Friday, December 23, 2011

The First Day of Winter 2011


Yesterday was the first day of winter, and if every day of winter could be the same as the first it would be OK with me.
After having thunderstorms the night before the day broke to sunshine with a promise to reach temps in the 50's. That's all that was needed to finalize our plans.
Jeanette and I soon packed a lunch and left to locate a new stream, one that was told to me by Kirk, at  Trout Quest Redux. His directions were good, but I missed the stream somehow. So rather searching its location and loosing time fishing we decided to fish another wild trout stream familiar to us.
We had a wonderful day. I had the pleasure of some brookies coming to hand, we enjoyed a stream side lunch, and took in some natural woodland beauty.
We realize days like these are few, luckily we were able to take advantage.




This first deep run of the stream produced a quick response. The trout came from under the wood and missed the fly. Not giving up on the promising water, I let the fly work again and again. I was rewarded with the ability to take a photo of a brook trout.



The brookies were taking the fly in the middle to top portion of the stream.



A stream side lunch. Ham and cheese on rye can be so delicious when served outdoors.



This section of this little stream is a favorite. Its a long run with riffles and some deeper channels. It usually gives a fish or two. The hemlocks provided some cover, and the wet fly was to much to resist. The trout that came to hand was a wild tiger trout.



The tiger is a very strong fish. They fight with the tenacity of a bear. A 2wt gets a workout.



As we were leaving, this tree looked so right.



21 comments:

  1. Brk Trt,
    what a way to start a new winter season. Great weather has been really with us so far and will be welcome by me if it stays like this for the rest of the season.
    What was the popular fly that you used during your quest?

    Great post.....DRYFLYGUY

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  2. Great image of the Brookie among the rocks...the temps made for a great day to be outside.

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  3. What a great way to spend the first day of the season. Great company and a few wild fish, life is good.

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  4. Hi Alan,
    Loved the picture of the trout contrasted against the stream's rocks.
    Merry Christmas.

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  5. Great post, as always. Wish I could get some stream time!

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  6. DRYFLYGUY,
    Thanks.
    Wonderful weather, like you I hope it hangs on.
    The fly is a wet/nymph type. Brown or rust body with medium krystal hackle. I'll do a post on the fly later.

    Steve,
    Thanks.
    Those 50 degree days this late in Dec. are wonderful.

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  7. upacreek333,
    Thanks.
    I appreciate the visit.

    Sanders,
    Thanks.
    Oh yes my friend...Life is Good.

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  8. Ed,
    Thanks.
    And a Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Kiwi,
    Thanks.
    Perhaps Santa can give you that gift of stream time. I hoping for you.

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  9. Beautiful looking stream. That tiger must have stunned you. Merry Christmas

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  10. Beautiful! Especially that brookie in the stream...their camouflage never ceases to amaze. Streamside lunch on green moss? Right now, I can't even fathom...and it looks delightful. Merry Christmas!!!

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  11. RKM,
    Thanks.
    Yes he was a bit of a surprise.

    e.m.b.,
    Thanks.
    Great weather here for a "picnic".
    Merry Christmas Erin.

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  12. All the little tree needed was a bit of Christmas decorations.

    Mark

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  13. Nothing like a New England brook side picnic in December , eh? Who would believe it? Good going there Brk Trt!

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  14. Shoreman,
    Thanks.
    That would have made it pretty.

    penbayman,
    Thanks.
    Your right, and probably won't happen again this winter.

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  15. BT,
    Went to a CT wild trout stream yesterday as well. Haven't had that much fun on the water in a while.
    Happy Holidays,
    Cliff

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  16. cphaneuf,
    Thanks.
    Cliff,
    Great...glad you were able to log some stream time.

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  17. As far as "Christmas Gifts" go I'd say you got the best one of all right there, just a little early. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon on a beautiful late December day.

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  18. Monday is the warmest day this week. Want to meet and fish that brook? Check PM at NE Flyfishing Forums.

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  19. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
    Thanks.
    It was a great Christmas gift.

    RKM,
    I can't make Monday.

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