Southern Norwegian Archipelago

Le Lot (Aveyron region)

The Lot River (Aveyron, France)
A breathtaking waterway weaving through dramatic landscapes

Aveyron: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise

Tucked within the rugged beauty of the Massif Central, Aveyron stands as one of France’s most expansive departments. Its soul is etched by sweeping vistas—from the windswept Aubrac plateau to the serpentine gorges carved by the Truyère, Lot, Aveyron, and Tarn rivers.

Le Lot (Aveyron region)

Fly Fishing on the Lot

The Lot River offers fly anglers an unforgettable challenge. Northern stretches, tinted by volcanic basalt and granite, yield acidic waters, while southern currents—clear and limestone-fed—demand stealth and precision.

Target Species
While diverse fish inhabit these waters, the spotlight here falls on:

  • Chub
  • Brown Trout
  • Grayling

The salmon rivers of Southern Norway

Southern Norway’s Salmon Rivers: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise
Norway 🇳🇴

The salmon rivers of Southern Norway

From intimate spate rivers to powerful hydro-controlled waterways, each teeming with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea-run brown trout (Salmo trutta).

Just two hours from mainland Northern Europe, this angling haven offers accessibility and affordability. Picture yourself casting in pristine valleys, where beavers glide to their lodges and ospreys or golden eagles circle overhead—nature’s spectacle unfolds as you fish.

The Addictive Allure of the Tug
Let’s be honest: salmon fishing tests patience. It’s equal parts exhilarating and exasperating. Yet, that fleeting moment—the sudden, decisive pull on your line—erases every frustration. The rush is real, and it’s why anglers return, hooked on the chase.

Witnessing a hundred salmon leap in a day isn’t rare, but enticing a bite? That’s the art. Some spend weeks without landing a fish. Even a strike doesn’t guarantee success; hooks loosen, fish escape. But it’s this very unpredictability that lures fly fishers worldwide.

Reward Beyond the Catch
Imagine the thrill of battling a silver giant in untouched wilderness, surrounded by birdsong and rustling wildlife. Norwegian nature dazzles, especially when you’re knee-deep in a river, rod in hand.

Salmon here average 4kg, with seasonal giants reaching 16kg—even 20kg. Sea trout? Typically 1kg, though 6kg trophies aren’t uncommon (the record: 10kg).

Fishing here is about savoring the moment. Pause on the bank, breathe in the scenery, and relish a well-earned break—preferably with good food and drink—as you soak in nature’s grandeur.

Featured Species
While other fish may lurk nearby, these stars take center stage:

  • Atlantic Salmon
  • Brown Trout
  • Sea Trout

Otra river

The Otra River: Norway’s Hidden Gem for Anglers

Flowing through Southern Norway, the 245-kilometer Otra River is the country’s eighth-longest waterway. It traces Route 9 before emptying into the sea near Kristiansand, the region’s vibrant capital.

The Otra’s diverse landscape shifts from rushing rapids to tranquil lakes, offering a dynamic fishing experience. Its lower 16 kilometers are a hotspot for migratory Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and wild brown trout, with over 6,500 kg of fish—94% wild salmon—caught in 2014 alone.

Beyond Vennesla, where migratory fish are halted by artificial barriers, the river transforms into a network of interconnected lakes and streams. Here, anglers find abundant wild brown trout—small in size but plentiful, ensuring nearly guaranteed catches.

A Vision for Sustainable Fishing
In June 2023, the Otra Fishing Association partnered with Fishby to introduce a "smart fishing license," granting access to 180 kilometers of the upper Otra system in Setesdalen Valley. This digital pass excludes migratory species but opens doors to pristine waters from Hartevatn to Kilefjorden.

While wild brown trout dominate, elusive American brook trout and the rare Bleka salmon—a dwarf species unique to Byglandsfjorden—add intrigue. South of Fennefossen, perch thrive, while minnows populate the higher reaches.

Rules & Regulations

  • Licenses: Digital (Fishby.no) or physical (local vendors).
  • Youth under 16 fish free.
  • Fees: Day (75 NOK), Week (200 NOK), Season (500 NOK).
  • Gear: Hand equipment permitted; AFTMA 3-6 lines recommended.
  • Otra river

  • Ethics: Bury entrails, leash dogs, avoid livestock.
  • Strict ban on live bait—violations reported to authorities.
  • Safety: Watch for sudden water rises near dams.

Two Rare Treasures

  1. Marble Trout: A striking hybrid of brown and brook trout, found in Evje.
  2. Bleka: A landlocked dwarf salmon, surviving against odds after habitat loss and acid rain nearly eradicated it. Conservation efforts aim to restore this cultural and ecological icon.

Target Species

  • Atlantic Salmon
  • Brown Trout
  • Sea Trout

The Otra isn’t just a river—it’s a story of resilience, adventure, and Norway’s untamed beauty.

Trout Streams of North Georgia

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)

Wiesent

The Enchanting Wiesent: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise in Germany

Nestled in the heart of Germany, the Wiesent River offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, with abundant trout and grayling awaiting your cast.

Hammermühle: A Fly Fishing Gem
Renowned across Europe, the Wiesent is a stunning karst river that meanders through the Franconian Jura, its crystal-clear waters teeming with trout and grayling. Hammermühle, a celebrated spot along its banks, is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts.

The Legendary Mayfly Spectacle
Few experiences rival the magic of Mayfly season on the Wiesent. As countless mayflies hatch, the river comes alive, drawing trophy-sized trout to the surface. Even the legendary fly fisherman Charles Ritz cherished this river for its unparalleled fishing conditions.

Tailored Fishing Experiences
Guests can enjoy exhilarating fly fishing with dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs, targeting both trout and grayling. Exclusive fishing routes—reserved for in-house guests—ensure a serene and rewarding adventure. These easily accessible spots cater to beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Expert Tips for Success

  • Gear: A 9ft, class 4-5 fly rod paired with a 9ft leader and a tippet of at least 0.14mm is ideal for battling the river’s spirited fish.
  • Attire: While wading is prohibited, rubber boots are recommended for comfort.
  • Flies to Try:
    • Yellow Partridge & Gosling (especially during Mayfly season)
    • Red Tag or Witch
    • Pharmacist Fly
    • Emerger Patterns
    • Tiny Nymphs (perfect for autumn grayling fishing)

Plan Your Visit
For details on exclusive fishing stretches and bookings, visit Pension Hammermühle.

Fish Species Spotlight

Wiesent

While other species may inhabit these waters, the Wiesent is famed for its:

  • Brown Trout
  • Grayling

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of the Wiesent—where tradition, nature, and world-class fly fishing converge.