You’ve seen people casting on television commercials, enjoying the bliss of relaxing on a mountain lake. You’ve seen “A River Runs Through It” on cable. Now you want to try your hand at fly fishing, but you’re just not sure how or where to start. You wonder, isn’t it expensive to get into?
Not when you enroll in a free fly-casting clinic at Headwaters Outfitters, located near Rosman. The fly-fishing and paddling retailer is offering 2-hour casting lessons during four weekends through March, at no charge. Anyone can participate, whether you’re 8 years old or 80. The classes run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants must arrive by 10:30 a.m. There is a 6-person maximum per class.
By the end of the class, students will learn the basics of executing a roll cast, sidearm cast, overhead cast and bow-and-arrow cast, using 4- and 5-weight fly rods and reels provided by Headwaters. Classes will take place on the North Fork of the French Broad River, adjacent to Headwaters’ river shop at the intersection of Hwy. 215 and Hwy. 64.
Scheduled dates for the class, weather and participation allowing, are Saturday, Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and March 13. Reservations are required. You can reserve a spot in the casting clinic by calling Headwaters Outfitters at (828) 877-3106. One free lesson per person, please.
Students who want to put their newfound casting skills to use can opt to take a half-day guided fly fishing trip immediately following the class, at the special rate of $125 per person. This rate only applies to participants enrolled in the casting class. All guided trips are on stocked public waters within a short drive of the river shop. The price includes rental gear, including wading boots, waders, rod, reel, flyline and wading belt. Flies, leader and a North Carolina fishing license are not included, but are available at the shop before or after the class.
Headwaters Outfitters is a 17-year-old, family-owned outfitting business that specializes in paddling sports, fly-fishing and hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Located at the gateway to Pisgah National Forest, Headwaters offers canoe and kayak rentals, guided fly-fishing trips on public and private waters, and fly-fishing schools ranging from three to eight hours in length.