Headwaters, "Hemlock Creek"

This is another one of those streams that I have fished several times. I usually go so far up and have been satisfied with the results. This day I was determined to fish the headwaters of this tea colored blue line. I picked a good day to do the exploration. This part of the state had received some pretty hefty rains, along with the area of the Massachusetts Berkshires so the stream was really flowing. The weather was almost perfect with sunshine and cool temps for this end of July. To compliment this there was also a nice breeze which kept the insects at bay.

This stream has hemlocks, both along the stream and the surrounding forest for miles. I could say that this is as heavy an area for these evergreens of any stream I've fished. With all that tannin the stream is as truly "dark tea stained". Did you know that hemlock bark was used in the process of leather tanning..I didn't until the other day.

Well back to fishing. I found brookies in almost every place I tossed a fly. These fish were very aggressive, so much so that most did not hookup, but the brookies that came to hand were gorgeous.

I continued upstream for hours, one pool and one run at a time.

Wild....a "Hemlock Creek" brook trout.

I took so many photos of this stream. Now it's hard to select which ones to show you.

There were a few rising trout in this pool. The only surface activity viewed this day.

Hot coffee at the end of my day. A welcome feeling this day in late July.

I can still remember......

Friday morning found me driving to a few streams in northwest Connecticut. I was on the road before 5:30 already well into my 3rd coffee. The weather for this day was cool, clear and abundant sunshine. I had planned to fish the Farmington but changed my mind and opted for the little waters instead. Arriving at the first stream I found the conditions to be good, as far as flows go. There were places where it was a bit skinny, but the flows often led to some pretty big pools. Out came the thermometer and first things first. The water was 60, and several checks through out the day showed it to remain well within the safety zone for trout.

I had with me my TQR 5ft 2wt. This little rod was perfect for these streams. I like this combo and don't know why I don't fish it more often. I made my first casts with a dry fly attached and worked the pools. I was sure that the fly would be beaten up by the brook trout. I fished several pools, and runs with out a strike. I changed to a stimulator thinking this will do it, but it didn't. So now I figured they either were sleeping in later, or were looking for something below the surface. Thumbing and looking through the fly box I selected a Picket Pin wet fly, I think a soft hackle, or a dark Cahill would have worked also but it was the Picket Pin that went on to the leader. As it turns out that was the only fly used this day. On the second cast I saw a brookie chase it and back off. A cast or two later and fish on...then off. I was to have an awesome day, with endless takes and although many came to hand more were able to elude.

These cool tanic waters are home to some wonderful wild jewels.

This was the first one to grace my eyes. Is there anything more colorful?

I saw quite a few deer this morning, all on the run. Even flushed a few woodcock.

Remember when you were a kid, it's still the same wonderful feeling every time.

Enjoy...........

A mid summer walk, and I can't wait.

It was a beautiful day here in New England. We just had a bout with summer and today was the refreshing change that will be with us for a few days.

On such a day we decided to take a woodland walk and enjoy the free natural show now showing. The walk had a beautiful little stream that wound its way through hardwood and hemlock woods. There were birds about as well as a few woodchucks that seemed to play hide and seek with us.

Several fields were in the mix and they offered flowers of various colors and sizes. One of the fields was quite large and for the eye to take in the beauty was difficult. This is a nice photo and is now my screen saver, but it was much more brilliant in person.

Near an old barn were these flowers swaying in the breeze. When I saw them I thought of a male brook trout in Autumn.

I plan to fish here come mid October. These are some of the flies that will attempt to persuade a brook trout or two. I'm like a kid and I can't wait.

A wild brown trout, and some blueberries.

There are many times when people who follow my blog will email me with their thoughts as well as a photo or two. Many of their outings as well as there locations are given to me and they are held in confidence. And there are those photos in which the angler does not mind sharing and gives me the O.K. to post on my blog. This is one of a host of photos that Michael Stephens has sent to me. The photo is absolutely gorgeous.

Mike is also a rod maker with many fine rods to his credit. I am trying now to decide just how I want mine built.

Wild brown trout.  Photo Michael Stephens

The next few weeks are going to be hot, mid summer here. In these times some of the small streams need a break from fishing. While there are certain times when I'll pay them a visit as well as the cold tailwaters of the Farmington. I do have many summer activities that keep me busy as well as outdoors.

One such activity took place yesterday. Jeanette and I went blueberry picking for the first time this year.

On this farm the bluberries span as far as you can see.

Native Connecticut blueberries. These were sorted and debris removed. They were placed on cookie sheets and put into the freezer. Today they will be bagged and frozen. They will be wonderful eating come winter. A reminder of a hot July day.

Jeanette's blueberry muffins. Had one last night, and perhaps one for breakfast this A.M.