Monday, August 31, 2015

"There's A Stream On That Mountain"

"There's a stream on that mountain" that's what I said to Jeanette as we were walking one day last week. Yesterday I found that stream as well as another little blue line that runs very close to it. The morning broke clear on a day that was to turn hot and a bit on the humid side. The last few days had been very comfortable and I was anxious to test this new stream. The moon was full and just loosing that brilliant shine as I was heading up the mountain. As I crossed a very weathered old iron bridge that crossed a stream I was greeted buy a very large group of turkey's, they had just flown down from their roost and seemed to be getting it all together. There were lot's of little ones and a few mother hens trying to get some order in place. The wild world in the morning is so wonderful.





Well I finally found a little cut-off along the road where I could park. The stream was close and I could hear the water flowing. I geared up and started my way for the sound and eventually the stream. The first place I saw was a nice run with a deep pool. The stream was in super shape. The first cast produced a nice swirl behind the fly just at the surface.


The second cast produced this fine male brook trout. His colors were that of an autumn fish, and he had what was the start of that hook jaw.


When I brought that first fish to hand the water felt pretty cold. I reached in my pack and retrieved my thermometer. Placing it in the water and checking I was pleased to see a 57 degree temp.


I continued to fish up and down the stream. Beautiful runs and pools along the way. Some of them quite easy to fish and some downright nasty. I took my share of strikes and many a miss.


But I am happy to say I connected several times and was rewarded with spunky wild trout.


This was the pool of the day. It is where I had my lunch and just listened to the sounds of this wild spot. The water was insanely clear and I could not see a fish, but I just knew there had to be one there. A classic New England stream and a classic New England fly was in order. I tied on a "Bomber" and cast it near the boulder. A few inches of drift and a violent rise. The fish was on and he did not want to surrender. Several leaps and a few strong runs and he was about to come to hand.


I placed my hand under his belly and gently lifted him up. If this was to be the only fish I took today I would be well satisfied. The beauty of a wild brook trout, taken in a cold New England stream on a classic fly is beyond words.


As I drove up the dirt road to find a place to turn around I came upon this mountain meadow. Where the tree line begins I know the stream is back there, perhaps there is another brook trout waiting.



16 comments:

  1. Another excellent post Brk Trt, full of scenic views and those gorgeous brookies that you so love!
    Thanks for sharing !!!!! Good Stuff!!

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    1. TROUTI
      Thanks
      Pete, the camera and nature make it easy to bring it to you. I have the pleasure of being there.

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  2. Beautiful stream Alan. Hoping to fish with you guys on Sunday. I'll keep you posted.

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    1. Apache Trout
      Thanks
      John it was near perfect. Let us know.

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  3. Looks like the reward was well worth the effort. Looks like a beautiful stream with some tight cover for casting.

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    1. Chris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
      Thanks
      Chris, it seems that the rewards do make it all worthwhile. The stream had some beautiful areas where a 8ft fly rod would have worked.....and then reality.

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  4. What a picturesque New England freestone stream!

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    Replies
    1. Mark
      Thanks
      Mark it had all the makings of a good "Yankee" magazine essay.

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  5. Great looking water. It's amazing to find such cool water this time of year - it's awesome! Glad you had such an enjoyable outing, and were able to catch a few fish as well.

    Will

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    1. Hibernation
      Thanks
      Will I was surprised to find it that cool. Another stream in the area was at 62. There are hemlocks and hardwoods all along it so that helps.

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  6. Alan
    I am so impressed with the orange fin colors on the first male brook trout. I just wonder how many springs feed that stream? Just when I think you can't find another outstanding brook stream, you find another one even more rewarding. I think finding the streams is as much fun as fishing them is for you. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill they are taking on those brilliant fall colors, especially in the small streams. It's true just hiking about is as much enjoyment as a tug on the line.

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  7. Oh the mystery of the blue line. Every time I find a new blue line, the creek is dry. I'd love a creek like that. Maybe I should move to New England.

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    1. Mark Kautz-Shoreman
      Thanks
      Mark we have a few dry creeks now, but some are flowing just fine.
      We do need rain overall though.

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  8. A nice finish to a new outing, Alan. That 57 degrees reminds me of the other day along a stream near Rangeley. Morning temp on the stream was a sweet 57 but I captured only one brook trout there. Later that day I returned when the same stream was 63 degrees. This time I walked upstream from the previous visit and I couldn't keep the brookies off the hook! I probably caught 30 or more in just a quarter-mile of rock hopping. What a difference.

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    Replies
    1. Rivertoprambles.wordpress.com
      Thanks
      Walt that thought crossed my mind too. I should have stayed 'til late afternoon or evening.
      Lucky fellow spending time in Rangeley. Bet I know the stream.

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