For those who love small streams, wild trout, and life...in their simplest form
Sunday, July 27, 2014
I can still remember......
Friday morning found me driving to a few streams in northwest Connecticut. I was on the road before 5:30 already well into my 3rd coffee. The weather for this day was cool, clear and abundant sunshine. I had planned to fish the Farmington but changed my mind and opted for the little waters instead. Arriving at the first stream I found the conditions to be good, as far as flows go. There were places where it was a bit skinny, but the flows often led to some pretty big pools. Out came the thermometer and first things first. The water was 60, and several checks through out the day showed it to remain well within the safety zone for trout.
I had with me my TQR 5ft 2wt. This little rod was perfect for these streams. I like this combo and don't know why I don't fish it more often. I made my first casts with a dry fly attached and worked the pools. I was sure that the fly would be beaten up by the brook trout. I fished several pools, and runs with out a strike. I changed to a stimulator thinking this will do it, but it didn't. So now I figured they either were sleeping in later, or were looking for something below the surface. Thumbing and looking through the fly box I selected a Picket Pin wet fly, I think a soft hackle, or a dark Cahill would have worked also but it was the Picket Pin that went on to the leader. As it turns out that was the only fly used this day. On the second cast I saw a brookie chase it and back off. A cast or two later and fish on...then off. I was to have an awesome day, with endless takes and although many came to hand more were able to elude.
These cool tanic waters are home to some wonderful wild jewels.
This was the first one to grace my eyes. Is there anything more colorful?
I saw quite a few deer this morning, all on the run. Even flushed a few woodcock.
Remember when you were a kid, it's still the same wonderful feeling every time.
Enjoy...........
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Beautiful stream. What a nice place to spend your Friday at.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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Peaceful surroundings and a few willing trout. You have to love it.
love those streams and mossy banks!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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Teresa this one had plenty of moss, slippery moss.
Nice job Al.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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John you must join me and share a stream or two.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful stream, what brand reel were you using with the 5 ft.? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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The reel is a Redington Drift 2/3.
Stunning Alan. I have to tip my hat to you also. It's not easy to post pictures of beautiful water and admit that the catching wasn't as stellar as the fishing. You're the epitome of a sportsman.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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I truly enjoy my time on the stream. Catching is only part of the experience.
Scenic photos!!! Gorgeous brookies. Nice way to spend the day !!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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That it is Pete.
Very nice photos from a small stream summer!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt it sure is a nicer than last summer.
Keeping such beauty simple is not an easy job. You are a master at what you do and am intrigued about your rod. Have you done a post on this rod previously that I missed?
ReplyDeletePond Stalker,
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The TQR I picked up at Cabelas awhile back. It had been put on a reduced rack and was a good deal. I have it paired with a Redington Drift reel with a 2wt line. I believe I did a post or two on it a year or so ago.
Perfection knows no limitations such as size Alan..And those beauties are perfect..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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Mike those brookies are like Maine wild blueberries, "small but oh so sweet"
Looks like a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteHibernation,
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Will it was a fine outing. It's not usual to have such conditions in late July.
I love all the pics but especially the shot of the brookie next to your reel...stunning work!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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I love that one also. He stayed so calm.
Brilliant. I get the same buzz from catching genuine wild Brownies from small, forgotten streams in the UK. Those Brookies are special though.
ReplyDeleteToodle,
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Another small stream fellow. Brookies are indeed special.
Love those tails.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Jim your the first one to comment on the tails. I thought someone would pick up on them sooner.