Monday, September 30, 2013

Maine 2013 Part 1

Jeanette and I just spent a week in the mountains of western Maine. The weather could have been a bit better. From the time we left New Hampshire's White mountains and into Maine the skies were socked in with clouds, and with clouds you will have showers. That weather seemed to hang on for most of the week, with a few exceptions where the sun made a brief peek. It was funny that you would be in cloudy weather on the stream, and walk upstream and find the sun poking through. The temps were in the high thirties at night and would warm to the mid forties in the day. The fall colors were in peak but were muted by the gray skies but their beauty was awesome.

Autumn fishing is so dependent on good rain. These rains raise the stream levels and flows, this allows the fish to move up from the lakes to spawn. Unfortunately this did not take place and those giants were no where to found. But a small stream guy can find willing wild brookies if he walks the woods and finds a stream.

The first three photos were taken on a 3,000 ft peak. They show an incredible wilderness full of lakes, and endless streams, not to mention moose, deer, bear, and a enormous amount of wild turkey.




Among the sweet smelling balsam and birch flows a stream. This stream runs cold and clear for the year except for winters blanket of ice and snow. The stream holds wild brook trout who at this time are doing what they have done since the last ice age.


It was wonderful drifting various flies and having a strike on almost every drift. So many were lost, but a few graced this anglers hand.


The deer seemed to be totally unafraid of my being there in their kitchen. I was given time to photograph them and go on my way.


This stream was incredible. I would fish a run and hook a few on a Bomber, change to a Adams parachute, and take a few more in the same run.

In the land of the streamer the number one fly on this Maine trip was the Adams parachute.

A precious wild brook trout in fall dress. A true beauty in this wild place.


This was a typical sunset. Clouds and just a hint of the sun.


A real plus this trip was a gas station that featured Green Mountain coffee. They also had a supply of the Maine classic whoopie pie. Several of these made there way back to Connecticut.


CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

32 comments:

  1. Beautiful. Sun would have been nice for the landscape, but would it have changed the fishing? I've got to go to Maine now.

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    Replies
    1. RKM,
      Thanks.
      I don't think the sun would have affected the fishing, and would have made Jeanette a whole lot happier.
      You have to visit Maine for sure, unfortunately many areas are closed as of Oct. 1st.

      Delete
  2. Lovely looking wilderness pics, us that a partridge and orange that fooled the first trout?

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    Replies
    1. Col,
      Thanks.
      That partridge and orange fooled many fish. Good fly.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Micheal Curry,
      Thanks.
      It was a trip to remember for sure.

      Delete
  4. such gorgeous creeks and autumn color!

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    Replies
    1. TexWisGirl,
      Thanks.
      Even if one didn't fish walking along one would be so enjoyable.

      Delete
  5. Stunning location and lovely brookies.

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  6. Wow, beautiful! Makes me want to go visit as well. On my bucket list for next year. Thanks for sharing Alan!

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    Replies
    1. LQN,
      Thanks.
      I know you would fall in love with the Rangeley area. It's a must visit.

      Delete
  7. Fantastic my friend.

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    Replies
    1. Apache Trout,
      Thanks.
      As you well know, having had a taste of Maine last week.

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Passinthru Outdoors,
      Thanks.
      It was that for sure.

      Delete
    2. Very nice photos as always! Sounds like you had the same weather pattern as we did in Upstate NY. Being out in cloudy, cools days can be quite raw.

      Delete
    3. Mark,
      Thanks.
      Those clouds were tough in the mountains, but drop a few thousand feet and it was sunny.
      Most times I wore a fleece jacket with a windbreaker just to be comfortable.

      Delete
  9. Well Done Brk Trt!!! Again outstanding photos!!

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  10. Alan
    Outstanding images of a state my wife and I are going to visit. We are planning a trip next year up through the east. The Adams like the Bomber are hard to beat when it comes to fishing dries. Thanks for sharing some nice looking fall colors

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  11. Bill Trussell,
    Thanks.
    The New England states offer so much, and wild brookies are a plus. If you visit in the fall your in for a treat.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Brk Trt,

    So far the adventure is something else! I can't wait to see whats around the bend in Maine 2013 part 2?

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Phil that it was. But the Rangeley giants were no where to be found.

      Delete
  13. Glad you made the best of it. Beautiful images!

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    Replies
    1. rivertoprambles,
      Thanks.
      And it always seems to turn out OK.

      Delete
  14. A great beginning to your annual Maine pilgrimage Alan. Lovely ground in the NW part of my state and lovely pictures of it..Looks like you two had a lot of acreage all to yourselves!

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    Replies
    1. penbatman,
      Thanks.
      It surely is Mike. We were pretty much alone, except for some ATV riders.

      Delete
  15. That looks like an incredible way to spend a week! Personally , I love those overcast cool fall days with the smell of rain in the air.

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    Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
      Thanks.
      It was very enjoyable. We adjusted to the weather and it worked out OK.

      Delete
  16. I think we look forward to your Maine trip almost as much as you do. Looks great. Eager to see more.

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    Replies
    1. Jim Yaussy Albright.
      Thanks.
      I look forward to bringing you just that.

      Delete