Days like this!

Looking forward to lots more days like this in 2018!!

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Definitely keeping a Ty-Rite on my sling pack from now on!

Definitely keeping a Ty-Rite on my sling pack from now on! The flies I used on this trip weren't all that small, but it was nice to be able to hold them confidently and not worry about dropping or putting a hook point in my finger.

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It wasn't just location scouting and hiking...

It wasn't just location scouting and hiking last week, I did actually catch some fish,too. I caught this chubby little rainbow in a fast moving slough carved out of solid rock.

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When it comes to flyfishing solo...

When it comes to flyfishing solo, I tend to be very risk averse. I've found lots of very productive looking holes on this trip, but I won't risk my neck to get at them. As much as we all love wild trout, they aren't worth it. Stay safe out there!

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What's the secret to tiny trout?

What's the secret to tiny trout on ultralight gear in skinny streams? Leave no riffle unfished!

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Cool, clear mornings...

Cool, clear mornings make us long for dirt roads and bluelines!!

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Planning a trip to the mountains.

Planning a trip to the mountains. Debating if I should revisit my old fishing holes or find some new ones.  What would you do?

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Trading Bluelines for Brownlines

The weather is to be in the mid- to upper-90's in north Georgia for the next week or so, guess we'll trade the bluelines for brownlines for a little while!!

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Hazard of Bluelining

First cast: Rhododendron-1, Me-0

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Blueline Scouting

Went up into the mountains to scout some new bluelines today. I didn't get a whole lot of fishing done, but I do enjoy cruising the dirt roads to see whats around the next bend. It's hard to see in this picture, but this waterfall I stumbled on reaches all the way up above these trees. An incredible spot, but too close to verticle for me to try to follow!!

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Making plans for the weekend!

Making my plans for the weekend. When I get out of the office I like to get WAY out of the office! If you're getting way out this weekend, don't forget to leave your itinerary with at least one trusted friend. Stay safe out there!!

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Where'd I say this was?

After the blueline clinic tonight I realized that some folks had never fished one or really knew what one was, so here's one of my favorites!! Where'd I say it was? I don't believe I said.

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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" Nice and wide here, but only about 6"-8" deep! #smallstream #streams #creeks #skinnywater #northGeorgia #mountains #flyfishing #trout

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Reading Room: Bluelining 101 by Steve Hudson

Evenin’ Folks,

The hike in.

  One of the best things I've learned about fly fishing over these past few years is that it is a hobby that can be tailored specifically to you, and there is a world of information out there no matter which direction the fly takes you.  Whether you’re into freshwater or saltwater, classic bamboo rods or ultra-modern carbon fiber, fishing from the bank of a small pond or from the bow of a flats boat on a rushing river, there is something in fly fishing for everyone.  For me, the big draw to fly fishing was being able to combine my love of fishing with my love of hiking.  I spent a lot of time thinking about being able to hike through the woods for a few hours to find a small stream full of native trout that aren't so heavily pressured that everything has to be perfect to hook them.  I've decided that 2015 is going to be my “Year of the Bluelines”.  This is the year that I wear out a new pair of hiking boots trekking through the national forest in search of the streams that only show up on a topo map as a blue line. 

There isn't much better on a rainy night than a good whiskey,
a good pipe and a good book.

  Now, I've always been the type of guy that has to exhaustively research an endeavor before I let myself embark on it.  Lucky for me, I've befriended the guy who wrote the book on bluelining in North Georgia, literally!!!  At first glance this looks more like a pamphlet than a book, but prolific outdoor writer Steve Hudson has managed to cram an extensive amount of information from his more than 40 years of experience into these 76 pages.  “Bluelining 101: How to find unspoiled wild trout fishing far from the beaten path” covers every aspect of bluelining from the definition of a blueline to reading topo maps, to what gear to take and what flies to pack.  There are even sections in the book on approaching the stream, casting in cover and reading the water. 

  After reading Steve’s book, I really feel much more prepared to tackle some blueline streams this year.  His enthusiasm for the hobby really shines in all of his writing and when you finish reading this book you’ll be ready to lace up your hiking boots, grab your ultralight fly rod and hit the woods with a topo map in hand.  You can find Bluelining 101 at most local fly shops in North Georgia, a selection of them are now listed on Amazon or you can order directly from the publisher, Chattahoochee Media Group.

  I hope you’re all doing well, I’ll see you in the woods,

   -Nick