Trout Flies
Flies for trout fishing in Pisgah
Ever since I was young, I wanted to tie flies and fish for trout. My older cousin made flies and rods, and I liked the idea of catching a trout on a fly that I made. Now, I try to make flies that either match the natural better, float longer, or are more durable.
Quill Gordon
It all begins in the early spring with the Quill Gordon hatch. After a long winter, this large mayfly hatches in the faster water. Some days it seems every trout is greedily feeding on these. Although they look grey when you see them floating down the river, the bellies are greyish yellow. I typically fish a size 12.
Hendrickson Dark
On rivers in Pisgah, trout anglers dream of seeing the Hendrickson hatch. Usually, the Hendricksons come off later than the Quill Gordons, so the temperatures are warmer and the days are pleasant. However, big browns will still come up and eat these insects drifting down the Davidson.
Pink Cahill
The Pink Cahill is not a household name among anglers but our rivers have this insect in sufficient numbers to produce selective feeding. A colorful insect, it is easily seen floating down the river.
Light Cahill
In late spring and early summer, the Cahills are hatching. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 14 to 18 or 20. Water levels are lower and it is a good bet that the trout are looking up for a dry fly floating by and the Lt Cahill is a good pattern to drift over them.
Custom Flies
Each year I tie small batches of custom flies for local hatches. I dye materials to achieve the colors that I want for the fly. Each fly is tied on a high quality hook using quality natural materials. Each season I make a limited amount of these flies available locally. If you are interested in these flies please contacted me via email or purchase at Headwaters Outfitters.
