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| "Over The Top" |
When you talk winter fishing you talk about ups and downs. Weather is the big downer even when it's almost picture perfect, and the actual catching of fish can be a downer if you let it. Yesterday was one of those days. I met Kirk at 9am and we were going to fish a stream we had fished before and knew it had a reputation of giving up some beautiful brookies. The stream had a tributary far upstream that was unknown to us until the day before when Jeanette and I took a hike and found it. Seeing it just said "I've got to fish that", and Kirk and I did that yesterday.
We've had some weather changes in the last days from sub-zero to 50 to heavy rain to strong ice flows to back to cold, all this leads to is turned off fish. We fished all the way up to the feeder brook without a bump. I fished several wet flies and streamers and I'm sure Kirk dug into the fly box many times.
It was at this point, a run just down from this scenic bridge that my fly stuck a small brook trout. The fish was on briefly and said goodbye as I lifted him.
That was the day folks. Great day weather wise clear, sunny but cold. We fished a stream that could be a real keeper once Spring comes and we can determine what it actually holds.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos!! You guys had a cold clear day to explore, beats working. Hopefully warmer weather is coming and the stream will bear the fruits of your exploration!!
TROUTI
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Pete the sun was our friend that day. I'm sure a nice brookies will come from that stream.
This coming weekend should provide you with some nice weather for another try. Even without a fish brought to hand....a day outdoors is a "win" as far as I'm concerned.
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
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Chris they say that Sunday it's going to be 50, nice warm-up.
A big win for sure.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSometimes the catch of the day comes with using a lens.
Interesting fly, what do you call it?
thedeadfisher
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John I guess I could call it a "pink grub" It's an easy tie and it worked.
And Spring isn't all that far away.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Thank goodness for that Mark. I would love to see highs around 55-60.
Alan - this weather has been very up and down lately hasn't it! It adds another signficant variable in determining if a new stream is promising or not. I commend you and Kirk for trying despite the challenges
ReplyDeleteMark
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It's tough to get a read on new water at this time. What's nice is there is no obstructions to get in your way. These threads show up well without foliage.
The weather has been great over here, as well! It's a shame my local rivers and creeks will most certainly be running high, due to the snow melt, but that doesn't bother me. It'll be nice to get out and go for a walk around the neighborhood. Maybe even take a muddy jaunt through the woods. Really jealous of all of your outings!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carf
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Justin the walks are great, helps maintain sanity. The better days are ahead.
That fly is straddling the border Alan... it's very close to being a nymph!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan you might be right. But you know I don't fish nymphs.
Alan, I know you love your wet flies and streamers and it is easily understandable as to why. Do you ever fish midge patterns, such as griffiths gnat or zebra midge?beautiful stream. It won't be long now,we will be enjoying better conditions.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I have fished a griffiths gnat a few times with no luck, on the other hand the zebra has worked a few times. I usually fish flies 14-16. Yes those wonderful early spring beauties are coming.
That's a beauty Alan.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard right now scenic wise there's not many better. Hopefully the trout will be there.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever ask, do you fish a barbless hook? The midge pattern looks barbless. Are you still using your fiberglass fly rod every time you fish one of these streams? I am still thinking of the Prime from Cabela's ---was Mark using the Prime on this trip with you, is the Prime fly rod he uses a 6 ft? Thanks for sharing
P.S. I picked up the 6 ft. Prime in Cabela's the other day and thought about you fishing that fly rod on some of those streams there----no pressure here to get you to buy another fly rod
Bill Trussell
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Bill I fish both barbless, and mashed down barbed hooks. The new barbless hooks have awesome hooking qualities. I use my Cabela's CGR 5'9" 3wt glass rod at all times. Nothing better for small stream fishing. It was Kirk that uses the Prime rod.
A beautiful looking stream. I am sure the brook trout will be more cooperative when the water warms up some in the not too distant future.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam the next few days are going to test me, with above normal temps I have to figure a way to get back there.