Blue Ridge Boys
Unplug And Find a New Energy
By Sue Collins
FOR THE BETTER PART OF THREE HOURS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GIN-CLEAR NOONTOOTLA CREEK IN BLUE RIDGE, I WAS LASER FOCUSED ON A 2-INCH PIECE OF GREEN YARN. I'd glance up occasionally for a new cast, looking for foam or those treasure troves of cold dark water. My guide David Hulsey was patient, then pushy when that green yarn indicator dipped ever so slightly. Six times over that morning, I won the battle with strong and willful trout, learning when to let the fish run and when to reel like hell. Hulsey leads trip along the two miles of water over 1,200 acres owned by Noontootla Creek Farms. Other members of his team teach and guide upland wingshooting and sporting clays.
This is not your mama's Blue Ridge, the cute little town where you have lunch on rainy North Georgia Mountain days.
///01 The bamboo fly rod making workshops are booked through 2018, but stop in and watch the craftsman and get on the list for 2019.
///02 Upstairs from Oyster Bamboo Rods is their Cast & Blast Inn. Stay downtown Blue Ridge and you'll have a handy basecamp for Fannin County adventures.
///03 Noontootla Creek Farm fly fishing courses give students a mile of dedicated river. Photo David Hulsey