Last week presented me the opportunity to fish a couple of times. On one of those outings I had the company of Jeanette, who is a good companion and one who will not let me take a stupid risk like walking on thin ice. The stream had been socked in with ice due to some very cold weather. Along the way I found several good looking spots where open water was found and in a few of those spots I found willing brook trout. The air temps were in the upper thirties and when the sun hit your back it felt much warmer. I dipped the stream thermometer into the water and it read 33 degrees. Fly selection was not an issue, a Picket Pin or a bead head worked well. I was surprised by the strikes I received and the amount of willing fish moving. When water is cold like this the clarity is unreal. To see these brookies dart for the fly in such a spirited fashion pleasure enough.
We met this lovey lady along the trail. Stopping for a while and talking to her master who informed me the lady's name was "Maggie"..such a sweet rescue dog as you'll ever want to meet.
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy a lovely stream side lunch.
There were places I was able to hook a trout and be able to bring it to hand without sliding on the ice.
Winter rewards come in many ways, and a wild brook trout is probably near the top of the list.
Very nice Alan! The brook trout this winter are still very active despite the cold water and ice
ReplyDeleteMark
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That surprised me. I saw movement to the fly at spring speeds.
ReplyDeleteNice Job Alan!! Always a bit more interesting when the brookies want to play!!
TROUTI
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Pete they were very active. Do they know something we don't?
Alan
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to find a few openings in the stream to land a brook or two. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill at times I felt I was ice-fishing on a lake.
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DeleteAlan, It doesn't get much better than this.....
ReplyDeleteBrookie61
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Kurt I don't think that's possible.
That ice is depressing. Beautiful fish though.
ReplyDeleteRKM
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Kirk I think the ice has left for now.
That is the exact reason we have wives. To keep us boneheads from doing stupid thing like walking on an icy creek.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I was kind of happy she was there...good sandwiches too.
This time of year they can hardly afford to skip a meal! Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Very true Rowan.
The stature of your quarry and their home always amazes me Alan.
ReplyDeleteThrow in the ice cover and it gives a whole new meaning to pocket water.
thedeadfisher
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John pocket water well said.
Alan, very nice way to spend a day with wife.those are some amazingly low temps for active fish. It truely shows how adaptable brook trout are. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I was in awe at the way they were moving to the fly. Tough creatures they are.
Great job getting out on a gift of a day for this time of year. Nice that your wife came along as well. Regards, Sam
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam enjoyable it was. And the company of the wife tends to keep me in check as far as being cautious.
Looks like a great time Alan. Beautiful fish... It's always amazed me how clear cold water is. It's almost like you can tell the temp by looking at it. Warm may be clear, but some how, does not seem as "gin" like. Cold is like looking through air!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will cold and clear. Winter is not always the most comfortable season to fish in but the clarity of the stream is unbeatable.
Great post! Just a quick question, obviously the streams you're fishing are open year-round for trout. Just wondering what the fishing regs are there in Connecticut? Here in NY after October 15 all trout streams are off-limits, unless otherwise specified. Thanks, Tim
ReplyDeleteTimothy Parker
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Timothy streams here are open pretty much all year. There are a few that have special regulations involving catch and release and methods of fishing. All the info can be found in the CT Anglers Guide which can be found on the DEEP's web site. We are angler friendly.
It hasn't gotten that cold here yet and I'm hoping that it doesn't. Glad you are still able to get out and find some open water.
ReplyDeleteDavid Knapp
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Dave it was cold, then warm with heavy rain and cold again....talk about a roller coaster.
They were very active today.
Suprised you found so many active brook trout with the water being so cold. I guess winter hasn't truly set in for them either. I know Mark and Rowan are still catching them on dries. That brook trout in the last picture is beautiful. The blue and purple colors mixed in are unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout
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Jon today was a sweet day with many wild ones willing to play. Ones hands take on those blue colors after getting wet in those cold streams.
Very nice, Alan! You're getting me motivated to get out and check out my favorite local stream.
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini
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Justin if you get one of those sunny low wind days go for it.
I'm glad I'm able to watch you out fishing without leaving the comfort (and warmth) of my den.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard we are in for another cold snap. Maybe I'll spend some time in the den.