After several Saturday morning duties I had and hour or three available to do some fishing. The stream was Little Creek and it was close by so that if the skies opened up as they were supposed to according to the most accurate forecast in the state...oh well, still waiting for that first drop. Back on track now. the stream was low and clear. A stream temp told me that the water was cold. Visual observations showed me nothing so fly choice would be a dry. A 'bomber' was first up and the fly was not treated with respect. In pool and riffle the trout were not interested. Several other well knowns were called on and met with the same disrespect. I changed to a soft hackle, the thought was that maybe they would take it being under the surface and this way they would feel safer and not exposed. The fly was a gray hackle peacock and a good choice it was.
On the second cast this beautiful wild brookie hit the fly. A strong fish for this stream.
All along Little Creek the gray hackle peacock did it's magic.
I saw this bird rock hopping. I don't know what it is but it's colors rival the brook trout.
The Gray Hackle Peacock after it had been chewed on for two hours.
This native char had a tail that was so red. I had hoped it's color showed in the photo but it was not to be....still strikingly beautiful. Did I ever mention that I love these fish?
Gotta love those tenacious brook trout that find a way to keep surviving in the smallest of waters. They are a true gift, living in the most beautiful of places that you capture in your photos.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam they are little miracles of nature. They take what is given and thrive....even if it is tiny streams.
Sometimes all I can do is shake my head in amazement Alan. Thanks once again for the beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard I do the same most every time I bring of of those wild jewels to hand.
As always, I am amazed at the wonderful creation you experience in your neck of the woods. :-) Thank you for sharing to experience of the outdoors. I believe that bird is a Scarlet Tanager. It looks like it in my book. I wish we had those birds down here in Florida. Thank you
ReplyDeleteJ Hayes
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Well my southern friend I knew I would have an answer to my bird question, thanks.
Those wood and waters are a gift, and someone is thanked daily for giving it to me.
Trouting & birding... can't beat that.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful specimens, all of them.
Michael Agneta
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Mike that's a good combination. I must try to do better on identifying the birds.
Running water, beautiful little Brookies, and, no rain! I could enjoy some of that. Go Alan!
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Mel
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Mel it manages to come together at times..and I'll take it.
Awesome Photos !! Once again an excellent post and photographic essay!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
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Pete it's pretty easy when all of your subjects are so beautiful and cooperative.
Alan, I love the the grey hackle peacock, a true classic softie. The scarlet tangier is magnificent. Have you ever seen one before? The trout have wonderful coloration and perfect markings, never get tired of seeing the magnificent world you live in. Thanks
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I have a few in my box and every now and then I give them a work-out and they work. That's the first time I have ever saw a scarlet tanger, they're beautiful.
Thanks again Alan for sharing you journey into the small streams of New England. The scarlet tanager, is a beautiful bird. The pictures of the wild trout, that swim the wooded streams are so colorful. Well done!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wirtes
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John in all my years I've never seen such a bird. I wish I was able to get a better photo.
It was a nice couple of hours.
That is a wonderful little stream.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan it's almost perfect.
Always a great trip. Love those little streams.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark wait until you see the little trib I fished. The trout were there.
Great post Alan! Also, I believe the bird is a Scarlet Tanager.
ReplyDeleteBill Thomas
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Bill I feel kind of silly....every one seems to know that bird and I have never seen one before.
Only reason I know is that they show up around the park where I work around this time of year and they stick out like a sore thumb. Lots of people ask about them so I asked our resident bird expert haha!
DeleteThanks Bill....I'm feeling a little better.
DeleteI don't think that you have to tell us how much you love brook trout... It shows by your photography. Nicely done as usual.
DeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily I do appreciate the comment.
Awesome time on a beautiful stream!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will one of the best.
Nice post again. The other people posting are correct with the bird's name. Scarlett Tanager. I saw them in PA last week, too.
ReplyDeleteMichael Carl
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Mike I'll be on the look out for them now. Truly beautiful.
Alan - Thanks for another excellent post. I've heard that scarlet tanagers are present in CT but I've not seen one yet! Glad you had an opportunity to get a good look at one!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark as much time as we spend outdoors you think we would have seen this bird. Hope to see more.
Alan - From another lost soul that deeply loves brookies: THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteFading Angler
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Chris your in brookie heaven here. Lots here love them.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI saw our southern version of the bird you mentioned in your post last week. It is called the Summer Tanager, it has stared showing up at my feeders early in the morning, beautiful little bird. It is amazing how some of these brook trout have varied degrees of color such as the tail on that brookie. Great post, thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the brook trout are all over the place as far as colors go. Some are bright and some are very muted...tis the season of transition.