I was out yesterday walking a few new blue lines. I have been aware of two of these but have never followed up on them. The day was beautiful for doing some hiking, sunny skies and temps near 45. I know this time of year can be a great time to see these streams for with out vegetation in full bloom the access is good, although the fishing can be unpredictable it is still worth the effort.
The first stream I ventured to was located in a valley. The water flow was good but the edges were packed with shelf ice. There were some open spots but it was difficult casting and I lost a few flies to the undetermined currents.
The second stream was not any better. Slippery shelf ice is not good.
The third stream I stopped at was a lot friendlier. It's waters clear, and crisp. The stream was a typical mountain freestone. It had boulders, blow-downs, and some very nice pools. The best featured was there was no ice.
I saw this pool and said if there are wild brook trout in this stream that's where I'll find one.
Sure enough. The brookie struck just as the fly went below the surface. As I released the little jewel into his tangled home I noticed how cold the water felt. Hey it's winter the water should be "cold". I dropped the thermometer into that pool and I could not believe it....33 degrees. We have been having some mild days lately and I would have guessed the streams would have come up temperature wise....something else learned. And another tidbit "they are not all hibernating", keep the whistle handy.
I moved along the stream fishing pockets and plunges. There were bumps and even a few hook-ups.
While not a bad day overall it was still tough to get a feeling on how productive this stream will be, I guess I'll have to check back on it come Spring.
ReplyDeleteVery Nice there Al!! Good job getting out and exploring! You have some very picturesque photos there to describe your adventures!!
TROUTI
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Pete it was enjoyable, and rewarding.
What's a blue line?
ReplyDeleteTed
Theodore Rzepski
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Ted they are those blue lines found on topo maps showing streams of water. The thinner the line the smaller the stream. Some of these thin threads have name and some don't.
thanks for the walk in the woods - no ice for me! :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa very enjoyable and I don't care for the ice either.
Based on your trip, I'd say it was definitely worth another look. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
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Chris come those first warm days of April I'll be there.
Nice to see you are out exploring! It amazes me how many streams you find that have brook trout in them!
ReplyDeleteMark
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Mark the Eastern Brook Trout Venture put out a survey of CT streams with brook trout present....you would be surprised.
Some great looking spots, inspiring further exploration! Nice!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will they will get the needed attention in a couple of months. It's nice to explore.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat impresses me about all the streams you fish aside from their beauty is there always seems to be a low bank one can walk and make a cast. 33 degrees is super cold, did you take the temp where the ice had formed? I must get me a thermometer; a handy accessory to bring along. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill some of them are very angler friendly, at least for a section or two. Bill a thermometer is useful as it tells of critical water temps, especially for trout. I took the temp in the tail of the plunge pool.
Get a little warmer weather and those creeks should explode.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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I believe your right Mark. I think come late March or early April.
Another pink fly. Does it have a name or is it one of your Special things?
ReplyDeleteThanks, and I really enjoy visiting you and Learning.
gerry
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Gerry it's nothing special. A bead-head, with UV pearl ice dub in the rear 3/4 th's and pink ice dub at the head of the fly. This one was coated with Sally Hansen's insta-dry.
Gerry, I hope you'll check back often. And if there's a question I'll gladly help, and if I can't one of my wonderful followers will probably have an answer.
DeleteAnother beautiful blue line Alan. Theodore asked the question that's been on my mind for a while. So you are using topo maps, any other resources other than legwork?
ReplyDeletethedeadfisher
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John, usually the ideas come from looking at the maps. There are times when the wife and I are riding around and I'll cross a stream and a mental note is made to "check that one out". On new findings leg work is necessary.
They seem like good streams, I'm sure the first two are much better without all the frozen stuff.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan I hope so. Come April I'll pay them a visit and see how they fare.
Alan, those streams look like potential winners. Do you know if they ever dry up? It's always a concern in my area with small streams. The fact that you are catching some thing under not ideal conditions would encourage me. It looks like some good holding water. I cannot get over amount of small streams you have to explore.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad they don't actually dry up but they can get very low in those summers when rainfall in light. I thought that was a good sign also. We are very fortunate to have an abundance of streams. Some can be quite small and have areas where you need to take a saw and shears with you.
I'm amazed that you keep finding these small streams. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard what amazes me is that I can still fish them when I find them. The old knees are not what they used to be.
Great job exploring, Alan! One of my favorite parts of fishing is exploring new waters, and the surprises that reveal themselves. Beautiful stream!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carf
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Justin exploring can be just as rewarding as catching a fish. The streams have been enhanced this morning by a fresh snow.