Big Browns and Bows on the Soque
The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the North Georgia mountains as Gretchen and I packed our fly-fishing gear into the back of our vehicle. Both of us were brimming with excitement for Gretchen’s first big fly-fishing outing on the Soque River. We had booked a stay at the Glenn-Ella Springs Bed & Breakfast, and after a cozy night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we met up with our guides, Gabs and Sam, ready for the day ahead.
The Soque River was a hidden gem nestled in the lush landscape—tranquil, picturesque, and brimming with the promise of abundant fish. Gabs and Sam greeted us with friendly smiles, and I could tell right away that they were as passionate about fly fishing as we were.
"Let's get you on some trophy trout," Gabs said, her voice as clear as the river we stood beside. Given it was our first time fishing these waters, we were grateful to have them guide us through the right spots.
Slipping into waders, Gretchen and I each clutched a 6-weight fly rod, feeling a sense of oneness with the river that flowed before us. The rods felt like an extension of our arms as we rigged up with the tiny, meticulous size 22 nymphs—perfect for the finicky appetites of the Soque trout.
The river embraced us as we waded in, the cool currents swirling around our legs. The rhythm of casting our lines, watching the loops of the fly line unroll through the air, was almost meditative. The whispers of the river and the rustling of the trees mingled with the sounds of our gentle splashes.
Suddenly, the line went taut, and my heart raced—I had hooked a rainbow trout! Not just any trout, but a 30-inch behemoth that was putting up quite the fight. "Keep the tension, Brian," Gabs advised, her voice steady. The trout danced in the water, its iridescent sides catching the sunlight with each leap and turn. After a thrilling struggle, I managed to guide the impressive rainbow into the net. The sheer size of it left us all marveling at its beauty before we carefully released it back into the river.
Meanwhile, Gretchen, under Sam's attentive guidance, was having a field day. Her casts were precise, effortless and within no time, one by one, she reeled in several healthy-looking brown trout and a few more rainbows. We could see the glow of achievement on her face with each successful catch—the mark of a perfect day on the Soque River.
Our spirits were high, and the river was generous, rewarding us with memories that were more valuable than any fish we could take home. When the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden light across the ripples of the water, we knew it was time to head back to the bed & breakfast.
That evening, joined by my brother Jason and his wife Kim, we recounted the day's exploits over an exquisite dinner featuring succulent halibut and perfectly cooked lamb. The food was divine, but it was the shared stories, the laughter, the company of loved ones that truly made the meal.
Our second night at Glenn-Ella Springs Bed & Breakfast was as delightful as the first. Gretchen and I retired to our room, our bodies tired but our hearts full and content. Lying there in the peaceful stillness of the mountains, we drifted off to sleep with images of the river dancing in our minds.
Our fly fishing trip on the Soque River was more than just an excursion—it was an experience that encapsulated joy, the warmth of family, and the serenity of nature. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion we would continue to explore together, one cast and one river at a time.
