It has been real cold around these parts. Not that we can't handle it but how about a little moderation thrown in just to make it fair. Monday was a day I chose to fish and although it was bright and very sunny the temps did not get out of the high teens, and as a topping there was a lovely wind. Upon reaching the stream which was a winter wonderland all that I saw were little animal tracks. The quiet was indeed deafening. There was only going to be one fly fished this day and that fly was "pinkie". All up and down the stream I fished in every break, places where a brook trout would hold. All that responded to my quest was a slow follow to the fly, and that happened but one time.
Several hours later, with ice caked to my leader and tip top I was finally able to hook a fish. As it closed in on me I could see it was a chub, and a good sized one. It was getting to that time when the cold had penetrated my last layer of clothing. A few more casts at a deep hole and off to the car I would be.
I was on one of these last casts that I hooked a trout. The fish gave me a battle and as I reached for him I could see it was a brightly colored rainbow. I never got a photo for this 'bow was a battler and spit the hook. Funny how a couple of seconds with some weight on your line can turn the heat on....nice feeling. By the way I saw something I thought a little odd. In a cluster of brush I observed several Robins. Maybe they know something I don't.
Fresh out of the oven....hot apizza...Italian style.
Its interesting that the majority of CT's rare wild bows seem to show up most in winter. That's the only time of year I've caught bows that I were clearly wild.
ReplyDeleteThe pizza looks delicious!
RMLytle,
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I don't know if he was a wild fish but he was a fish that had been in the stream for awhile. And it is true these 'bows do show up more in winter.
Good for getting out there in the cold! I think I might have met that little rainbow before! Nothing like a little warm food in the belly to warm up from a cold day outside.
ReplyDeleteMark,
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I'm sure you have. Almost took a walk "out back" but it was to darn cold.
the last shot would make the brisk cold worth it! :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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That it did Theresa.
I spent the first 8 years of my life in Wisconsin. I can't imagine being in that kind of cold again. I become so acclimated to California that if it gets down below freezing, I just stay home. You are much tougher than I.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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Staying home probably would have been the wise choice, but what the hell.
Commendable indeed!! Hope those Robins tell a tale of an early spring.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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So do I Mike. Although they looked bewildered.
Cold or not Brk Trt still nice to get out and enjoy. Pics are gorgeous as always!!! As for the robins, some do winter over here in CT.
ReplyDeleteTROUTI,
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Never knew that Pete.
Looks lovely out there. Solid effort to get out, and your pictures are stellar, as usual!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini,
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Justin lovely and cold. Winter does paint pretty pictures.
Funny, when I say, yes I do still fish, people snicker. Nice job Alan, I would have loved to have seen the rainbow. Seems rather rare in your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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We do have rainbows, but most are stocked. Often one is caught in a small stream that may be wild.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty on a cold day, I hope the robins are a true sign of an early spring for all of us. thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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They surprised me, but as you say it would be wonderful if spring poked its head in early.
Alan, I am now about to address you as the Head of the Geezer Clan. The "Head" Geezer is one we all look up too and have great admiration for. Way to set a wonderful example for ol' farts ('er Geezers) like me and Howard.
ReplyDeleteMel,
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Mel there are days when I feel lousy. It seems those little aches become big pains.
Thanks for the nomination.
One thing about winter, it feels good when you go fishing, and it feels good when you stop fishing. (The woods are looking beautiful.)
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Very true Jim. That hot what ever at the end of the outing always tastes best.
Love the robin. There's always a few hardy ones that will hang out in the woods, like the winter fisherman who just keeps at it.
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt these little fellas were indeed hardy.
That pizza has me way hungry... I need to learn how to make homemade...
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel,
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Emily it's a piece of "cake" easy.