Guided Haw River Fishing Trip

The Haw River in North Carolina’s Piedmont has become a favorite river to fish for both novice and experienced anglers.  It offers a diversity of fish habitats to include head-water streams, deep pools, rocky shallows, slow-flowing flat-water reaches and rapids.  The best time of the year to catch fish is during the spring spawn from January to early March of each year.

This weekend fishing trip begins the first day when guests meet at 9:00 a.m. at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. in Saxapahaw, NC.  We will leave from there to fish various upriver habitats.  That night, guests are free to return home or enjoy the many eateries and attractions in Saxapahaw.  Lodging is the responsibility of our guests; however, we can make recommendations as to where to find a place to stay that meets your budget and personal needs.  The next day, we will fish a different down-river stretch.  Our fishing adventure will conclude by 5:00 p.m. the second day so that guests have plenty of time to return home.

Fees: The trip fee is $235.00 per person.  A canoe or kayak, PFD, paddle, lunch both days, bait and an experienced fishing guide/naturalist are provided.  If fishing gear is needed, there is an additional $50.00/person cost.

Guests are responsible for transportation to and from The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co., fishing gear (to include rod, reel, line and artificial lures), freshwater fishing license, appropriate clothing for the time of year, a waterproof bag for extra clothes and gear, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, light-weight rain gear and foot wear that can get dirty and/or wet.

Black River Canoe/Kayak Camping Trip

The Black River is a slow-flowing black-water river and swamp.  It originates in Sampson County, NC and flows in a southeasterly direction until it empties into the Cape Fear River near Wilmington, NC.  Approximately 25 miles of the river have been identified as having outstanding scenic and natural significance.  In addition to having the oldest tress in the Eastern United States (some bald cypress trees are over 1600 years old), the area offers wonderful opportunities for observing neo-tropical migrating birds, outstanding natural communities, abundant wildlife and rare and endangered pants.  Fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish are excellent.  For those with an interest in history, evidence of past steamboat activity can be seen.

This weekend canoe camping trip begins at 9:00 a.m. on the first day at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch off Sampson County Route 1100; approximately 0.5 miles south of Ivanhoe, NC.  We will float approximately 10 miles of the river through sandhill and swamp environments before reaching the take-out and campsite at Henry’s Landing.

After running the shuttle the next morning, we will float and paddle downriver to and through “The Narrows” and “Three Sisters” areas.  It is in this stretch of the river that we see the largest concentration of ancient bald cypress trees.  Our take-out will be at Hunt’s Bluff, approximately 1.0 mile south of Highway 54 near Atkinson, NC.  We should reach the take-out by 4:00 p.m.

Fees: The trip fee is $230.00 per person.  A canoe or kayak, PFD, paddle, lunch both days, dinner one evening, breakfast the second day and an experienced guide/naturalist are provided.

Guests are responsible for transportation to and from the put-in and take-out, tent & sleeping bag, appropriate clothing for the time of year, a waterproof bag for extra clothes and gear, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, light-weight rain gear and foot wear that can get dirty and/or wet.

Explore Saxapahaw – Weekend Getaways

Escape the stress of busy schedules and experience the quiet, historic village of Saxapahaw with all-inclusive getaway packages for couples, groups and corporate retreats. You relax while we handle all of the details which include lodging at River Landing Inn, a comfortable, four-room bed-and-breakfast, dining at The Eddy, and nature-based paddling with The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.
Specially-designed weekends help couples rejuvenate their relationships or anyone to get away for a much-needed period of relaxation. Customized corporate retreats combine comfortable meeting space, wine-and-cheese breaks and teambuilding activities with escapes onto the river and other amenities.

Bynum Upriver Paddle

Because of its biological and ecological signifcance, land on both sides of the Haw River upriver of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum is part of the Haw Slopes State Natural Area.

A diversity of habitats includes rich forested slopes, islands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. Both rare and ancient plants are found along the shore. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, red-tail hawks and eagles are commonly seen while paddling. Occasionally, deer, beaver and muskrats present themselves.

Flat-water upriver of the dam is especially well-suited for both the beginner paddler and anyone intersted in nature. Parents paddling with children find the experience particularly gratifying.

Fee: $35 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $30 per person with your own boat.

Greater Alamance Creek to Saxapahaw Lake

Greater Alamance Creek, a major tributary of the Haw River in Alamance County, has a great deal of historical significance. At one time, the creek served as a significant trading path for both indigenous people and early settlers. During the War Between the States, the junction of the creek with the Haw River was an important crossing for the Underground Railroad.

Today, a trip down the creek offers the paddler a remote setting with lots of birds and wildlife. There is even a greater variety and abundance of birds and wildlife to see by continuing downriver to Saxapahaw Lake.

Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak,
$20 per person with your own boat.

Paddle Brunch

Weekends are for recharging the mind, body and spirit. What better way to do that than to eat a nutritious meal of locally-grown food prepared by folks who know how to make it delicious, then exercise the body and renew the spirit while paddling on the Haw River?
The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has partnered with the Saxapahaw General Store and the Pittsboro Roadhouse to offer a relaxing brunch followed by a river trip. Getting in touch with our natural surroundings will be the focus of this 2.5 hour paddle.

Fee: $55 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $50 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes brunch with beverage.

Homeschool Educational Trips

Whether your child’s interest is environmental science, biology, or history, the Haw presents an excellent opportunity to engage with an important feature of North Carolina! Homeschooler Expeditions offer a chance for homeschoolers to engage in stream monitoring procedures, and to learn about the history of the Haw, while spending time enjoying the outdoors. These guided trips will point out ecological features and will introduce students to the processes by which the river changes and supports life. Please note, all events occur at 3:00 pm except for events on 9/21 and 10/20, which begin at 8:00 pm.

No prior paddling experience required for this trip, students and families welcome.

Fee: $45 for first family member, $30 for all subsequent family members

Call (336) 260-6465 for reservations

Paddle Dinner: Brewery Style

Want to have some fun, perhaps pick up a new skill and enjoy meeting new friends? What better way to top off a relaxing afternoon in nature than to share a wonderful meal with fellow paddlers? The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has partnered with The Eddy Pub in Saxapahaw & the Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro to offer a unique experience, a Paddle Dinner with NC crafted beer. The river trip, enjoyed by paddlers of all skill levels, is a 2-3 hour scenic canoe and/or kayak trip with a naturalist. Immediately after the trip, guests sit down to a dinner with local NC beers. If you would like to meet new paddling friends, break bread together and enjoy a few beers, this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and evening.

Fee: $85 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $80 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a dinner with beer pairings.

Paddle Dinner: Wine Maker’s Dinner

Known for its importance as a refuge for animals and plants, and for the well being of humans that are nature deprived, the Haw River Valley is also an important agricultural region in the Piedmont of North Carolina. In recent years, grapes have begun taking the place of tobacco as a crop. The unique soils and climate of the Valley are proving to be a world-class region for growing grapes, and a number of award-winning artisan wineries and vineyards are located near the Haw River.

Recognizing the health benefits of wine and getting outdoors on the river, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company has partnered with Reverence Farm and the Grove Vineyard & Winery to offer a unique experience, a Wine Maker’s Paddle Dinner. The river trip, enjoyed by paddlers of all skill levels, is a 2-3 hour scenic canoe and/or kayak trip with a naturalist. Following the trip, guests sit down to a dinner with wine.

Fee: $75 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $70 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a dinner with wine.

Paddle & Patio Party

A variation on our popular paddle dinner. Enjoy a leisurely two to three hour paddle on the Upper Haw River. This afternoon guided river trip ends with a visit to Grove Vineyards & Winery, where guests sit back and enjoy a Patio Pizza Party with a dinner consisting of pizza, salad and a beverage of your choice. A relaxing afternoon on the water followed by a memorable winery experience is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Fee: $60 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $55 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes the pizza dinner and a glass of wine or beverage of your choice.