Monday, February 8, 2016

A Day "Phil" Got It Right

A few days after "Phil" said we were to have an early Spring it seems that Winter took offense and hit us with snow, and looking out my window it's snowing again. Although the snow may put a hold on the fishing it's sure to put some water into the coffers for later use. Last Thursday two days after groundhog day I took the opportunity to get out and fish. The weather was so beautiful I thought it was April. The forest was barren of snow and the stream was as good as it gets. This stream is never really "ripping" and I knew that the brook trout would have no fear and would be looking for food.

I always fish the lower end of this stream, mainly because the access is so welcoming. But this day I chose to work the upper reaches and see what it was like. Aside from the laurel thickets it was not to bad. I was wearing hiking boots so access to some of the pools was a challenge.


The brookies seemed to be holding right at the base of the stones in the plunges. Your fly would be swept under and sometimes when you pulled it up there was a brookie on it.


A gorgeous brook trout. This fish had such an awesome rust color to it, and that tail was so beautiful. I'm going to have a print made of it and put it on my tying desk.


I walked further upstream, each pool and run looked more inviting than the last.



Most of the brookies caught today were as this one. This little hen shall be part of next years egg layers...my goodness what beautiful offspring!

I did not make the top of this stream, perhaps next time out in "Brook Trout Forest"



22 comments:

  1. Alan - nice to hear you were out last week before winter made a "surprise" re-appearance. The stream looks in great shape from the melting snow. Stay warm and safe today my friend!

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    1. Mark
      Thanks
      Mark it was like fishing on opening day. They still only wanted sub-surface flies though.
      It's going to get cold..........

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  2. What a great outing. This winter has been so generous, we can't expect it to be spring like all the way till the end.

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    1. RM Lytle
      Thanks
      Rowan your so right, and looking out the window tells me he's not through with us yet.

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  3. Another nice blue line tour. I can see why you want to keep that picture handy. Brook Trout has always been my favorite too. Just wish I could find more.

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    1. Mark Kautz
      Thanks
      Mark I just love the color and that tail is wonderful.
      There have to be brookie streams in in the mountains around where you live.

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  4. Just beautiful, Alan, both the fish and the stream. It looks like winter has set in finally for a while in these parts so it is nice to see these photos as we await spring like weather again.

    Best Regards, Sam

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    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam I think your right about winter. We shall endure, and be here to fish the hatches of spring.

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  5. Beautiful wild jewels AL!!!! I think it will be a while before we are out on a stream. Winter appears to have made a return.

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    1. TROUTI
      Thanks
      Pete I was hoping to take a run up to the Mass Berkshires this week, maybe I'll put that on hold.

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  6. Alan
    Looks like another easy stream to fish; colorful brook trout ---thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill so easy, a pleasure indeed.

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  7. I never tire of looking at the colors on those beautiful fish. Splendid Winter outing!!

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    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher
      Thanks
      Jeff I join you in the same sentiment.

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  8. I agree that the first trout is wonderful and unusual rust color, but that little hen has amazing markings,they are very sharp and crisp. Wonderful photos and another super blue line. Your photos make me want to do some more exploring in my area. Thanks your helping me endure the winter.

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    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad I was so impressed with the color. Photos are great but to actually see this fish as it first came out of the stream no picture can capture. Love that exploring.

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  9. Beauty of a stream Alan..as are those brookies..

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    1. penbayman
      Thanks
      Mike it's good to hear from you.

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  10. I don't blame you for getting a print of that first brookie, absolutely stunning!

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    1. Ben Mckinley
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      Ben I just ordered it from Walgreen's. I'll pick it up in the A.M.

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  11. Perhaps Rodney Rodent was right. It was in the 60s in Colorado today. Of course the water is still frozen, but it's a start.

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    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      Howard I'll bet that felt nice.....Rodney

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