
Fly Fishing trout wade trips
all ages, all skill levels. experience WNC Fly Fishing
Private Group and Corporate Trips Available.
We’re the local fly shop on the headwaters of the French Broad River watershed and it’s surrounding tributaries, like the Davidson River. We’re as local as local gets for the French Broad!
When you hire a fly fishing guide at Headwaters Outfitters, you’re getting a highly skilled, 7-day-a-week guide focused and passionate about chasing trout on the West, North, East and Main Stem of the French Broad River. We take care of our clients here and are proud of it!

Public vs. Private Water
When choosing a trip, you’ll see PRIVATE water and PUBLIC water trips available. The biggest difference is location and setting: on private water trips, you’ll be on our land, fishing our sections of the rivers that only our clients fish. That means just your group and the fish on your section of water, no one else around to compete with.
- A licensed, knowledgeable fishing guide who can assist you with casting, locating fish, and whatever questions you may have.
- Fly Fishing equipment- Rod, Reel, Fly Line, Leaders, Tippet, Flies
- A North Carolina Fishing License (you can purchase both ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org)
***DUE TO COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS, THE FOLLOWING HAS CHANGED: - A ride to and from the water you’ll be fishing is no longer provided. Your guide will figure out shuttling with you prior to the trip.
- Lunch, beverages and snacks will not be provided by your guide. Please be ready to provide yourselves lunch, beverages and snacks.
2022 Price Increase
Please Note that due to increase in overhead, we will have a slight price increase starting January 2022 for all fishing trips.
- 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
Rates Do Not Include
- A North Carolina Fishing License (you can purchase both ahead of time by visiting NCwildlife.org)
- Transportation from Headwaters’ shop to and from the stream(s) you will be fishing
- Full Day Trips include: Picnic Lunch including Water and Sodas.
COST:
Private Water
Guided Fly Fishing Wade Trips1/2 Day Private Water Trips
- 1 Angler- $275
- 2 Anglers- $415
- 3 Anglers- $550
Full Day Private Water Trips
- 1 Angler- $400
- 2 Anglers- $575
- 3 Anglers- $750
Public Water
Guided Fly Fishing Wade Trips1/2 Day Public Water Trips
- 1 Angler- $240
- 2 Anglers- $320
Full Day Public Water Trips
- 1 Angler- $350
- 2 Anglers- $425

Details:
Best Suited for: All levels of experience
Ballpark Seasons To Fish: Year Round! With Mid-March through Mid-May and Mid- September through Mid-December prime time.
Destinations: East Fork Private Water, North Fork Private Water, Public Water:
- Davidson River
- Tuckaseegee River
- Pigeion River
- French Broad River
- Over 250 miles of small creeks and tributaries
Trip Description: The average meet time is 8:30am. 4 hour 1/2 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.
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.