One of my long term goal is to catch a brook trout in each of its native states (which is a lot). I know it will take many years, but it's one of the ways I can honor one of my favorite fish. The brook trout has unmatched beauty and resilience. It has survived countless years on the east coast (and is taking over the west where stocked) though times of crazy natural and man made disasters. So this summer I took the time to add to my list (of one state prior to the trip) and pay tribute to Salvelinus fontinalis.
My trip began in the Chattahoochee National Forest in North Georgia. After talking with a fly shop early this winter, I picked a stream to fish that had the potential for lots of wild browns and, of course, native brookies. The forecast called for a light rain here and there so my hopes were high for a great day of fishing. It was a long 5 hours north for me, but well worth it as soon as I hit the mountain roads!
Upon arrival, it immediately started pouring down rain. For a solid 15 minutes, I just sat in my car pouting like a child. Once it passed I got my line wet as soon as possible and hooked up with a few rainbows. Odd...... As I hiked further in, the same story of rainbows occurred. After hiking 2 miles along the stream and passing 2 large water falls, I thought, "Surely this is brook country!" Much to my surprise, and disappointment, more rainbows and more rain. Sad day for me, but it beats getting skunked! This also gives me another excuse to go back and fish some new water!
Upon arrival, it immediately started pouring down rain. For a solid 15 minutes, I just sat in my car pouting like a child. Once it passed I got my line wet as soon as possible and hooked up with a few rainbows. Odd...... As I hiked further in, the same story of rainbows occurred. After hiking 2 miles along the stream and passing 2 large water falls, I thought, "Surely this is brook country!" Much to my surprise, and disappointment, more rainbows and more rain. Sad day for me, but it beats getting skunked! This also gives me another excuse to go back and fish some new water!
UPDATE
I revisited the same creek about a week later. It was more of a hike and leisurely camping trip with a cast or two. This time, dry fly fishing was starting to pick up. Sure enough, I managed to tantalize a brookie with a Royal Wolff. Checking Georgia off the list!
I revisited the same creek about a week later. It was more of a hike and leisurely camping trip with a cast or two. This time, dry fly fishing was starting to pick up. Sure enough, I managed to tantalize a brookie with a Royal Wolff. Checking Georgia off the list!