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Location

Chalkstreams in Hampshire

James Boren

Hampshire’s Chalkstreams: A Fly Fisher’s Sacred Waters

The rivers Test and Itchen, flowing through Hampshire, are hallowed grounds for fly anglers—a living legacy of the sport’s evolution. This English county stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, where centuries of fishing history ripple through its crystal-clear waters.

Winchester Cathedral holds the remains of Izaak Walton, whose 1653 masterpiece The Compleat Angler forever tied his name to these rivers. The Test’s banks witnessed Frederick Halford redefine dry fly fishing in the 1800s, while George Skues, just downstream on the Itchen, pioneered the art of nymphing. Their legacies linger in every cast.

Stockbridge: A Timeless Angling Haven
Nestled in the Test Valley, this village is a postcard of fly-fishing heritage. Mist-cloaked autumn mornings reveal cobbled streets and an irresistible pull toward the river—a siren call for any angler.

The Test: Chalkstream Royalty

Chalkstreams in Hampshire

Carving a 39-mile arc through Hampshire, the Test is a mosaic of water meadows, murmuring carriers, and braided channels. Below Stockbridge, it swells into a formidable flow, joined by the Wallop Brook and Dun, before merging into a single channel near Romsey.

The Itchen: A Rival in Legend
Like the Test, the Itchen is a beacon for wild trout and grayling, fed by the Alre and Candover Brook. Born near New Alresford, it winds 26 miles past Winchester’s cathedral spires and college greens, finally mingling with Southampton Water. Its abandoned 17th-century navigation channels whisper of a busier past, while its pristine currents remain a dry-fly paradise.

Where Rivers Meet the Sea
South of Winchester, the Itchen turns brackish at Woodmill Pool, merging with the Test’s estuary—a poetic confluence of Hampshire’s fishing lore.

Dive Deeper
Explore the secrets of these chalkstreams, their hatches, and the fish that inhabit them in our detailed guide or video tribute: A Homage to the Chalkstream Summer.

Featured Species
While these waters teem with life, the Test and Itchen are famed for their wild:

  • Brown Trout
  • Grayling
Location

Oklahoma Lower Illinois River

James Boren

Fly Fishing Paradise: Oklahoma’s Lower Illinois River

Nestled in the United States, the Lower Illinois River is a premier year-round fly fishing destination, teeming with diverse species like striper, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, buffalo, and catfish. Its pristine, natural setting caters to both casual anglers and dedicated enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled fishing experience.

Record-Breaking Catches
This river has witnessed remarkable fishing achievements, including a massive 47.8 lb striped bass, alongside trophy-sized rainbow trout and redhorse.

Year-Round Trout Stocking
Unlike seasonal fisheries, the Lower Illinois River maintains a continuous trout stocking program, ensuring abundant opportunities for anglers.

Prime Trout Fishing Zone
A dedicated 7.75-mile trout stretch runs from the Tenkiller Ferry Dam to the U.S. 64 bridge near Gore, Sequoyah County, providing ample space for fly fishing.

Access & Amenities

    Oklahoma Lower Illinois River

  • Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit: Features nearly a mile of trout stream and 320 acres of hunting land, accessible via State Highway 100 (4 miles north of Gore). Parking and walk-in access are available.
  • Additional Access Points: Four public spots along the river, including a productive pool below the dam and the River Road Public Access Area (6 miles downstream), which offers camping and boat launches.

Regulations at a Glance

  • Brown Trout: 1 daily, min. 20 inches.
  • Rainbow Trout: 6 daily, no size limit (except in the USGS gauge-to-Gravel Pit section: 1 daily, min. 20 inches).
  • Simp and Helen Watts Unit: Artificial flies/lures only, barbless hooks mandatory for trout. Natural bait allowed for non-trout species with specific hook rules.

Target Species Spotlight
While the river hosts a variety of fish, key catches include:

  • Brown Trout
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Striped Bass

Whether chasing trophies or enjoying serene waters, the Lower Illinois River delivers an unforgettable angling adventure.

Location

L’Ellé de Barrégant

James Boren

The Hidden Gem of Barrégant
France 馃嚝馃嚪

A picturesque mountain stream teeming with wild brown trout, perfect for intermediate anglers seeking a challenge.

L'Ellé de Barrégant

Descend from the chapel to discover this secluded waterway, where nature creates both beauty and obstacles. The river’s rocky formations and overhanging branches demand precision casting, rewarding patience with lively small trout. A well-maintained riverside trail allows for effortless exploration of its winding course.

For detailed fishing access and regulations:
https://www.parcours-de-peche-morbihan.fr/carte-peche/l-elle-de-barregant-a-grand-pont

Primary Catch:
While other species may inhabit these waters, the star attraction remains the elusive Brown Trout – a testament to the stream’s pristine ecosystem.

Location

Trout Streams of North Georgia

James Boren

North Georgia’s Trout Streams: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise

The pristine waters of North Georgia offer an angler’s dream—untamed streams, wild trout, and pure serenity.

Essentials for the Waters

  • Water Type: Freestone streams, tailwaters
  • Recommended Lines: WF Floating
  • Rod Weight: AFTMA 1 to 4
  • Target Species: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
  • Prime Fishing Months: April–July, October–December

Special thanks to Georgia Wild Trout for their invaluable insights. For expert guidance on these waters, be sure to connect with them!

A Diverse Fishing Landscape

North Georgia’s trout streams cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned anglers. The region’s waters host a mix of stocked and wild trout, each requiring distinct tactics. Misinformation abounds, so understanding these differences is key to success.

Stream Classifications

  1. Stocked Streams: High-traffic areas like Wildcat Creek and the Etowah River, replenished regularly but quickly fished out.
  2. Delayed Harvest Streams: Managed catch-and-release zones (e.g., Amicalola Creek, Toccoa River) with seasonal stockings.
  3. Wild Streams: Remote, fast-flowing waters demanding stealth and precision.
  4. Trophy Waters: Challenging but rewarding for those seeking larger trout.

Lessons from the Stream

  • Stay Mobile: Cover more water to find active fish.
  • Fly Selection: Stocked trout favor "junk" flies (mops, eggs), while wild trout demand naturals (hare’s ear, pheasant tails).
  • Regulations Matter: Always check Georgia DNR rules—some streams are artificial-only or have special size limits.

Hidden Gems & Wild Waters

North Georgia’s Southern Appalachia is a haven for wild trout, particularly in these areas:

  • Cohutta Wilderness: Remote creeks with wild rainbows and browns.
  • Toccoa Drainages: Skeenah and Noontootla Creeks hold brookies and rainbows.
  • Headwaters Near Dahlonega: Etowah, Chestatee, and Nottely Rivers offer diverse trout populations.
  • Northeast Watersheds: Chattahoochee, Hiwassee, and Chattooga Rivers teem with wild fish.

Top Streams to Explore

  • Boggs Creek: Stocked lower reaches transition to wild trout upstream.
  • Helton Creek: Tight casting among rhododendrons and waterfalls.
  • Dicks Creek: Busy near campgrounds but wild trout await upstream.
  • Amicalola Creek: Three distinct sections—Delayed Harvest, stocked, and wild.
  • Warwoman Creek: Stocked near Clayton, wilder in upper stretches.

Flies & Tactics by Season

  • Winter (Jan–Mar): Focus on midges and nymphs; surface action is rare.
  • Spring–Fall: Dry flies (stimulators, caddis) and hoppers excel.
  • Tailwaters: Tiny midges (#20 or smaller) dominate.

Know Before You Go

  • Licenses: Required for anglers 16+ (plus trout stamp).
  • Ethical Fishing: Avoid stressing trout in summer heat.
  • Special Rules: Some streams are artificial-only or youth-only (e.g., Moccasin Creek).

Final Thought: Whether chasing stocked trout in easy-access streams or wild fish in secluded headwaters, North Georgia delivers unforgettable fly fishing—blending challenge, beauty, and the thrill of the catch. Tight lines!

Trout Streams of North Georgia

(Featured Species: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout)

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