Monday, October 6, 2014

Shenandoah...so long

Regions, trout streams, and brook trout have their own distinct personalities. Shenandoah showed this to me in so many ways when I visited it this October. It's natural beauty as shown in the photos here, from the fog shrouded hollows to the steep water falls. The rich flora, with abundant wildlife is enough to make one happy that air is still in ones lungs and ones eyes can still focus upon this beauty.

To allow your ears to take in the sounds of turkey calling to each other as they go about the business of foraging. To hear the sounds of the streams as they glide and spill the waters. And to the brook trout who go about life much as they have for thousands of years. They are true survivors.


While not crashing, this streams waters can be heard.


Their colors are a match.








Places as these make one stop to admire. I stayed here longer than most pools I fished.


Rewards from the stream. A well placed fly and a high float were able to bring this jewel to the surface.


Perhaps the last of summers colors.


Autumn in Shenandoah. This is the biggest pool I fished. It was quite deep and its bottom was a mess of broken logs with other natural debris. The flow coming in was swift, and carried through to the end. There were trout rising at the tail but were taking a liking to what I offered. A small soft hackle was tied on and sent through. It worked just as it did on the other times it was fished. The little green fly, lost against the bottom of the stream as it drifted. There was a time a glimpse of it showed as it moved into some sunlight. Suddenly the line went tight, I reacted and felt the weight. The fish found every bit of water in that pool to his liking, one time hanging me up on a small log. His was a gallant fight, and soon it was over.


To be able to cast a fly and be given the opportunity to bring to hand such beauty is indescribable. I was both fortunate and blessed to do both.





36 comments:

  1. Absolutely amazing colors on these fish. One more place I'll have to visit.

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    Replies
    1. RKM,
      Thanks.
      They were at their prime for sure. You want to go this weekend?

      Delete
  2. Great stuff! Glad you had a good visit. Wish the streams had a little more water in them for you.

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    Replies
    1. Chasing Blue Lines,
      Thanks.
      Jacob it was awesome. I wish I had more time. Low water is a trade off for some spectacular fish and Autumn color.

      Delete
  3. Wonderful trip buddy. Just curious, what town did you stay in?

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    Replies
    1. Apache Trout,
      Thanks.
      It was indeed. John we stayed in Front Royal, at the north entrance.

      Delete
  4. Beautiful fish and pics. Wish I was there.

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    Replies
    1. Kevin Frank,
      Thanks.
      Right about now I also wish I were there.

      Delete
  5. That last fish is quite stunning in color and size, glad you were able to enjoy your visit

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    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      He was one of several like that. I missed some real beauties.

      Delete
  6. Great stuff Alan, amazing colours on those Brookies in wonderful surroundings.

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    Replies
    1. brian,
      Thanks.
      They do put on a awesome Autumn show.

      Delete
  7. I looooove those SNP brookies in their spawning colors. That last one is quite a monster for those waters!

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    Replies
    1. GSFeder,
      Thanks.
      No argument from me buddy. The place is wonderful.

      Delete
  8. The last pic is just gorgeous Brk Trt!!!! Just a Stunning Brookie!!!

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1,
      Thanks.
      Pete I can honestly say that brookie is probably the most beautiful one I've ever taken.

      Delete
  9. Beautiful colors on the trout and their surroundings. Hoping to be down there late November.

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    Replies
    1. rivertoprambles,
      Thanks.
      Hope water levels are good Walt, and the brookies willing.

      Delete
  10. Just amazing! You may turn me away from anything but brookies. I've never seen such spectacular colors. Thanks Alan!

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    Replies
    1. Howard,
      Thanks.
      They are one of the creators masterpieces.

      Delete
  11. That last one is real lunker nice brookie! I love the intense pink on that little guy. This is certainly a place I have to visit at some point.

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    Replies
    1. RI brook trout,
      Thanks.
      If possible I strongly suggest you do. What a stronghold for these wonderful char.

      Delete
  12. That is some collection of brookies! It's not often you so so many brookies with such vibrant colors.

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  13. Alan, everyone else who commented have said it all beautifully...........................................
    I will add that it is "us" your blogging friends who are very fortunate and blessed to have you take us along on this incredible trip!

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    Replies
    1. Mel Moore,
      Thanks.
      Mel I appreciate it, truly appreciate it.

      Delete
  14. Enjoyed your Shenandoah posts and these pics are outstanding. Well done!

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    Replies
    1. Michael Curry,
      Thanks.
      I enjoyed bringing them to you.

      Delete
  15. Absolutely stunning, I love the colours on those Brookies!

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    Replies
    1. Col,
      Thanks.
      They were spectacular. I was so impressed with them.

      Delete
  16. Beautiful, Alan. Thanks for sharing! Brings back memories and I think I even recognize some of the water.

    Jim C.

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    Replies
    1. Jim C.
      Thanks.
      I take it your from the area. I'm so very fortunate to have experienced the beauty and magic of the Park.

      Delete