Trout Wade Trips
All Ages | All Skill Levels | Private & Public Water
At the headwaters of the French Broad River watershed, we’re proud to be the local fly shop anglers trust for unforgettable days on the water. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or have years of experience, our professional and knowledgeable staff create welcoming experiences for every skill level. From beginner lessons and guided trips to group outings, retreats, and custom fishing adventures, we work closely with you to build the right experience for your goals. With local expertise, personalized instruction, and a passion for helping people connect with the river, we make every outing memorable.
The guides at Headwaters Outfitters are licensed, highly skilled, and deeply passionate about what they do. Creating memorable, educational, and personalized experiences for both new and seasoned anglers is at the heart of every trip.
Whether you’re learning the basics or refining your skills, our professional staff are committed to making your time on the water enjoyable, rewarding, and unforgettable. Join us on the water and experience the difference that local knowledge and expert guidance can make.
When choosing your trip with Headwaters Outfitters, you’ll see both private water and public water options available. The biggest differences come down to setting, access, and the overall experience.
Private Water Trips
Enjoy exclusive access to carefully selected private properties and unique stretches of river. We work closely with local landowners who trust us to care for and respect their property, helping preserve these special places for future trips. These outings offer a more personalized experience in beautiful settings with controlled fishing pressure.
Public Water Trips
Explore some of the best local streams and rivers in the area, many of which are located on public lands such as Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. experience authentic wNC fishing. Our guides are fully permitted to operate in these areas and know how to help you make the most of each outing.
No matter which trip you choose, our experienced staff will help match you with the right water, conditions, and experience level to create a memorable day on the river.
Trip Cost
**Starting April 1, 2026**
To continue providing the quality fly fishing experience our guests expect, we’ve made a necessary update to our trip rates. Rising costs for flies, fuel, and overall operations have made this adjustment important as we head into the season. This change also helps us continue supporting the great team that makes every trip possible. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support.
If you have already booked your 2026 trip, our old rates will be honored. If you have any questions for all current of future bookings please email us at [email protected]
Private Water
Half Day Private Water Trips
1 Angler: $350
2 Anglers: $550
3 Anglers: $750
Full Day Private Water Trips
1 Angler: $475
2 Anglers: $650
3 Anglers: $900
Public Water
HALF Day Public Water Trips
1 Angler: $300
2 Anglers: $425
Full Day Public Water Trips
1 Angler: $400
2 Anglers: $550
GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO
To ensure every guest has a safe, personalized, and high-quality experience on the water, we follow specific guide-to-client ratios. For public water trips, we maintain a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio. For private water trips, we allow up to a 1:3 guide-to-client ratio. Groups exceeding these ratios will require additional guides to maintain the level of service and safety we’re committed to providing.
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.
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.
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
