Drift down the French Broad River or cast your line in pristine trout streams with Headwaters Outfitters. Brevard’s go-to spot for fly fishing, paddling, and tubing adventures.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable sitting or paddling for extended periods and able to get in and out of the river safely.
Wildlife
History
The French Broad River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, flowing north through the Appalachian Mountains for over 300 million years.
Conservation
Headwaters Outfitters partners with local nonprofits to protect river habitats and minimize erosion through responsible recreation.
Headwaters Outfitters
Drift down the French Broad River or cast your line in pristine trout streams with Headwaters Outfitters. Brevard’s go-to spot for fly fishing, paddling, and tubing adventures.
Headwaters Outfitters, based in Rosman, NC, operates guided fishing, paddling, camping and outdoor education on the French Broad River and surrounding lakes. The outfitter offers a wide range of experiences including guided fly-fishing lessons, trout wade trips on private waters, smallmouth and bass float trips, musky targeting adventures, and multi-hour self-guided paddling options like Hap Simpson and Island Ford runs. Classes and workshops include Fly Fishing Foundations, Advanced Casting, Spey Casting, Angler Entomology and Selecting a Fly, all taught with low student-to-instructor ratios for personalized skill-building. Paddling-focused offerings include guided Bear Lake sea kayaking trips to Sols Creek Waterfall, overnight canoe camping trips on the Upper French Broad, family-friendly floats, and festival paddles like Paddle to the Pork. Headwaters Outfitters also coordinates collaborative events with local breweries — Paddle then Pints with Ecusta Brewing Company and Cruise then Booze with Oskar Blues — and hosts seasonal community programs such as the Annual Upper French Broad River Clean-Up and Appalachian Santa Night. The business manages the first private campground on the French Broad Paddle Trail, featuring six primitive riverside campsites and options for full campground rental. Gear, shuttles and guided instruction are provided on many trips, and experienced guides such as local captains lead species-specific charters. Emphasis is placed on safety, Leave No Trace ethics, environmental stewardship and authentic local partnerships, making the outfitter a resource for anglers, paddlers and outdoor learners visiting Western North Carolina.
Base Location
Rosman, NC
Blue Ridge foothills on the French Broad
Tours Offered
28+
Guided paddles, fishing, classes, camping
Riverside Camps
6 campsites
First private campground on the trail
Community Impact
3,000+
River clean-ups since 1992
Book guided fly-fishing, paddles, classes or campground rental now; gear, shuttles and expert instruction available.
Go Early for Calm Waters
Morning trips offer smoother conditions for paddling and better chances of spotting wildlife along the riverbank.
Keep It Dry
Bring a dry bag to protect your valuables while tubing or paddling—things get wet quickly, even if you stay in the boat.
Cast with Care
Practice casting on land before hitting the water if you're new to fly fishing—accuracy makes all the difference.
Watch for Snags
Riverside vegetation and low branches can snag lines or hats—stay alert when the river narrows.
Dry Bag
Keeps your phone, wallet, and snacks safe and dry while tubing or paddling.
Polarized Sunglasses
Helps reduce glare on the water, making it easier to spot fish and navigate the river.
summer
Quick-Dry Clothing
Prevents chills after splashes or brief dunks, especially in cooler seasons.
spring
Fishing License
Required for all anglers; get yours online or locally before you cast.