A small stream, a wild small stream. This one flows freely over rock and fallen tree. A miniature version of a river flowing through a wilderness. I choose to fish these miniature wilderness streams because they offer me the quiet and solitude to fish. This is rare in these days of "hot fly fishing destinations", large trout, and large crowds.
To reach these streams does not take a great deal of effort, only forethought. A respect of these waters is a must for they are as fragile as a crystal vase. There is not a great deal of tackle necessary to fish these streams. The fly box need only a few patterns, especially this time of year. A fine 3wt rod, and an open eye as well as an open ear will bring the angler as close to nature as one can get.
Come join me on a recent June morning as I fish this mini wilderness stream.
A 6ft 3wt and a few flies. As it turned out I could have had only one fly and it would have been enough. The "bomber" was the star.
Flowing ever so peacefully the stream offers its bounty. The bomber bounces and bobs along the runs. One day the waters behind a boulder will offer up a beautiful wild trout, the next day it will be void.
On this day the spot behind the boulder offered this wild brown. His size does not say it all. Inch for inch this trout will rival any. He was so determined to gain his freedom that he ran upstream with vigor.
After getting tangled in this fly trap twice, I managed to finally get a free drift. Just in front of the rock the fly was pulled under.
The rod did all it could to keep the fish turned away from certain early release. I slid my hand in the cold water and lifted this wild gent up. I managed a photo and off he went.
A salute to this day and to the mini wilderness stream and its wild residents.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Brk Trt, well done!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog entries about your outings. It feels like you bring us all along on your trips up streams with you.
Thanks for bringing us along............Phil
DRYFLYGUY,
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I sure do try to let those that read here the wonderful feeling of fishing small streams.
The browns are beauties Brk Trt!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete they were well colored and well fed.
Gorgeous browns. I haven't caught a brown with big rings around the red dots in a while.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank,
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These fish were well cared for, feisty and strong.
Thanks for taking us to your mini-wilderness Brk Trt! Those are some real hefty wild browns... and the spot is just amazing!
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation,
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A little trek into the wilds. They were nice fish for that stream Will.
Alan - nice job capturing why we fish those mini streams looking for those stunning browns and brook trout!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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Those of us that do fish these little waters know what it is about, and those of you who have never tried it please do.
thanks for sharing the refreshing beauty. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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It's a great time to be afield.
Pretty trout and a wonderful written and pictured story. Love small streams and the reality of being close to nature.
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
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Mel your about as close as one can get. Even to the point of falling in....
got to love it buddy.
By and large I find small stream fishermen (I include myself) a very congenial bunch, less apt to get into "pissing matches" with other anglers about size of fish caught, famous rivers angled, etc. And the solitude you alluded to makes small stream fishing so enjoyable. P.S., tenkara was made for these streams.
ReplyDeletetenkara ambassador,
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Very true my friend.
Tenkara would indeed be right for such a stream, someday.
A great read Alan, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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I appreciate the comment friend.
Wonderful fish! I should just carry around a two weight and a box with a couple Bombers and Wulffs to use when a suitable stream is found during my travels. That is often all you would need.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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Sometimes that's all you need, especially on small streams.
Give a try next time out.
That last brown trout photo with stream is superb. And the 7-11 cup suggests the region where you fished!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Very observant Walt. That photo did come out well.
Great as usual Alan. I envy you your small streams and beautiful wild trout.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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They are truly gems.
This is what I would call the perfect outing.....thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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Chris I'll agree with you on that.
Another fine day on the water.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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For sure my friend.
What a lovely thought.
ReplyDeleteCapt. Ray
P.S.. I'm enjoying your book
ray henley,
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I appreciate that Capt.
Glad you like the book.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSo true about the number of flies in the box; I think fly fishermen sometime get fascinated with fly patterns and load their box with flies that seldom get used, I am one of those guys. As always the stream and trout are outstanding. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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I was one of those guys to.....no more. What works stays the rest in cold storage.