Wednesday, January 6, 2016

That Red Barn again...and a big brook trout.


New Years Day we all got together to fish and....I'm sure you have read of these outings before. This is a post about a special fish from that outing and to highlight one of the most peaceful areas in which we fish.

The brook by the red barn was flowing nicely sending its waters to the larger stream it supports. Along this stream are two bridges, one a solid stone plank, and for the life of me I can't figure out how they got it there, and a more conventional wood bridge further up. I have good memories of trout being taken from under the stone bridge but the other not so. Kirk had worked his way up the stream, along with Rowan and John. Fishing various flies and working those likely spots where a brookie might hold.


Kirk likes to fish the Gartside Sparrow. The sparrow is a nymph-soft-hackle, wet fly. He has used this fly with success in the past. The fly he was using had a bead-head to add a little weight.

RM Lytle Photo

The sparrow was cast into the pool under the bridge. A moment later the brook trout struck. Kirk had a battle going as you can see from the photo "that glass is a bending friends". I know in his mind there were thoughts of the fish twisting free, but Kirk prevailed and soon a true "biggie" was at hand.

RM Lytle photo

A beautiful healthy female brook trout. Taken from a small stream. She was photographed and quickly released to find her spot under the bridge in the stream by the red barn.

Congrats Kirk............

31 comments:

  1. Wow! Awesome fish. The Sparrow is a great little fly for sure... but the spot is really the treat here!

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    1. Hibernation
      Thanks
      Will that spot is a comfort, for most times it will give up a nice trout, and if not the surroundings will put one in a good frame of mind.

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  2. That is truly a trophy of a fish for such a stream....my hats off to Kirk.

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    1. Chris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
      Thanks
      Chris indeed. Part of the magic that is the small stream.

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  3. Great fish! I'm so jealous of how nice and open your streams are. I fished near Tellico Plains, TN this past weekend and rhododendron covers all the small water. It's a challenge to say the least.. Great story, great fish, and beautiful country. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Chase Jones
      Thanks
      Chase we have those tangled choked streams too. I'll fish them on a nice spring or early fall day. This stream is a gem in terms of fishing with ease.

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  4. Lester Kish
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    Lester I don't fish this fly often but the ones tied in the post are a size 12. Jack Gartside tied them 4-14. Kirk who likes this fly has them in 12-14's I believe. There is some pretty stone work on that property, from recent time and some colonial.

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  5. Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher
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      Jeff for a New Years day...hard to beat.

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  6. Alan
    If there is a perfect small stream to fish for easy access and beauty,this one has to be it. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
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      Bill that's one of the better ones we fish...easy on man and gear.

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  7. Great fish. A true trophy for that little stream.

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  8. caught up in that view! the footbridge, the barn, the rock wall and stream...

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    1. TexWisGirl
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      Theresa it is a beautiful place to visit and do nothing but open ones eyes and ears.

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  9. That stream has such beautiful surroundings. I really love the contrast that red barn gives out. That's a big brook!! Nice outing!

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    1. Justin Carfagnini
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      Justin that barn should be on a calendar.

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  10. That is a big small stream brook trout for around these parts. Well done! All the best, Sam

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    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam it was a beauty. That stream has given up more than one.

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  11. Nice. I love Gartside sparrows.

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  12. I cannot imagine a better ending to day like that! A wild brook trout from a stream like that in south central pa. Is almost unheard of. Beautiful surroundings. Is that water puplic or private water? Everything looks like it well taken care of. If that fish is an omen for the rest of the year you guys are will be truely blessed. Thanks for the story. Great memories!

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    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad part of the stream flows through protected public land. That particular area is private land, and access to it was given by the land owner.

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  13. Just a beautiful post and photos !! Congrats to Kirk on that beauty~~

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  14. Congratulations is right. That fish is a beauty! Well done. I love that old red barn.

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    1. Howard Levett
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      Howard that barn would make a lovely fly shop...I mean fly-coffee shop.

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  15. What a gorgeous brookie..congrats Kirk! And Happy New Year to you and yours Alan..

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    1. penbayman
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      Mike it was a good way to start the year. Happy New Year friend.

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  16. Wow what a supreme small stream brookie! Impressive. If that Barn ever comes up for sale, I say we make your fly/coffe shop a reality :)

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