Monday, May 19, 2014

Small Stream Fishing 5-18-2014

I fished for a few hours yesterday morning, until 1 or so. The stream is located in eastern Connecticut and flows through some state land as well as a good chunk of private land. The flows were up some from recent rains but the clarity was awesome. Started fishing and at one point was 0 for 3. The thought was "one of those days" I came upon this pool and noticed a few rises toward the back. I changed to a dry fly and floated it through. Not a single take. Many times the fly floated and was refused. Several changes, and the same result. I tied on a soft hackle and sent it out on a mission. Bang that was the ticket. Several brookies hooked and a few to hand.



A soft hackle wet fooled them.


Came upon this plunge pool. It was deep and had a strong flow. It also had a very good looking undercut on the left side. An assessment was made that if there was a big fish in this stream his home would be here. I had the soft hackle on so that's what I fished. Then a dry, then a muddler, all with the same result, nothing. Looking through the fly box I saw Mickey, took him out and tied him on. He went for a dive and a swim and on one of the retrieves I saw that big fish. He swirled up behind the bright streamer and just backed away. Several more casts later and there was no response. I think on a cloudy day, or perhaps evening and that trout would be at hand.


I moved on to the section that flows through private land. The landowner was good enough to give his permission to fish through, and we respect the few requests he asked of us. Still with the Mickey Finn I managed a hookup or two and even one almost to hand.

In the deep and swirling water of this pool the streamer was hit. With the weight of the water in his favor the brookie knew how to get away....not this time.

As I placed my hand under him and lifted him up the fly popped out. I took a photo, and there was no second, for off he went back into the white waters.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE


22 comments:

  1. Everything is looking very green and alive with active fish, what a wonderful time of year. Nice job with the photos of some handsome fish!

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    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      A lovely shade that green. The little guys were very active.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. TROUT1,
      Thanks.
      Pete it sure was. The only exception was the tick I found imbedded.

      Delete
  3. oh, those rich colors! greens, browns, blues! love!

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    Replies
    1. TexWisGirl,
      Thanks.
      It's all coming together now.

      Delete
  4. It looks a stunning little stream, the colours on the Brookie are fantastic.

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  5. Always a good trip through the Connecticut wilderness with you.

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    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      Oh those wilds. Enjoyable

      Delete
  6. I've come to realize that what I consider small streams are actually quite large compared to where you fish Alan. I admire your skills.

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    Replies
    1. Howard,
      Thanks.
      Some of the waters I visit are tiny indeed.

      Delete
  7. Looks like it was a stellar day. Im looking forward to my first trip of the season to one of those thin blue lines.

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    Replies
    1. Kiwi,
      Thanks.
      Hope it's soon Chris. I'll be waiting for your report.

      Delete
  8. Beautiful, small stream. Thanks to you, there is still some small stream love that runs deep in my heart. Always great to hear or read of willing land owners who allow you to fish as long as you cooperate with their wants.

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    Replies
    1. Mel Moore,
      Thanks.
      Mel, I think that magic is in all of us. The time as youngsters tossing a worm into a little stream is always present.

      Delete
  9. The beauty of those streams and the little jewels they hold never cease to amaze me. Fantastic as always Alan...

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    Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
      Thanks.
      It never ceases. Love it.

      Delete
  10. Good to see a soft-hackle working on a sweet Connecticut stream!

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    Replies
    1. rivertoprambles,
      Thanks.
      Good flies those soft hackles.

      Delete
  11. Alan
    I am looking forward to a return visit to the deep pool with the uncut bank. Do you ever use a soft hackle in the Farmington? The reason I am asking is I am wondering if this type pattern would produce in slow water? Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Yes I do. This fly works well in slow water. The hackles move freely in the slow currents giving life to the fly. It can be taken as an emerger, or a struggling drowned insect. They have a place in a fly box.

      Delete