, North Fork of the French Broad River, West Fork of the French Broad River through Rosman, North Carolina; Courthouse Creek; Looking Glass Creek; North Mills River or South Mills Rivers; the West Fork of the Pigeon River; or our Private Waters.
- A licensed, knowledgeable fishing guide who can assist you with casting, locating fish, and whatever questions you may have.
- Fly Fishing equipment- including Waders, Wading Boots, Fly Rod, Reel, and Fly Line, Flies
Rates Do Not Include
- A North Carolina Fishing License (you can purchase this ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org)
- Transportation from Headwaters’ shop to and from the stream(s) you will be fishing
- Lunch, Snacks, Beverages