Guided Smallmouth Float Trips

Predator Fish  | fly & Light tackle 

introduce yourself to the infamous “pound for pound, hardest fighting freshwater fish”

on FLY OR LIGHT TACKLE TRIPS

Cost

Full Day

$600 (Up to 2 Anglers per boat)

No 1/2 Days Available

included in trip cost

  • 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
  • Light Tackle Equipment Upon Request 
  • Transportation & Shuttle System will be discussed prior to your trip

Not Included in Trip Cost

  • A North Carolina Fishing License (you can purchase ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org)
  • Lunch, Snacks and Beverages 
  • Guide Gratuity

frequently Asked Questions

Suited for: All Skill Levels (maximum 2 anglers per boat)

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of this trip, because the hard-charging smallmouth bass have moved out of the depths and into feeding positions where we can more easily tempt them with flies.

Fueled by coffee and breakfast biscuits, we’ll put in at the boat ramp and drift through woods and old Indian weirs as we work poppers and streamers along the banks, grass beds and mid-stream shoals. If our luck holds, the quiet serenity of the river will be broken by the explosive strikes of smallies, which have been aptly called “pound-for-pound, the hardest fighting fish in freshwater.” Occasionally, a toothy muskellunge will follow our fish to the boat in a predatory frenzy that is not to be missed!

Osprey, herons, beavers, muskrats and waterfowl will be our regular companions as we drift lazily downstream to the take-out. Sunbathing spouses enjoy this trip almost as much as the anglers.

Possible destinations:

The French Broad River, the Tuckasegee River or the Little Tennessee River

Rates Include

  • A licensed, knowledgeable fishing guide who can assist you with casting, locating fish, and whatever questions you may have.
  • Transportation from Headwaters’ shop to and from the stream(s) you will be fishing
  • Fly Fishing equipment- including Rod, Reel, Flies, Boots & Waders if necessary

Rates Do Not Include

    • A North Carolina Fishing License  (you can purchase ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org)
    • Dressing appropriately for the weather- We recommend wearing quick dry clothing even though your Waders will be waterproof. Wear fleece or polyester layers during colder months, and bring a good rain jacket no matter the forecast. Wear thick wool socks.
    • Hat, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Camera, Insect Repellent, and a change of clothes just in case.
    • Camouflage- Try to avoid brightly colored shirts and hats that may spook the fish. Earth tones are better.
    • Lunch/Snacks/Drinks – please pack your own
    • Gratuity for Guide