Monday, June 15, 2015

A Mountain Adventure

Yesterday Kirk and I took a trip to Massachusetts near the Vermont border to fish some mountain streams for brook trout. We arrived around 7am to what was a warm partly cloudy day. The first stream we fished was one that I fished a few weeks ago located on the Franklin Land Trust property Crowningshield tract. This is a beautiful area and the walk through the field, which was in bloom whit more flowers that I could not identify but the picture might tell you what they were. Having fished here before I chose not to where waders and selected to wet wade instead. And in crossing the field I was wet to the waist in seconds from the wet grass, felt good though. The trek to the stream is somewhat difficult and steep and some caution is needed, but soon we were at stream side and the fishing began. We walked and fished for a mile or so through some of the most beautiful country on earth. The stream was in great shape with good flows, clarity, and cold water. The one lacking entity was the fish. In all the time there I had 2 strikes, and only one hookup. Kirk had several strikes and managed to hook 2 salmon smolts. Disappointed I was not, for I got to spend a few hours on such a pristine piece of New England. I will figure this stream out, I know there's a fine wild brook trout waiting for me.









We stopped for an early lunch along the stream. It was here the plan was made to fish a trib that feeds this stream.


As we were leaving we climbed this ridge that gave us a stunning look at the river below. This spectacular view will be one that must be seen in October.


The second stream is typical of New England. And in the same New England style it held brook trout. The second cast I had a rise.


Moments later I had the pleasure of holding my first wild brookie of the day. A beautiful dark creature that swiped a Bomber.

We only fished this stream a short while, with plans of fishing a third stream. Both Kirk and I took several trout here.

We drove a short distance through some gorgeous country. Rural as can be and home to my "mountain" people. Here we are stream 3. The access to this one was more gentle and we were glad of that. The one fact that has to be mentioned is the water temps. This stream was 58 degrees. Some underground source of cold water there no doubt. The stream was almost covered shade, hemlock,pine and various hardwoods saw to that. This stream was the jackpot. I kid you not when I say I caught 10 trout within a few feet of where I parked and in span of walking a few yards of stream.


These fish were so beautifully colored, having that look of Fall. Both Kirk and I commented on the colors and voracious strikes.






This pool gave me the incentive to visit here soon. On one cast a trout rose and took the fly. Having been hooked he went straight to the bottom. This is a trait I have experienced with large brook trout, especially in Maine. That fish held bottom for what seemed like eternity, all I could feel was his weight and a head shake or two. Putting pressure I finally got him to move, and that he did. He worked the entire pool, and I believed I was going to loose him. The rod finally won the battle and the brook trout gave up. I looked down and saw a large trout. I reached in to lift him and he spooked, running hard. I managed to bring him back. Sliding my hand under his belly he broke free and this time it was his success. This angler remembers. Stay well stream 3 brook trout...I'll be back.


After all that noise and splashing around, and after gaining my composure I tossed a fly back into the pool. Another rise and another brook trout. This wild jewel was a gentleman and allowed a fast photo and a big thank you.














16 comments:

  1. that 3rd photo is straight off the cover of a picture puzzle (or should be!) :)

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    Replies
    1. TexWisGirl,
      Thanks.
      Theresa as nice as the photos are they just can't capture it in real time.

      Delete
  2. Simply absorbing, Alan. I have breathed and taken it all in......................

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    Replies
    1. Gramps (Mel)
      Thanks.
      I enjoyed bringing it to you Mel.

      Delete
  3. Moxie?? Yikes! Enough said about that. I'm familiar with this area that you invited us to come along with you to. Its as beautiful as some of those brookies your showing us. Well done.............Phil

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Phil good to hear from you again, must be all that fishing your doing.
      That area has been on my list for some time, and thanks for an invite to fish it by a great group of people I made the trip.
      Now that I saw it I will be back more often.

      Delete
    2. Phil,
      "Moxie" is what you need to trek down that mountain.

      Delete
  4. Alan
    What an outing, I assume everything was on the dry fly? That last pool you fished was worth the entire trip. Really enjoyed the post.
    By the way I am headed out in the morning to the Picket Pin a try--report coming soon

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Bill all fish were taken on various dry flies. But we did fish a few wets.
      Go for it buddy, and I'll be waiting your report.

      Delete
  5. What a beautiful area! I'm sure you will figure out the first stream in time. Quick question about that stream...how come Kirk caught a salmon smolt? Is there a salmon restoration going on there? Also, that third stream looks like a gem! I'm sure that big guy will be waiting next time!

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    Replies
    1. RI brook trout,
      Thanks.
      I have some thoughts on that stream. He actually caught two. The stream was part of the CT river salmon restoration and salmon fry were stocked there. From what I know the last stocking was two years ago, the Feds scrapped the program. These guys are all that is left and may try to make it out to sea next spring.

      Delete
  6. Amazing work again buddy, really getting to be a pro with the camera. Don't forget to comment/visit on my blog some time.

    Regards.

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    Replies
    1. Flyfisherman. Richard,
      Thanks.
      Far from being a pro, but I love the trying.
      Your blog has some impressive camera work, and I enjoy it.

      Delete
  7. A very nice outing indeed! I think the white flowers you were seeing may be multiflora rose which is blooming everywhere these days. Did they have small thorns?

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