Good morning and welcome to 2015. Yesterday, New Years Day we held an annual tradition of meeting up at a small stream to do some fishing, talk fishing, compare flies, share some stories, and hopefully catch a fish. This meet up has been going since 2011 and most times it's the five of us, John, Pete, Kirk, Mark, and myself. This year John was absent do to illness, we missed you buddy.
We assembled at 10 and had a coffee while gearing up. The weather featured brilliant sunshine, cold temperatures and a kick ass wind from time to time. We then headed for the stream in search of a few brook trout. Working some of the likely places known to hold fish at this time of year we were not greeted to kindly. The fish were not in the mood to grant our requests.
Moving up we did not falter from our quest, and soon I was greeted with a tug. I was fishing a slow pool through some tough shelf ice. As the fly settled in just under the ice the brookie struck. Soon at hand was my first fish of 2015. A feisty brook trout was in the water at my foot. I lifted him up and a quick photo taken and back he went with a big "thank you".
We continued to fish and soon mark and Kirk were on the board with there first fish of the year. Kirk even had one rise several times to a Royal Wulff. I believe Pete had hits but was unable to bring one to hand. Pete aka "TROUT1" will be back at it today fishing the Farmington which is like his back yard and I'm sure I'll hear of the bruiser brown he tangled with. About 1 we all left for the cars and some hot lunch. On the menu was homemade chicken soup thanks to Mark and his wife. On a cold day there is nothing like soup to bring life back to ones body. We also enjoyed venison chili, and hot coffee and Italian pretzels, crackers, and tortilla chips. "It was a great day guys Thanks"
A likely holding spot....lets see if anybody's home.
Yes there is. My first brook trout of 2015.
Have you warmed up yet gents.
Great way to start off the year! Thanks for some wonderful company and chili. I think my body returned to normal temperature by the end of the car ride home. That wind was something else
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteThanks.
It was sure cold, maybe it's the last blast of arctic weather we'll have, well it's a thought.
Hot soup cures all and hits those spots that a steak can't.
A cold day for sure Brk Trt, but I enjoyed the day. That is why it is called fishing and not catching. But the tradition lives on!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
DeleteThanks.
Pete it was enjoyable despite the cold. Your so right and it's the fishing that matters most.
I'm thinking of a stream for the 10th anniversary meeting.
Awesome pictures of the ice, and your first brookie of the year is gorgeous! He had a nice tail on him. Glad to hear you had a great time and even got a few rises!
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout,
DeleteThanks.
Really in prime condition. We were discussing Rhode Island yesterday. I said it's the only New England state where I have not taken a wild brookie.
Hopefully you can fufill that goal next spring. There are very few quality streams left so tread lightly!
DeleteAll I can say is wow!
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
DeleteThanks.
I appreciate it. But can't wait for that real "WOW" when the "Cowboys" do it this weekend.
Sounds fantastic! What a great start to the year - and that is a fine looking brookie too!
ReplyDeleteHibernation,
DeleteThanks.
Will it sure was a wonderful start. Hopefully it will continue.
Thanks for thinking of me Alan and crew. Feeling better today. Yesterday was a rough day on top of me being sick, my brother in law Lou had a stroke late in the day and was rushed to the hospital. He is alive thankfully. He has some weakness in his right arm and can't form sentences. Hoping he will improve over time. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Look forward to fishing with you all when things settle down a bit.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
DeleteThanks.
Boy that's a double whammy. I know what a stroke can do. I am hoping he does well.
You have our thoughts.
can certainly feel the clear and cold in these shots! :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Teresa, it was so cold the snow refused to fall.
I'd do it again tomorrow. Great day in the woods.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
DeleteThanks.
Kirk it was indeed.
Good stuff gents, I'm bummed I didn't get out on the water now!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
DeleteThanks.
I saw your blog post and couldn't believe it......you not fish.
Venison chili, and hot coffee and Italian pretzels, crackers, and tortilla chips and home made chicken soup. Next time I'm going with you guys.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
DeleteThanks.
Mark your always welcome.
The best fishing buddies are the ones who bring good food. Sounds like a great group and worthy tradition.
ReplyDeleteDrew LooknFishy,
DeleteThanks.
True indeed. That hot soup really warmed us up.
That's a beautiful brookie to start the year off right.
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
Chris, that stream is going to give up a 15 inch fish, I have that feeling.
Great start to the new year.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
DeleteThanks.
It sure was Jim.
Alan, those cold winter trips for trout really are some of the most memorable times due to everyone having to compensate in one way or the other for the day outdoors. I am used to drinking Hot Chocolate or Coffee on days like this to keep warm. However, that Hot Soup made me wish I was there!
ReplyDeleteMel,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Hot chocolate as well as coffee are super ways to warm up, and the hot chocolate is truly a comfort. But the power of soup almost can't be beat.
Congrats on your first brookie of the year,I hope you have your best year yet. I enjoy this site very much & am looking forward to your next installment
ReplyDeleteDennis
Dennis Horn,
DeleteThanks.
Dennis the past several years I have been fortunate to take a trout on the New Year day 1. It puts one in a good mind frame for the entire year.