Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Thin Blue Lined...Shared


Most trout streams are pretty much known to all anglers. They are listed in most of the pamphlets that each state fish department issues with their fishing license. The special sections of these listed streams are well known to anglers, info that is usually handed down from family or friends.
Small streams, Thin Blue Lines, that hold wild trout and especially those that hold wild brook trout are closely guarded secrets that few share with others. These streams are kept secret not because the angler is selfish, but because they are fragile habitats that need protection. Heavy fishing pressure, and catch and keep cannot be practiced on the wild streams.
Yesterday I was given the opportunity to fish one of these thin blue lines by an angler who researched this stream and did the leg work which comes with sore muscles, wet feet and sometimes more to document the streams wild fish.

Kirk, at "Trout Quest Redux" and I met up at 10 am or so and fished this wild trout stream he had found. A beautiful gem located in the forests of eastern Connecticut. Kirk had fished this stream several times and spoke of its brook trout. Brook trout that were feisty and colorful and willing to take your offering.

As the hours passed Kirk did well with these brookies, while I was unable to bring a single fish to hand. About 1:30 Kirk had to leave, and I decided to stay for another hour or so. Moving along and down stream, fishing as I walked with the hope of bringing one this streams wild ones to hand. As I fished a long slow pool, almost at the tail end a brookie took my offering and gave the chance to admire its beauty. A quick photo and back to his clean home. I then cast into the pool and instantly the line went in a funny direction. Pulling the line tight I realized I had a second trout on. It to graced my hand and allowed a photo before its release.

I continued to fish that stream and never once did I have even a bump. It was a fine day on this small blue line, a blue line that was shared with me so graciously.




The stream, lots of pools, runs, and beautiful riffles.


Kirk, stalking wild brook trout.


A true reward... a wild friend to hand.


This pool was good to me as I was walking out. I can't remember if I fished while walking up.


Two brook trout...the same pool, on consecutive casts. Thanks guys.


30 comments:

  1. After all the advice and support I've gotten from you, you deserved this trip as compensation. I see that you caught one of the brooks nicer residents. Great job.

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  2. Beautiful brookies! I have a couple of those "thin blue lines" as guarded secrets myself. I keep them that way for the same reason, to protect the habitat from careless actions. Sometimes I don't even fish them for fear of hurting any of the residents. There are far too few places for brook trout as it is.

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  3. The colours in those brookies are amazing!

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  4. Wonderful colors...we've been fortunate that the weather has continued to cooperate and provide some days to get out snow free!

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  5. A great small stream. I'm fortunate to have about a dozen of them myself within a radious of 50 km. And it's so soothing to your soul to walk beside them looking for some action.

    Have fun with those brookies!

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  6. Great looking fish.

    A fine day.

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  7. Wow. Absolutely gorgeous fish, and a great story behind it to boot.

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  8. glad you guys found some residents of that beautiful stream.

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  9. Most of the fish I've caught in small streams were the size of the second one. I can't remember catching one as tiny as the first.

    Mark

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  10. Nice story and pictures as always ! Still can't get over the fact that we are almost in January and the woodlands still look like they do in late November.

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  11. Beautiful stream and char. Its wonderful when anglers share info.

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  12. RKM,
    Thanks.
    As I said while we were fishing, this stream has some stunners. I can't wait 'til spring, Bomber time.

    Kiwi,
    Thanks.
    I've been told that when you find one these wild gems, say nothing. Like you said protect them.

    Col,
    Thanks.
    They truly are. I've caught oh so many over the years, but the next one will be the prettiest.

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  13. Steve,
    Thanks.
    We have been fortunate.... three more months, please.

    Jassid Man,
    Thanks.
    Places as such need only be visited to have a successful day.

    G Lech,
    Thanks.
    A fine day for sure.

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  14. troutrageous1,
    Thanks.
    Nothing like a wild brookie.

    Savage,
    Thanks.
    They were cooperating with us.

    Shoreman,
    Thanks.
    Unfortunately they are pushed back into those tiny headwaters where food is scarce.

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  15. e.m.b.,
    Thanks.
    Gifts indeed....cherished.

    Mark,
    Thanks.
    Boy are we lucky.

    Johnny Utah,
    Thanks.
    Share with those anglers who have the same values.

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  16. Brk Trt, great post!
    Those brookies are true gems. The last brookie in your photos is a dandy though they are all trophys regardless of their size. Those brookie colors add & brighten the dull colorless winter forest.

    Thanks for letting us enjoy your voyage....DRYFLYGUY

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  17. Thanks for the beauty. Hope it's OK I posted that last photo on my blog. Attributed, of course. I haven't had any fish photos of my own to post lately, alas...

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  18. Love your photo essays!! great story Brk Trt!!!

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  19. A gem of a stream, the colors of the wild trout are beautiful!

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  20. Jim Yaussy Albright,
    Thanks.
    It's OK Jim. Saw your blog, great stuff.

    TROUT1,
    Thanks.
    Pete thanks for stopping by. See you New Years Day.

    gone fishing,
    Thanks.
    John it was a joy to fish. Still a lot of stream to explore come spring.

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  21. DRYFLYGUY,
    Thanks.
    Boy did those brookies brighten my day.
    I enjoyed bringing the stream to you.

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  22. Nice post, I really appreciate those small streams. They are disappearing all the time.

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  23. Nothing better than those thin blue lines...especially when you can spend time on them with a friend finding some willing fish.

    Cheers

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  24. Very Sweet Place, just my kind of water.

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  25. Kev2380,
    Thanks.
    Thankfully there are many of these streams on state lands. That should keep them protected.

    Sanders,
    Thanks.
    Company always makes it better.

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  26. cyclefish,
    Thanks.

    Steve,
    Thanks.
    A wonderful stream for sure.

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  27. Man, that second fish you showed (coming from the one pool) was just gorgeous, and a true monster from a small stream.

    Just found your blog and love it, fantastic experiences, and makes me think of some of my favorite little brooks and streams - and the native char that live in them. Thank you!

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  28. Anonymous,
    Thanks.
    He was a jewel.
    I'm delighted that you enjoy my blog. I hope you'll stop by often and feel free to comment. It's appreciated.

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