Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Small stream scouting.....7-12-14

Saturday we did some exploring of a stream in northwest CT. It's a little freestone that I was told about by a co-worker several years ago. He told me of the wild brook trout there and how as a kid he would catch them on worms. When asked he told me he had not fished the stream in many years, moving up to fishing larger rivers. He said that his brother was still fishing the stream and it was still giving up some wild brookies.

Well I got out the atlas and found the necessary routes and town roads that got us to the stream. Parked the Honda on the side of a dirt road that saw more bike travel than autos and started our walk. The road follows the stream and allows access to it with relative ease in parts and in others it's a little tricky. While walking for the 2.5 miles of the stream we saw 3 bike riders and one auto, just the way I like it.


The stream was low and incredibly clear. It had the usual runs and riffles with some deep pools. Peering into a few of these pools as we walked I observed several, to many rising trout. Further spying revealed the trout to be browns. These fish were eating ants probably as I saw no visible insects.


The water clarity was outstanding the entire length of the stream we walked.


We came upon several pools like these. There were trout at the head, center and tail of the pool. Suddenly at the head a trout would rise and all the others would swim in the direction of the rising fish, hoping he would miss the insect and give them the chance to grab it themselves. These trout were all browns.


I will venture back to this stream again, with fly rod and fly.





33 comments:

  1. Wow! Looks wonderful, lots of gravel and clear water. Looks like you found another little gem!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      For a stream that's supposed to hold brookies there were sure a lot of browns.

      Delete
  2. What, no fly rod in hand? Just giving it to you a little, Alan. Beautiful pictures.........................
    The second picture you posted with that beautiful Brown is absolutely stunning! That one needs to be framed and hanging on a wall someplace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pond Stalker,
      Thanks.
      That won't be the same case my next visit Mel.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Michael Curry,
      Thanks.
      Appreciate the comment.

      Delete
  4. Something to dream about.... Beautiful stream.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim Yaussy Albright,
      Thanks.
      Several nights in a row buddy.

      Delete
  5. Stream looks like a dandy, Alan. Tough to walk along without a fly rod!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. rivertoprambles,
      Thanks.
      That it was Walt....get um next time.

      Delete
  6. Wow! Those picks got my blood pumping! My casting arm is twitching and I am getting that irresistible urge to get up and go to the woods.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RM Lytle,
      Thanks.
      Go for it buddy. With this rain it should be good.

      Delete
  7. Looks like a gem! Beautiful small stream!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Justin Carfagnini,
      Thanks.
      It sure is. I can't wait to fish it.

      Delete
  8. Looks like a gorgeous stream. The clarity of the water is amazing. BTW...does the fly in your header have a name? It looks like there is a Fran Betters influence to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kiwi,
      Thanks.
      I too was amazed at the clarity.
      It's a funky caddis, and it definitely has a Betters look. A report on the fly coming soon.

      Delete
  9. Beautiful scenery Al !! Nice looking stream!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You just gave me the answer I was looking for. I saw a few flying ants yesterday. Probably what they were eating. Great as usual Alan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Howard,
      Thanks.
      On summer days when I see feeding trout and no insects I just assume they are eating ants.

      Delete
  11. my "comments"....are seeming not showing up....hmmm?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Replies
    1. flyfisher1000,
      Thanks.
      Not sure if a comment is there.

      Delete
  13. Love that pic with all the browns in the pool. Nice to see you were over on my end of the state. Have some streams to show you this fall up in those hills.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apache Trout,
      Thanks.
      Have rod will travel......looking forward to it.

      Delete
  14. Alan
    A good scouting report is always helpful when fishing unknown waters. This stream looks to have some healthy browns, I would think concealment would be a must when fishing such clear water. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Concealment, overcast sky, and little movement on the anglers part might give you an edge.
      It's all fun.

      Delete
  15. Looks amazing Brk Trt! WOW! Good luck - I'm excited for your return with rod in hand.
    Question about the flies in the new header. they are beautiful - are they your creation? Any chance you would be willing to list a recipe?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hibernation,
      Thanks.
      Will those flies are of my own creative head. I fished them the other day and did pretty well with them.
      I'll do a post on them soon.

      Delete
  16. You know, one of my favorite things to do is scout out new water. I really think that is what lead me to fly fishing. There are so many beautiful places to venture to and your shots with the camera proves that it's more than just the fishing! Well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The River Damsel,
      Thanks.
      Emily your so right about scouting new waters. You never know just what you'll find but but that seems to be OK, for the effort has so much pleasure.

      Delete