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| Shagbark Hickory |
Yesterday we had a nice little thaw going on, so Kirk and I joined forces to see if we could encounter a few willing trout to grace us by accepting our offerings. The weather was clearing when we arrived and the sun was making the air very enjoyable. The stream having accepted the melting snows did not in the least look off color but was bright and clear, as if the trout needed more clarity to know we were out and about.
This was the first pool I fished. The water runs fast and as it nears the large stone it creates a deep holding pool. The spot almost always give up a strike at least, and most times a brown trout. On the third cast, the fist two don't count 'cause they hit the stick that the "trout faeries" placed there. As the fly settled and I gave it a brief twitch I felt the strike.
I lifted the rod and suddenly this fish rockets out of the water and proceeded to give his best to try to win the battle about to happen. With cold water these fish seem stronger and after the 2 runs he decided to surrender. When I hooked the fish I knew it was a trout, most likely a brown, but at hand I was so pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful brook trout. I have not caught a brookie in this area for a good year and I was delighted to see them coming back.
The fly....this was used for most of the outing and accounted for all of the fish, which is one. I mixed in a few dries and wets but the only fish of the day was a brook trout taken on the third cast.
Kirk was also a one fish angler, he took a handsome brown trout further up the stream. As we walked back to our cars we decided to go and have a coffee and talk about a successful day.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful day to be out and about!! One and done still beats a skunking!! Nice going gents! Warmer weather is coming.
TROUTI
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Pete, very true. Yes I hear that we are to be blessed with some warm weather. January is almost in the books.
One each works for me. Always interesting sights, when you fish,that you pass along.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark they tell me that the nut of this tree is highly prized for it's eating quality. Mix in some with that King Arthur flour and what a bread.
I've tried to explain for years that it's not just about caching fish but the incredible places fishing takes me. I can see you get it Alan.
ReplyDeletethedeadfished
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John, just being there is worth the effort...so much more.
Haven't posted to your photo journal in sometime but I have been looking and lurking at all the fishing skulduggery that's been going on and the wonderful stories and photos.
ReplyDeletePeter Carlson
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Peter, "fishing skulduggery" I like that. I'm happy you are continuing you check-in's and look forward to your comments.
nice!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa...love that little waterfall.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSome days its the beautiful scenery that counts; this trip was a good time to do that, with a few trout to top it off. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the value of such an outing cannot be measured in the fish you catch, but in the soul refreshment that you received.
Better than a skunking... much better. Beautiful stream!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan that is very true. Your getting close to finding out just how pretty it is.
I think sometimes one is all that's needed. It's the trouts way of telling you that they are their, they just don't want to play as much today. Beautiful photos as always, I always enjoy your journeys. That snag bark reminds me of our deer camp in Sullivan cty. Pa. I think they are the neatest trees.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad no matter how good we are as anglers, if the trout don't want to participate it's a walk in the woods...which is not to bad.
PA deer hunting I have some wonderful memories of just such seasons.
On my last two outings I've only picked up one trout each time. That doesn't matter at all. Catching no trout in a beautiful little creek is still a bonus. After all, our pastime is called fishing not catching.
ReplyDeleteLovely water and brook trout!
Cheers,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve it's not that we are going to tally up big numbers when we seek out small stream trout, but what we do total up are impressive and satisfying moments.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteAs always, it's like we are "right there" with you on these exciting excursions! Thank you for taking us along! The markings of this beautiful brookie are beyond description! Are you sure we can't convince you to crack the lid on the other fly box that you mentioned earlier in the previous post?
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug good photos make up for not so good writing..."a picture is worth a thousand words"
A view is possible, perhaps in a future post.
Very nice outing. After coming back from a trip that included some very small water with trout, I can't help but have an even bigger appreciation for how successful you are. Hats off to you, and your friends, Alan!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carf
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Justin angling is satisfaction and appreciation together, and success is measured in many ways.