Thursday, May 19, 2016

Fishing Cape Cod....Wild Brook Trout..

Jeanette and I enjoyed a couple of wonderful days on Cape Cod. Wandering here and there in search of forest critters and native salter brook trout. The day started at Leo's in Buzzards Bay for breakfast. Chatter in the booths were of striped bass and such but no matter how close you listened the term brook trout was not mentioned. This area is a very big salt-water fishing destination, and for good reason.



After breakfast we headed for our first stream. As I sat gearing up this bus pulled in. I had a feeling and it was not good. They do an extensive amount of research on this stream and it's for the good of the sea-run brook trout who call it home. The instructor as well as several students got off the bus. The instructor came over and we talked for awhile. They were going to do some studies at the stream, and with waders on I knew it was going to be in the water. Soon another group pulled in, they were a different school, but with the same goal. I thanked them for their work and we got in the car and headed for stream two.


We arrived at stream two and found the parking area empty. I don't fish this stream with waders for the reason I don't enjoy hiking in them. Just some hiking boots, my pack and rod. We started up the trail and we soon stopped to enjoy a symphony of nature...birds singing, breezes blowing through the trees and flowers seemingly opening as we walked....this place is beautiful.

Stopping at the first access I quickly tied on a bucktail and cast into the current. As the fly briskly passed some weeds I saw the flash of a trout.

Three casts later he came back and slammed the fly. These trout are beautiful and they have incredible power.

You probably say how can a fish be so beautiful, coming from a stream with ties to the ocean. When at hand my time is limited for a quick return to the water is a must. But it's the quick photo that is taken that lets me admire the brook trout for as long as I want.


There were several ospreys flying about. A few of them had fish in their talons. I hope the fish were herring.....


As wild as they come......come enjoy our walk with us in the next few photos.






The sun, the reflection, and the grace of the brook trout.....


We went back to the first stream later in the day. The thought was that what ever research took place would all be a memory now to the residents. It was here where I cast a fly. It landed between the two log deflectors. The time the fly was in the water was measured in the blink of an eye. The fish went for the bottom and then leaped over the logs and went back under. In the back of my mind I said I will never bring this fish to hand. Several hard runs and I and the 3wt finally managed to bring the trout under control.


"Salter" brook trout
I did not lift this fish up, the fight was hard and I let him rest in the water. I believe this fish had spent some time recently in the salt-water. Those that fish this stream will recognize the area, and know how close to the salt it is. Many fish were caught and released theese few days but not one more memorable then this one. A truly remarkable brook trout.





28 comments:

  1. Looks like you had a good visit! It's always good to have options when unexpected things turn up. That last fish looks sizeable and strong. Nice job landing it with all the debris in the water!

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    1. Mark Wittman
      Thanks
      Mark it was a good trip. The first stream gets a lot of attention from many groups. We had another 2 options and chose the easiest and it turned out well.

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  2. lovely outing. great towhee sighting, too. i've never seen one.

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    1. TexWisGirl
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      Theresa I knew someone would be able to identify it. They are quite vocal.

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  3. That photo of Leo's brought back great memories of our stay in cape cod a couple yrs ago with my wife and our daughter family, one of the best vacations ever. We probably ate their at least 4 or 5 times. I never realized until reading your blog that such a fishery existed. Thankyou for the trip. I know I will return one day ,fly rod in hand.

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    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad the wife and I love Leo's. Nice friendly place with wonderful food.
      The trout fishery is not as big as the salty fish, and I'm happy it's that way. When your planning a visit there I'll tell you about the brook trout.

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  4. Well, Alan, I am back after a long (6) month leave of absence for family needs and some health reasons. Sure is great to have time to read your blog again and see all those beautiful waters as I remember them from your area. Those Brook Trout are so beautiful and very healthy looking. Thanks for sharing!

    When you have time stop by my blog and say hello. I have added your blog to my BlogRoll and would enjoy sharing readers with you again. Http://melsfishintimes.blogspot.com

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    1. Grandpa Mel
      Thanks
      Mel welcome back. I will link your blog here and will check in on you at fishintimes.

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  5. Excellent post! I'm heading to Cape Cod and MV this summer, hoping to to a little bit of trout fishing in between all the stripers and bluefish.

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    1. Unknown
      Thanks
      It's a beautiful area and offers some great fishing.

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  6. What beautiful photos of the brookies Brk Trt!!! Stunning colors ! Glad you had a wonderful road trip.

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    1. TROUTI
      Thanks
      Pete it's a wonderful area to explore. Have to get you up there.

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  7. Alan
    Being a bird watcher, I immediately recognized the Towhee. We had one at our feeder yesterday. Quality salter, what pattern did it fall prey too? Just curious did you check the temp of the streams? Thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
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      Bill that salter as well as most of the brook trout took a Mickey Finn. Streamers work well with these fish, although I had one on using an ant. Didn't take a temp but I would bet it was in the mid-fifties.

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  8. Sea run, I would have expected them to be much larger. Although that last was was good sized.

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    1. Mark Kautz_Shoreman
      Thanks
      Mark in places such as the Canadian Maritime's they do. Here in coastal Mass. a 16 inch fish might be considered a trophy.

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  9. Beautiful brook trout and the place they live in there on the Cape. Great job getting that salter out from between the two logs. That was no mean feat I'll bet.

    My family and I are heading to Southeast Maine in June and I am hoping I can find some good water to fish while there. I would rather spend my time fishing than going to the beach.

    Regards, Sam

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    1. Parachute Adams
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      Sam he was a toughie. Maine has some coastal salter streams. I'll put you in contact with the Sea-Run Brook Trout Coalition and you can ask for some info.

      gday@searunbrookie.org,

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    2. Sam that's the contact. The mans name is Geof Day.
      Tell him you know me and he will help you.

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    3. Thanks a million, Alan. Greatly appreciated!

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  10. Okay, here's where the jealousy starts creeping in again. Cape Cod...no more need be said.

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    1. Howard Levett
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      Howard.."your sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod"
      Patti Page I believe.

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  11. Looks like a fantastic trip! I think this post is missing one thing...where's the food Alan!! Haha

    I'm with Mark on thinking that the these would be bigger considering they're Sea run, but that's just the theory in my head. Beautiful fish none the less!

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    1. Justin Carf
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      Justin I agree the food got a poor representation but it was there. These fish are bigger in there northern range.

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  12. Thanks for bringing us along! Great to see the Mickey Finn in action.

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    1. Ralph Long
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      Ralph these fish love streamers, and the Mickey Finn is in the top 5. Oldie but goodie...

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  13. Absolutely incredible colors. I can't even imagine.

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    1. Michael Agneta
      Thanks
      They're the top in that regard.

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