Sunday, May 15, 2016

The Small Stream 2-Fly Challenge...Part One

Yesterday our little experiment "Small Stream 2-Fly Challenge" kicked off. I hope it will be an annual event and I'm sure the other participants feel the same way. The day could not have been better, bright sun, mild temperatures, no wind and a stream that was in prime condition. We met at 9am and had plenty of hot coffee as well as some snacks. Conversation began on fly choice, where we would fish and what time to meet back at the cars for lunch. A journal, really a pad was given to the anglers to record their catch as well as other aspects of their time on the stream. The real facts of these entries will be in a second part of of this post.

While there were 6 anglers fishing, the photos are of trout I caught. The other anglers will probably post their photos to their blogs or in the comment section.


My first brook trout came early. An awesome fighter who took a "Jassid" I continued to use that fly but after several strikes and short line releases the little jungle cock feather was weak and almost falling off. So I decided to switch to my second fly which was a black ant.


Bright sun and clear water was somewhat of a handicap. The fish were spooked to some of the most awkward of places. Caution and stealth were paramount. I had several fish rise to my fly here...they were one and done...no hookups.


My second brook trout of the day. He took the ant....strong fish and he gave my little 3wt a real workout.


Pete, had a brook trout of generous size slam his "Bomber" as the fly was slipping under the surface. The fish was hooked and made a bee line for some undercut tree roots....we all know how that turned out, and it was in the brookies favor.


My third fish of the day, and my last. The spirited little brookie came back 3 times to get the ant.


It was in tough places as this where you had to earn a strike. The fish were about 2 inches from the base of the tree, or should I say fly catcher.


They were in that run, but so very cautious. Matt tries to work his fly in front of a possible taker.

Kirk, Mark and John had interesting days also...I will highlight the details in the second part of this post.



It was around noon time when we assembled back at out starting point. We enjoyed a nice lunch which included grilled hot dogs and a pot of chili. Discussions abounded with the thoughts of the morning. I think it was a success and I truly enjoyed it.





30 comments:

  1. Congrats,looks like you guys had a very successful day. The first trout on a Jassid is very impressive ,the only negative I ever had with that fly is it is fragile but gives a great silhouette . Congrats a fine looking group of anglers,I wish I could have been their not only for the fishing but the meeting of the minds at lunch. By the way , my idea of a classic lunch. Thanks for the photos.

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    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad they attack that Jassid, I must figure a way to make it more hardy. Lunch and those talks are one of the highlights for me.

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  2. Obviously from the pics, you guys had a fabulous time! Definitely should be an annual, if not mthly occurrence!

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    1. Joel Stansbury
      Thanks
      Joel this was the first spring outing we put together. We also do one every New Years Day. Spring is so much warmer.

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  3. We had a great day. Matt and I had many hook-ups and a lot of LLR's (long line releases). A few fall fish were caught and released. Still a rewarding outing!!

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    1. TROUTI
      Thanks
      Pete it was a very enjoyable day. Nice fishing with everyone and I love the conversations.

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  4. Alan Ed shenk another legend of the letort uses daves flexament on his hopper wings, it makes the wing very pliable and durable. A tiny drop brushed on the eye would probably give same result to the jassid. It's worth a shot.

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    Replies
    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad that sounds good. I'll pick up a bottle and give it a try. That feather is to costly to loose so quickly.

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  5. Alan - thanks for organizing a great event. That first brook trout is real specimen for a small stream!

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    1. Mark Wittman
      Thanks
      Mark it was a fun time. That fish surprised the heck out of me.

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  6. Great great outing! I'm bummed that I had to miss it, glad you guys had a great time.

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    Replies
    1. RM Lytle
      Thanks
      Rowan you should have been there....next time.

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  7. How fun! I haven't done much clear creek fishing. But, might head up into the mountains this summer. You have to be stealthy alright!

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    1. The River Damsel
      Thanks
      Emily clear thin water makes it interesting.
      Success.

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  8. Bravo Alan. Your event sure looks like a lot of fun and once again points out to me the difference between what I call a small stream and reality. Your first fish sure looks like a monster compared to most brookies.

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    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      Howard it was pretty big for that stream. The stream was in prime shape...wait until August.

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  9. Looks like a fun day, and a success!

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    Replies
    1. Hibernation
      Thanks
      Will it was on both accounts....must do again.

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  10. Hello Alan, l had a great time fishing with you and your friends. It was nice to meet everyone and share the day together fishing that small stream! Thanks for putting it all together and the food was very good. Hookedonfishing

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    1. John Wirtes
      Thanks
      John it was a pleasure. You fit in nicely with the "crew"....we will do it again.

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  11. Congrats on a great day, fellas! Beautiful stream same as the brook trout. I doesn't get any better.

    Regards, Sam

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    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam the event was enjoyed by all.

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  12. Alan
    I can't think of a better way to spend the morning. Gorgeous steam you were fishing along with some beautiful trout. I hope you guys continue this event for many years to come!! Thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill it was one sweet time. Seems like it was all there for us. We have plans to keep this going in the future.

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  13. Congratulations Alan for the start of the challenge, it is seen that was successful and even better when eating ... It seems that there hungry .... A hug and good luck to the participants

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    1. Armando Milosevic
      Thanks
      Armando sometimes the food, drink and conversation can be as rewarding as catching trout.
      They wish you the same.

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  14. Great looking crew and it looks like you all had a great time. That's one thing that I'm missing..fishing companions..it would be huge in getting me motivated to get out..I'll just have to fish vicariously with you all...

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    1. penbayman
      Thanks
      Mike the crew does motivate, but so does a photo of a wild brook trout.

      Delete
  15. I envy you chasing brookies. I'll be in brown trout territory for the next few weekends. I might need to make a side trip, but I'll take more than two flies. I'm not good enough to consider a 2-fly challenge yet!

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    Replies
    1. Fading Angler
      Thanks
      Chris browns are a worthy opponent. I was fortunate not to loose my flies....I'm a pretty good stream side decorator.

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