Headwater

The Headwater was designed for accurate, subtle presentations on small streams and spring creeks. Built true to line weight, a short body and front taper design helps load rods up close. This line features a supple braid core that remains memory free when stored on small arbor reels. A mute olive colored head eliminates line flash and allows for a stealthy approach in gin clear water. 

- High Floating
- Stealth Presentations 
- Small Water

WATER: Freshwater
LINE: Floating
TAPER: Weight Forward
LENGTH: 80ft
CORE: Braided Nylon Multifilament

Color OLIVE / MOSS
Size WF1F
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United States deliveries usually take 3-8 business days.

International deliveries can take up to 7 - 18 days.

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P65 - WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm -www.P65Warnings.ca.gov


WATER LINE DENSITY TAPER CORE
Freshwater Floating Weight Forward Braided Nylon Multifilament

LINE SIZE GRAIN WEIGHT HEAD LENGTH TOTAL LENGTH
WF 1 60 gr. 32 ft. 80 ft.
WF 2 80 gr. 32 ft. 80 ft.
WF 3 100 gr. 32 ft. 80 ft.
WF 4 120 gr. 32 ft. 80 ft.

Technologies

Dual Welded Loops Technology Icon
DUAL WELDED LOOPS

Welded loops make rigging fast, easy and reliable. Cortland loops are strong, secure and durable.

Shooting Technology Icon
SHOOTING TECHNOLOGY

ST coating delivers a reduced-friction performance with a glass-smooth finish and remains a key element in line slickness over its life span.

Heat-Tempered Surface Treatment Technology Icon
HEAT-TEMPERED SURFACE TREATMENT

A process that incorporates extreme slickness additives. Seals out dirt and oils while maintaining an exceptionally low friction coefficient.

Cold Temperature Technology Icon
COLD TEMPERATURE

Ideal use in 30-50 degree (F) temperatures.

Warm Temperature Technology Icon
WARM TEMPERATURE

Ideal use in 50 - 70 degree (F) temperatures.

FAQ

Our Headwater is built for cold water environments and will perform best in temperatures between 30 and 70 degrees (F). Our HTX coating locks out dirt and grime while remaining slick and supple in the coldest conditions.

Cleaning your fly line is very important especially when fishing saltwater. Simply pull line off your reel into a clean bucket or tub of freshwater. Put roughly 1oz or more of Cortland’s Line Cleaner solution onto a clean rag or towel. Firmly squeeze the towel with Pro Line Cleaner around the line and slowly pull line through the towel. You should be able to see dirt or discolored streaks on the towel when finished.

Learn more about Cortland's Fly Line Cleaner Lubricant & Pads.

Precision and Stealth for Small Water Fishing

For anglers who thrive on the serenity and challenge of small streams and spring creeks, the Cortland Headwater fly line is your best companion. Specifically designed for accurate and delicate presentations, this high-floating, weight-forward fly line ensures that you can approach clear, shallow waters with the stealth and confidence needed to succeed. Whether you’re casting for vibrant brook trout along a secluded forest stream, navigating tight quarters in brush-lined creeks, or targeting finicky fish in gin-clear spring waters, the Headwater line is built to elevate every moment of your fishing experience.

Precisely crafted to maintain true line weight, the Headwater features a unique short body and front taper design, allowing you to load rods effortlessly, even at short casting distances—a critical advantage in tight, confined spaces where precision matters most. The olive-colored head is expertly designed to eliminate line flash, blending into freshwater environments seamlessly. This gives you that crucial edge for stealthy approaches, especially when dealing with easily spooked fish in crystal-clear water.

Equipped with a supple braided nylon core, the Headwater maintains excellent flexibility and remains memory-free, even when stored on small arbor reels for long periods. This ensures smooth, consistent casts and hassle-free performance every time you hit the water. Designed for anglers who value simplicity without sacrificing functionality, the Headwater fly line integrates advanced engineering with practical, user-friendly features that are perfect for achieving peak performance. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the water or land that once-in-a-lifetime catch, the Cortland Headwater is an investment in precision, reliability, and fishing at its finest.

Built for Expert-Level Presentations

Not all fly lines are created equal, and when it comes to mastering small water conditions, every detail counts. The Headwater line has been developed with a singular vision—to provide anglers with the precision, control, and reliability they need in even the most demanding scenarios. Whether you’re casting in tight quarters or navigating tricky currents, this line is designed to perform with unmatched finesse. The dual-welded loops make rigging quick, secure, and hassle-free, eliminating the frustration of setup so you can focus on the water. Its heat-tempered surface treatment ensures exceptional slickness, allowing the line to glide effortlessly while resisting dirt, grime, and wear over time, keeping its performance at peak levels.

Designed to perform best in water temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the Headwater line is built to remain consistent in diverse conditions, whether you’re fishing on a cool morning or a warm afternoon. This versatility makes it an essential tool for anglers who want a reliable, high-performing line they can depend on during changing weather or water conditions. The Headwater line goes beyond performance—it’s designed to deepen your connection to the art of fly fishing. When you’re working the tight spaces of small streams, where every cast counts, you need a line that intuitively responds to your every move. The Headwater does just that, turning challenging casts into moments of triumph and making it easier to land that perfect presentation. With its precise design and thoughtful craftsmanship, the Headwater line elevates your fly fishing experience, helping you focus on the pure joy of the sport while conquering the unique challenges of small water fishing.

Your Small Stream Essential

When the fish are selective and every cast matters, the Cortland Headwater is the fly line that makes the difference. Its weight-forward design, combined with unmatched subtlety and control, takes the guesswork out of small water fishing. Elevate your technique, enjoy smoother casts, and achieve flawless presentations that bring the fish to you. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just beginning to tackle small streams, the Headwater is the trusted tool that bridges tradition and innovation. Step into the water equipped with confidence. Your best fishing days start here.