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Brevard Fishing Expert: Headwaters Outfitters
25 Parkway Road, Rosman, NC
828-877-3106 || headwatersoutfitters.com
Guided Fly Fishing Excursions With Headwaters Outfitters
Private Water: Fish the beautiful Horsepasture River just a short drive from Bre-
vard. This stretch of river offers incredible scenery and solitude and allows anglers to
feel miles away from everything even though it’s only a short drive from the shop. We
only run one trip per day on the private water so if clients book it, it’s all theirs. It’s a
great place to fish for beginners and experienced fishermen alike. The average size fish
is in the 16-18 inch range and anglers have the opportunity to catch rainbow, brown, and
brook trout. Fish in the 20-24 inch range are not uncommon. Directions from
Brevard: Take US-64 W out of downtown for 8.5 miles. Turn right onto NC-215
N. Headwaters Outfitters is immediately on the left. Receive a special 10 percent discount on reservations for fly fishing trips by mentioning the WNC Adventure Guide.
Headwaters Outfitters also stocks a great selection of flies, fly fishing gear and everything
you need to get out and enjoy a day of fly fishing in Western North Carolina.
WildWater: When it comes to adventure, nothing beats the feeling of stalking trout
through wild and scenic mountain streams and rivers.The staff at Headwaters Outfitters
loves guiding trips on wild streams like Courthouse Creek or the streams of Panthertown Valley. Panthertown Valley offers some of the best native Southern Appalachian
Brook Trout fishing in the region. The fish are small in size but so beautiful in color.
Panthertown, Courthouse Creek and other small streams often give the angler a chance
to hike in and get off the beaten fishing path. Fishing these small streams is often referred
to as “blue lining,” which gets its name from the little blue lines on a map. In the midst
of summer when larger rivers warm up and fish become lethargic, these cold mountain
streams still offer fantastic fishing. These small streams are perfect for the dry fly enthusiast because fish are often eager to eat a dry fly offering. For many people it is a special
experience to catch a wild fish in the stream in which it was born.
Delayed Harvest: Headwaters is just minutes away from the East Fork of the
French Broad, which is one of the most heavily stocked delayed harvest streams in the
state. The state puts approximately 15,000 fish in this 4.5 mile section of river every
year. With catch and release regulations from October through May, losing track of how
many fish you catch throughout the day may be your only problem. With easy roadside
access and fairly straightforward wading, this stretch of water is perfect for young and old
alike. Headwaters Outfitterts is also close to the West Fork of the Pigeon River, another
stream designated as delayed harvest. After a scenic drive up to and over the Blue Ridge
Parkway clients are met by a beautiful gin-clear mountain stream full of trout. The shop’s
central location is a huge benefit. as they are also a short drive from hatchery supported
designated streams like the West Fork of the French Broad and the Davidson River.
Challenge Your Skills On the Davidson: Named as one of Trout
Unlimited’s “Top 100 Trout Streams in America,” the Davidson is a very productive
freestone river that supports many trophy-class fish over 20 inches.About 14 miles of
the river, from its headwaters to Avery Creek, are managed under catch-and-release,
fly-fishing only regulations. The lowest mile is hatchery supported. The C&R section
can be technical, requiring small flies and light tippets. Midge flies rule here. Directions from Brevard: Head to Pisgah Forest and turn left onto Hwy 276, which
parallels the Davidson through the Pisgah National Forest. Numerous pull-offs are available, but
keep in mind this is first-come, first-serve, so get there early to claim your spot.
French Broad Smallmouth: Smallmouth bass have been described as
pound for pound the hardest fighting freshwater fish out there. The by-water and Biltmore sections of the French Broad near Asheville offer some of the best smallmouth
fishing in the region. Clients can take a ride down the third oldest river in the world and
target these fish either with fly rods or light tackle spinning gear. When the smallmouth
bite is on, the action is unbeatable. A scenic ride down the river and great smallmouth
action make for an unforgettable day. Directions from Brevard: Guided float
trips are available by reservation through Headwaters Outfitters, but if you’d prefer to paddle
your own boat, a favorite section begins at Ferncliff Park in Mills River and floats down to Butl \