The wild trout of Southern Norway

"Fly Fishing Paradise: Discover the Untamed Beauty of Aveyron’s Le Lot River"

France’s Aveyron region, nestled in the rugged Massif Central, boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. From the sweeping Aubrac plateau to the dramatic river valleys carved by the Lot, Truyère, Aveyron, and Tarn, this area is a haven for nature lovers and anglers alike.

The Allure of Fly Fishing in Le Lot

"Fly Fishing Paradise: Discover the Untamed Beauty of Aveyron’s Le Lot River"

The Lot River in Aveyron offers an unforgettable fly fishing experience, with its diverse waters shaped by the region’s geology. In the north, the river flows through ancient basalt and granite, creating slightly acidic waters ideal for wild trout. Meanwhile, the southern stretches feature crystal-clear limestone-fed currents, demanding stealth and precision from anglers.

Prized Catches of the Lot

While the river teems with life, these species stand out as the most sought-after:

  • Brown Trout – Agile and elusive, a true test of skill
  • Grayling – Known for their striking dorsal fins and spirited fights
  • Chub – A hardy challenger in the river’s varied currents

Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the catch or the raw beauty of Aveyron’s landscapes, the Lot River promises an angling adventure like no other.

"Hampshire’s Chalkstreams: Where Fly Fishing Legends Were Born"

England’s Sacred Waters: The Test & Itchen – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise

Steeped in angling lore, Hampshire’s legendary chalkstreams—the Test and Itchen—have shaped fly fishing history. These hallowed waters, revered as the sport’s birthplace, continue to lure devoted anglers seeking the perfect cast.

"Hampshire's Chalkstreams: Where Fly Fishing Legends Were Born"

The Legacy of Fishing Giants
Winchester Cathedral holds Izaak Walton, whose 1653 masterpiece The Compleat Angler immortalized these rivers. Just miles apart, Frederick Halford pioneered dry fly fishing on the Test, while George Skues refined nymphing techniques on the Itchen—their innovations still define modern fly fishing.

Stockbridge: A Timeless Angling Haven
Nestled in the Test Valley, this postcard-perfect village pulses with fishing heritage. Misty autumn mornings reveal its charm, drawing anglers irresistibly toward the water’s edge.

The River Test: Chalkstream Royalty
A 39-mile serpent through Hampshire, the Test weaves a labyrinth of carriers, meadows, and channels—so pristine, even seasoned anglers struggle to distinguish its main flow. Growing mightier below Stockbridge, it merges with tributaries before meeting the sea as one.

The River Itchen: A Worthy Rival
Born near New Alresford, this 26-mile gem rivals the Test with wild trout and grayling. Flowing past Winchester Cathedral and through historic water meadows, it remains a global benchmark for dry fly and nymph fishing.

Why These Waters?
Fed by chalk aquifers, both rivers boast crystalline flows and rich ecosystems. Their intertwined histories—from medieval navigation routes to Halford’s revolutionary casts—make every bend a living museum.

Beyond the Cast
Dive deeper into chalkstream secrets: the hatches, the techniques, and the magic that makes Hampshire the soul of fly fishing. Or simply watch—and dream—of summers spent where the sport’s greatest chapters were written.

Species Spotlight: Wild brown trout and grayling reign here, but the true catch is the legacy swirling in every pool.

"Norway鈥檚 Hidden Gem: The Otra River 鈥?A Fisherman鈥檚 Paradise & Nature鈥檚 Masterpiece"

Flowing through Southern Norway, the Otra River stretches 245km, ranking as the country鈥檚 8th longest river. This breathtaking waterway winds alongside Rv 9, eventually merging into the sea near Kristiansand, the vibrant capital of Southern Norway.

From raging whitewater rapids to serene lakes, the Otra offers diverse landscapes and world-class fishing. The lower 16km is a hotspot for migratory Atlantic salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and European freshwater eel鈥攚ith 6,537kg of fish caught in 2014 alone, 94% being wild salmon.

Beyond Vennesla, where migratory fish meet an artificial barrier, the river transforms into a chain of interconnected lakes and streams, teeming with wild brown trout. While most are small, their sheer numbers make every cast exciting!

A Sustainable Fishing Revolution

In June 2023, the Otra Fishing Association partnered with Fishby to introduce a "Smart Fishing License", granting access to 180km of pristine waters in Setesdalen Valley鈥攆rom Hartevatn in the north to Kilefjorden in the south (excluding migratory species).

Unique Species & Hidden Giants

"Norway鈥檚 Hidden Gem: The Otra River 鈥?A Fisherman鈥檚 Paradise & Nature鈥檚 Masterpiece"

  • Wild brown trout dominate, but elusive American brook trout lurk beneath.
  • Average catches weigh 300g (戮lb), but monsters up to 8kg (17.5lbs) surprise anglers.
  • Byglandsfjorden鈥檚 Bleka鈥攁 rare dwarf salmon鈥攊s a prized catch despite its small size (rarely exceeding 250g).

Fishing Rules & Tips

馃帲 Licenses: Buy digital (Fishby.no) or physical (local campsites). Youth under 16 fish free!
馃挵 Fees: Day (NOK 75) | Week (NOK 200) | Season (NOK 500)
馃帲 Gear: AFTMA 3-6 rods, float/intermediate lines. No live bait! (Penalties apply.)
鈿狅笍 Safety: Watch for sudden water surges near dams during rains.

Two Rare Treasures: Marble Trout & Bleka

馃敼 Marble Trout 鈥?A striking hybrid of brown trout & brook trout, found only in Evje. Some reach 500g!
馃敼 Bleka 鈥?A landlocked dwarf salmon, nearly wiped out by dams & acid rain in the 1900s. Conservation efforts now aim to revive this cultural & culinary icon.

Why Visit?

  • Stunning scenery with ever-changing waterscapes.
  • Guaranteed catches in trout-rich zones.
  • Exclusive species found nowhere else in the world.

Cast your line into Norway鈥檚 best-kept secret鈥攚here adventure, tradition, and nature collide! 馃帲鉁?/p>

(Featured species: Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout)

"Hidden Gems of North Georgia: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Wild Trout Streams"

Untamed Waters, Thrilling Catches: Exploring North Georgia’s Trout Paradise

North Georgia’s trout streams offer an angler’s dream—crystal-clear waters teeming with wild and stocked trout, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Appalachians. Whether you’re chasing feisty brook trout in secluded headwaters or testing your skills against wary browns in delayed-harvest sections, this region delivers unforgettable fly fishing adventures.

Prime Fishing Seasons:
April through July and October to December are peak months, when trout are most active.

Top Streams to Explore:

  • Cohutta Wilderness: Remote creeks packed with wild rainbows and browns.
  • Toccoa River Drainages: Home to native brook trout and aggressive rainbows.
  • Etowah & Chestatee Headwaters: Diverse trout populations in scenic settings.

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Stay mobile—pressure is high near parking areas; hike further for better action.
  • Match the hatch—natural flies like hare’s ear nymphs and parachute Adams work wonders.
  • Check regulations—some streams are artificial-only or catch-and-release.

Gear Recommendations:

  • Rods: AFTMA 1-4 for delicate presentations on small streams.
  • Lines: WF floating for versatility.

Local Insight:
Georgia’s wild trout demand stealth and precision, while stocked fish respond well to attractor patterns. Use the DNR’s stocking schedule to plan your trips and avoid crowds.

Hidden Hotspots:

    "Hidden Gems of North Georgia: A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Wild Trout Streams"

  • Boggs Creek: Mix of stocked and wild rainbows above slick rock cascades.
  • Helton Creek: Tight casts under rhododendron tunnels.
  • Warwoman Creek: Solitude and wild trout in upper reaches.

Fly Selection:

  • Stocked trout: Egg patterns and mop flies for easy strikes.
  • Wild trout: Tiny midges (#20 or smaller) and subtle nymphs for finicky feeders.

Regulations Quick Guide:

  • License required (plus trout stamp for ages 16+).
  • Respect closures—some streams are youth-only or artificial-lure-only.

Final Thought:
North Georgia’s streams are a treasure trove for fly fishers—where wild beauty meets wild trout. Pack light, move quietly, and let the rhythm of the water guide your next cast.

Featured Species:

  • Brook Trout (native gems in high-elevation creeks)
  • Brown Trout (elusive and cunning)
  • Rainbow Trout (hard-fighting and abundant)

Credit: Georgia Wild Trout for insider knowledge. For guided trips, check them out!

"Fly Fishing Paradise: Discover the Serene Beauty & Thrilling Catches of France’s La Loue River"

Nestled in eastern France, the La Loue River is a fly fisher’s dream—a pristine waterway teeming with trophy-sized trout and grayling. Renowned for its crystal-clear currents and peaceful ambiance, this hidden gem invites anglers to test their skills against its thriving aquatic life.

Trophy Trout & Grayling: The La Loue’s Prized Catches
The river’s star attractions—brown trout and grayling (ombres)—flourish here, with trout often stretching an impressive 30–50 cm. Sight fishing for these elusive giants adds an adrenaline rush to the La Loue’s tranquil setting.

Local Flies, Legendary Success
Master the art of fly fishing with the Ornans and Peute flies, expertly designed to mimic native insects. These lures are the secret weapons of local anglers, consistently tempting the river’s savvy trout and grayling.

More Than Just Fishing
Beyond the thrill of the catch, the La Loue offers a retreat into unspoiled nature—where the whisper of the water and the challenge of the hunt create unforgettable moments.

"Fly Fishing Paradise: Discover the Serene Beauty & Thrilling Catches of France’s La Loue River"

Target Species: Brown Trout, Grayling (Additional species may inhabit the area.)