Brevard, North Carolina is a town that’s near and dear to my heart. My dad’s family is from Charleston, South Carolina, and the mountains of North Carolina have long been their retreat from the summer swamp that is the low country. Another reason the region holds a special place in my heart is this: I learned to fly fish there. I couldn’t have guessed as a 12-year-old at Camp Carolina that the sport would one day nearly consume my entire life.
Family history and anecdotes aside, Brevard and the Pisgah National Forest have one bad ass fishery. From stalking wild fish on blue-lines to chasing bruisers in private water, the region has a little bit of everything. I was lucky enough to explore the French Broad and Davidson rivers along with some nameless blue-lines with Ken Hardwick of Headwaters Outfitters. Ken has been guiding in the region for the past twelve years, along with a few seasons in Alaska here and there – the man knows this water like the back of his hand, and he’s not a bad dude to share a beer and a story with either. I also had the pleasure of fishing with Headwaters guides Justin McEntire and Will Hammond whom you’ll see featured in the video. Hope you enjoy, and next time you’re headed to Western North Carolina be sure to hit these guys up.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Brevard, NC area and it’s amazing! Western North Carolina provides some of the best small stream fly fishing I think you’ll find anywhere. Thanks for sharing the video!