The dreaded 5:30AM Sunday alarm. Normally I would consider destroying my phone but on these special days I look forward to it. You can never predict how North Carolina's weather will be however this summer has been mild. I wanted to take advantage of this weekend and head out to a blue line that kicked my butt when I first started. The thick woods, roadidendren everywhere and more water obstacles than you can count. This section of water will not only test your casting but mental health. Why do I bushwhack to fish for 4-10" fish? Why do I get into yoga positions to make a 5' cast? Why am I so sore after the day? All because these fish are incredible, beautiful and aggressive.

Arriving at 7:10AM I started the hike in. It was a brisk 56 degrees and a cool breeze. Absolutely insane for a North Carolina August weekend. After arriving to my first section to fish I did a quick test on the water temperature. I was pleased to see 58 degrees and gin clear! With my Barclay 64P in hand it was game time. Throwing my first cast with a Panther Branch Bugs " The One " I landed my first brookie of the day. This could be bad luck or a good sign. It proved to be a good sign of things to come.

Custom Barclay 64P paired with a Abel reel and 406 line. I can not say enough good things about this rod for small creek fishing. I am very new to the world of fly fishing and feel like this rod is an extension of my arm/hand.

Meat Tray :


Hiking in :



Brookies :





Trophy Brookie for these waters :



After reading about browns being in these waters I hoped to land one. After hiking in ~ 3 miles and climbing around a small waterfall I spotted a fishy area. Sent a short cast to see a brown slowly rise and then hammer the fly. It was the highlight of my day to see it happen at the angle I had and insanely clear water.



Casting 101 :






Flora :







Me :



Overall incredible day. Days like these make you enjoy life just a little more.

Enjoy!
-Dave

Great pics...Tuff water. Thanks for sharing

That's what it's all about right there. Beautiful places, beautiful fish, and rods that just simply get the job done (helps if they're absolutely elegant too)!

Small water, short rod...my kind of fishing.

Nice - reminds me of the Catskills...

Tom

Good stuff!

Thank you!


Truly a special rod. When people see the black handle they look at me a little funny. However best feeling handle I have.


One day I would love to make it out there. We visit NY 4-5 times a year. Hmmmm.....


A universal bug for sure. Right up there with parachute adams for these waters.


100%. Fall is SO close.


There will be many more.


Tuff but incredibly rewarding.


Being in NC it is hard to imagine not being able to do this. Creeks like this are only 1-1.5 hours from my house, 5-10 minutes for warm water heaven and 3 hours to costal. Love it here!

Great shots. Love it when the brookies start to take on darker colors.

Killer photos...I'm jealous, and I need to find a way out fishing!

Great pictures! And beatiful fish and stream. Must be a lot of fun...

Totally agree. This spot had a large mix of coloring.


We are lucky. 5-30 away from incredible warm water, 1-1.5 hours away from small water trout and 3 hours from the coast!


I am in Greensboro!

Just do it!