No Better Time Than Now!

“Right on time,” I’d say. The pre-spawn and spawn-phase smallmouth bass are back in the rotation for guided trips. During this early spring window, the bass are hungry, a little fat and sassy, and ready to eat—especially in the warmth of the day.

Being in a raft makes all the difference, too. As Patrick mentioned in a previous blog post, it keeps anglers high above the water, warmer, and more comfortable throughout the day. (Read Pat’s post here: Winter Float Trips with Patrick Weaver.)

From mid-March through April, water temperatures in Western North Carolina’s rivers—the French Broad (Rosman to Marshall, N.C.), the Little Tennessee (near Bryson City, TN), and the Tuckasegee (past Sylva, N.C.)—are steadily rising. In all of them, smallmouth bass are waiting for that magic number. And it’s already here.

→ French Broad River USGS water temps: Check live data here.

Update as of 3/19/25: Daily peaks hitting 58º—THE TIME IS NOW!

When water hits that 45-60º range, fish aren’t waiting for anglers to decide to book a trip. They’re on their schedule, not ours. And that’s what makes this bite so exciting—you’re out there, right in the action, with a guide who knows how to make the most of it.

These short springtime windows can be some of the most explosive fishing days of the year for river smallmouth. From trout to bass, timing is everything in early spring, and we plan our trips accordingly. No need for dawn patrol just yet—for smallmouth, we prefer launching between 9-10 A.M., fishing through midday warmth and into the afternoon. Ideally, we’re looking for a rising trend in water temps, some cloud cover, and a stable warming pattern to set the fish off.

But like I said, these windows don’t last long. Don’t be the angler who waits too long and misses the bite. Book your trip now and be there when it happens!

Trips Available Daily:

• Wade Trout Trips (Private & Public)
• Delayed Harvest Trout Float
• Upper French Broad Trout Float
• Streamer Fishing for Trophy Trout
• Smallmouth Bass Float

Monthly Specials:

• March
  • Late March: Striped Bass Charter
  • Smallmouth Bass Float Pre-Spawn
• April
  • Mid-April: Smallmouth Summer Opener. Float the French Broad and More with light tackle and fly. 
  • Striped Bass & Hybrid Charters
• May
  • CICADA MADNESS: All Dry Flies, insane action! Location TBD on emergence location.
  • Early May Migratory Striped Bass Float + Hybrids
  • Smallmouth Bass
• June
  • Early June: Cicada Madness Continues
  • Single & Multi-Day Smallmouth Floats (Fly & Light Tackle)

DESTINATION TRIP: Come fly, boat and eat while chasing trophy trout, grayling, char, salmon and explore Alaska during a trip of a lifetime! Base yourself at the Alaska Rainbow Lodge on the Kvichak River. I’ll Be your guide!

Text or Email Gavin Directly for any of the above, or get more details on Alaska! 

Gavin’s Cell: 814-227-8876

Gavin@headwatersoutfitters.com