I made the run up to Georgia last weekend. Taking Friday off from work, the extra day provided the perfect circumstance. Just some overdue time to escape and chill out in the mountains, and of course, the first opportunity to fish for trout this year.
Helen is certainly a quirky town. Nestled in the hills with the Chattahoochee flowing through, it’s a little Bavaria. Touristy, sure. But fun. And quite the fishing hub.
The rain initially took me off the streams, but a warm bowl of Brunswick stew and a grilled cheese sandwich kept me content.
Eventually the rains would subside and I’d give some headwaters a try. With the water levels up and flowing fast, it wouldn’t be easy fishing or wading. And both proved to be quite the laborious slog.
However, there were many reasons to revel in returning to the mountains. The cool weather, the forest coming back to life with spring greenery, and a chance to stretch my legs. All while getting dialed in for what I hope proves to be a fishy 2024.
But it doesn’t mean that fish weren’t caught. Actually quite the contrary. Focusing on the calmer, softer water I just wasn’t able to coax anything substantial out of their sanctuaries. Instead, reckless “littles” came to hand on repeat. It was enough action to be fun and qualify the trip as a success.
I know people say that when they go fishing that catching isn’t always important… often to justify a tough day on the water. While I don’t think we’ll ever escape Thoreau-inspired quotes about experiential fishing, we’ve got to be honest that it’s a lot more enjoyable if you actually catch fish.
Big, small, or otherwise.
Exactly!
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