A New Stream 5-27-16

I fished a blue line last week Friday. It was a new venture, although I have driven over this stream countless times going to other destinations. On the map this stream is shown to drain from a big swamp and flows through some tough areas, you know the ones that are full of those little nasties such as thorns, soft silty banks and more thorns. Further down it turns into a nice flowing freestone stream. It winds its way along a heavy canopy of hardwoods. It is in this area that I would fish.

One big issue I encountered was the relentless amount of old fencing. Rusted barbed wire was entwined almost everywhere and some you could not see until it was to late.

The stream also flows through many areas of private land. This land is not posted but it's always good to find the owners and ask for permission...this day no one was home. Seeing this field of flowers how can you have a bad day?

The stream proved to be tough. Both is access and getting a fish to strike. I know there are fish in here. Just be a little less noisy.

In a little pocket of foamy water as the stream broke to the bank a fish rose to the fly. A few moments later and the first brook trout was at hand.

Further downstream I came upon this. A log half underwater and running the length of the pool. The water was deep and somewhat shaded. The fly was set adrift and at the mid way point a fish came out from under the log and hit. Hooked it knew what to do and used all of its knowledge to try to gain freedom. We, the rod and I were finally able to gain control and the highlight of the day was at hand.

This handsome wild brown obliged me in a photo and was returned to his home. I will return here and try to gain permission to further explore this stream.