Bluelining

Bluelining, in the context of fishing, refers to the practice of exploring small, often remote, and unmarked streams or tributaries that appear as blue lines on a map, typically for the purpose of finding and catching wild trout. It's a combination of hiking, fishing, and exploration, often leading to secluded locations and native fish populations.

Links

• A Beginner’s Guide to Blue Lining – The Fisheries Blog
• The Day I Learned How To Blue Line Was Accidental! | Tenkara Angler
• Blue Lining 101 Fly Fishing Clinic (FREE) • Alpharetta Outfitters GA
• How to Blue Line for Georgia Brook Trout - Wade the South

Notes

Best Practices for Small Stream Fly Fishing

Finding Small Streams

• Exploration

  • Explore tributaries of known trout rivers
  • Fish headwaters of famous rivers
  • Use terrain maps for "blue lining"
  • Look for elevations above 1,200 feet in warmer climates

• Ideal Stream Characteristics

  • Look for streams with bends (indicate deeper pools)
  • Minimum 2 feet depth in pools
  • Steep gradients with plunge pools
  • Multiple tributaries (at least one or two)
  • Remote locations away from roads and campgrounds

Gear Selection

• Rods

  • 8-9 feet length ideal for most situations
  • 4-5 weight, no more that 6
  • Consider 6-7.5 feet for extremely brushy areas
  • Slower action rods (fiberglass or bamboo) work better for short casts
  • Can overline your rod by 1-2 sizes for better performance

• Lines & Leaders

  • Floating line only
  • 7.5-9 foot leaders (4x)
  • Shorter leaders for mountain streams
  • Consider tenkara rods for extremely tight spots

Casting Techniques

• Roll Cast

  • Essential for small streams
  • Keep hand by ear, make smooth acceleration to stop
  • Pause to let line stick to water before forward cast
  • Can be done at high angle, sidearm, or over opposite shoulder

• Specialty Casts

  • Bow and arrow cast for extremely tight spots
  • Minimal false casting
  • Keep casts short and controlled

Fly Selection

• Dry Flies

  • Sizes 10-14
  • High-floating patterns (Stimulators, Parachute Adams, Foam Hoppers)
  • Easy-to-see patterns important

• Nymphs

  • Sizes 10-14
  • Standard nymphs for shallow areas
  • Bead head nymphs for deeper pools
  • Dropper rigs effective (4-8" below dry fly)

• Terrestrials

  • Grasshoppers, beetles, ants, wasps
  • Don't need to be exact imitations

Approach & Stealth

• Movement

  • Move slowly and deliberately
  • Stay low to avoid being seen
  • Use natural cover (rocks, foliage)
  • Avoid quick movements

• Positioning

  • Approach from downstream when possible
  • Fish likely facing upstream
  • Stay out of the water when possible
  • Avoid casting shadows over fish

Fishing Strategy

• Covering Water

  • Don't spend too long in one spot
  • Make a few casts and move on
  • Focus on prime lies (pockets, bends, undercut banks)
  • Be willing to explore and move between spots

• Presentation

  • Short, accurate casts
  • Keep line off the water when possible
  • Watch for quick strikes
  • Use natural drifts

Special Conditions

• Spring Creeks

  • Fish more selective
  • Use smaller flies
  • Finer tippets
  • More delicate presentations

• Meadow Streams

  • More spooky fish
  • Longer leaders
  • More precise casting
  • More selective fly patterns

Mindset

• Appreciate the solitude and beauty
• Enjoy the experience beyond just catching fish
• Be prepared to explore and discover
• Accept that most fish will be small but wild and beautiful

Safety & Conservation

• Be aware of wildlife
• Practice catch and release
• Leave no trace
• Respect private property