This is April's first fishing report. I headed to a small stream and arrived about 9:30. The weather was cloudy, a bright cloudy that is, and air temps around 45. The stream was in great shape with a somewhat heavy flow, clarity was outstanding. With this water flow I put on a streamer and began working it along the banks in the soft spots and seams looking for a taker. Keeping the story short I continued without a single hit. By this time I could see stoneflies about, even a few crawling down my back. I changed flies, putting on a soft hackle wet fly and worked the stream. The fly produced quickly and a nice silver chub was at hand. A fine battle but not the fish I was seeking.
I continued to work the stream for a good 3 hours without a trout. The sun poked out from time to time and it felt good. This time of year a little sunshine can warm the waters just enough to get trout moving. I soon decided to stop for lunch and a coffee and try a different section of stream.
Walking I could see a few remnants of a winter I wish to forget. Looks pretty though.
It was after 1 when I began fishing again. I worked the fly in the heavier current and soon was given a substantial hit. It was very hard, and the fish missed. I had several hookups in the fast water and although very promising not a fish to hand.
That was about to change. In a deep swift run a trout struck. A few moments later I was rewarded with my first trout of April.
A handsome wild brown, who seemed to winter over very well. He put the 3wt to the test running to every hideout known.
Well as my fishing buddy "Pete, TROUT1" would say...on the board for April.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Nice job fooling that 1st April trout.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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It felt good, no "Fooling"
Very nice wild brown to start April off with! The woods are still wearing their winter robes! Even the skunk cabbage is bundled up!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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That winter was a tough one. And your right about the skunk cabbage.
Nice fishing trip that ended with a lovely looking trout! Can't wait to get out myself.
ReplyDeleteThe Jassid Man,
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A fine reward Mats. Hope your time on the water is soon.
Here's to Spring...and many more days filled with beautiful fish just like that wild brown.
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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A salute. I'm hoping so.
Yes sir! Forgive my ignorance. Do you use any shot with the wet? Happy spring!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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I have tried it but the fly seems to hang up a lot. I will put a few wraps of lead wire as a under body on some of them, and a few I use wire ribbing. That pretty much takes them down far enough for the small streams.
Thanks for the info Alan :)
DeleteBeautiful stream and fish! I can't wait until class work slows down and I can make it into the mountains, Until then, reading great blogs like yours will have to do!
ReplyDeleteBill Thomas,
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The itch to fish must be painful. It will be sweeter when it happens.
" On the Board"! Way to go AL and a beauty at that!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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After the last few weeks I thought Aprils trout would be a long time coming.
Good work Alan, love the red spots on the brownie.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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They were nice, for sure.
hooray!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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Better weather had to make the fish feel better......I know it worked for me.
Happy April, Alan, and a very pretty brown!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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We are finally turning the page, and the chapter is Spring.
Nice brown Alan, and nice to see spring finally getting a hold in your neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteCol,
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love it, as I'm sure you do over there.
Nice brown Alan, and nice to see spring finally getting a hold in your neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteHealthy, and that stream is certainly flowing at a nice rate after Saturday night's rain.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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The rains really filled it up. It's all good.
Good way to start April.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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That it is buddy. Now the fun begins.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI would say those wild trout seem to have a lot more fight than the stockers. Beautiful colors are still there on the trout even a severe winter. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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There's no comparison in both fight and natural coloration. I'll take wild anytime.
They come pretty in April. I celebrate with you.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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They do indeed. Lets raise a glass together.
Me, I am impressed with the colors on that wild Brownie. Nice job, Alan.
ReplyDeleteMel,( Pond Stalker),
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They held their color as well as there overall condition through that nasty cold winter.
Thank you for keeping this wonderful blog going. Whenever I am having a tough day I check in on your blog and it gives me a few moments of relaxation and deep peace. It has also got me back into flyfishing and started me onto small streams a lot more. Its been an all around great gift you have given me, so thank you! hope the spring brings you many beautiful trout!
ReplyDeleteForgive my ignorance, but aren't CT streams closed right now for fishing? I have been anxiously awaiting 4/19th?
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