Torne River

The River Wye

The Wye: A Fly Fisher’s Paradise in Wales

Flowing through the heart of Wales and beyond, the River Wye is a crown jewel among British waterways. Spanning 200 miles, its crystal-clear waters, thriving fish populations, and breathtaking landscapes make it a magnet for anglers worldwide.

The Wye’s Journey & Tributaries

Originating in the rugged Cambrian Mountains, the Wye winds through Powys, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire before merging with the River Severn. Its network of tributaries—like the Lugg, Arrow, and Monnow—adds to the river’s diversity, offering pristine habitats for grayling and wild brown trout.

Prime Fishing Beats

The Wye’s 60+ beats cater to every angler’s preference:

  • Upper Wye: A wild trout haven, with specimens reaching 3 lbs, plus grayling and sea trout. Summer calls for dry flies, while winter favors streamers.
  • The River Wye

  • Hay-on-Wye: Postcard-perfect scenery meets thriving grayling and sea trout runs in summer.
  • Builth Wells: A hotspot for salmon and sea trout, best fished with wet flies or tubes in warmer months.
  • Rhayader: Fast rapids and deep pools challenge anglers targeting spirited brown trout and grayling.
  • Lower Wye: The most popular stretch, ideal for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout with its wide, gentle flow.

Diverse Fish Species

From wild brown trout (1–2 lbs) to trophy grayling (up to 3 lbs), the Wye teems with life. Salmon runs peak from late autumn, while sea trout dominate summer. Bonus catches include barbel, chub, and pike.

Tactics for Success

Adapt your approach:

  • Summer: Dry flies (mayfly, caddis) rule.
  • Winter: Switch to streamers or nymph rigs with strike indicators for depth control.
  • Safety: Monitor water levels—spate conditions demand bank fishing.

Regulations & Licenses

Rules vary by beat and season. Always verify requirements via Fishing Passport UK before casting.

Notable Species: Atlantic salmon, barbel, brown trout, chub, grayling, perch, pike, sea trout.

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)

Smøla Island

Sm酶la Island, Norway
A belly boater’s dream for saltwater fly fishing

Mid Norway is a hidden gem for saltwater fly anglers, offering endless possibilities when explored by belly boat. Glide across serene waters beneath the watchful gaze of soaring sea eagles, and cast your line under the magical glow of the midnight sun—an unforgettable angling experience awaits.

The region’s labyrinth of islands, fjords, and bridges ensures sheltered fishing spots no matter the wind. Here’s a glimpse of the prized species you can target:

Pollack: The Deep-Diving Brawler
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius) are a favorite among fly fishers, renowned for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Their distinctive dark eyes and gaping mouths hint at their voracious appetite. While they roam from surface to depths, sinking lines (DI 3–7) often outperform floating ones. Peak season runs June–September, with June’s endless daylight offering prime action.

Atlantic Cod: Post-Spawn Powerhouses
Early June brings hungry Atlantic cod fresh off spawning, eager to crush large flies. These giants fight dirty, twisting around leaders with surprising agility. Watch their spotted flanks and pale bellies flash in the clear water as they charge your belly boat—a sight to behold.

Coalfish: The Silver Shadows
Mid Norway’s waters teem with coalfish, often schooling in vast numbers. While belly boats yield smaller specimens, patience (or a boat trip) might reward you with meter-long trophies. Light tackle turns these acrobatic fighters into a blast.

Unexpected Catches
The region’s rich ecosystem surprises anglers with Atlantic mackerel, sea trout, and even the occasional juvenile halibut.

Dive into Mid Norway’s saltwater fly fishing paradise—where wild landscapes and hard-fighting fish collide.

Species Spotlight
While other fish roam these waters, the stars of the show are:

    Smøla Island

  • Atlantic Cod
  • Atlantic Halibut
  • Atlantic Mackerel
  • Haddock
  • Pollack

Funen

Funen, Denmark: A Sea Trout Angler’s Paradise

For passionate anglers, few experiences rival the thrill of sea trout fishing—and Denmark’s enchanting island of Funen (Fyn) stands as the ultimate destination for this pursuit. Nestled in the heart of Scandinavia, Funen captivates with its diverse coastal landscapes, thriving sea trout populations, and unmatched angling opportunities.

What makes Funen extraordinary? Its coastline is a masterpiece of contrasts—rugged cliffs, sheltered fjords, and hidden bays create a dynamic playground for sea trout. The island’s nutrient-rich waters and mild climate foster ideal conditions, ensuring these elusive fish flourish here like nowhere else. Whether casting into open waves or exploring calm inlets, anglers enjoy unparalleled flexibility: when winds rage on exposed shores, tranquil bays offer refuge, while murky waters near rocks give way to crystal-clear hotspots just around the bend.

Funen

Beyond the catch, Funen’s natural beauty elevates every moment. Golden sunsets paint the horizon, waves whisper against the shore, and the island’s serene charm turns fishing into a meditative escape. While sea trout reign supreme, the waters here also host Atlantic cod, mackerel, and garfish—adding surprises to every expedition.

Funen isn’t just a fishing spot; it’s where adventure, nature, and the sea’s bounty converge.