Over the course of a couple of years I have exchanged many e-mails with this gentleman. At one point I thought that I had read enough of them that I thought I knew this man. The other day I finally met him face to face and found out I did not even scratch the surface of what this man knows. Mike Stephens is his name and he is a resident of Connecticut. He fly fishes ties beautiful flies and handcrafts lovely fly rods. He has the soul of many who fly fish, his love for small wild trout comes out the first and then you can feel the love going beyond that to all levels of fly angling.
We fished the Farmington river for a few hours. On that morning we found a few willing trout and we were delighted to bring a few to hand. I hope that Mike enjoyed his time, for I know I enjoyed mine. We will fish again I'm certain but I would most like is a coffee or two with him stream side to hear some more of his wonderful stories.
Mike into a scrappy brook trout.
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| Mike Stephens photo |
A wonderful gift from the Farmington...Mike would agree.
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| Photo ..Mike Stephens |
We each fished this run along the bank. We brought numerous fish to the surface, but not to hand.
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| Photo..Mike Stephens |
One of Mike's fine points is that he is an excellent photographer. Here he captured a Merganser with a brook trout.
We walked up the bank to our cars, and ended a fine day on the river.....Thanks Mike.
That's quite a mouthful on that merganser!
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
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Chris he grabbed that fish and had to fight off several of his buddies before he could swallow it.
I learned a while ago that Merganser = trout thief. Had them try to take fish off my stringer.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark they are super fast. Like seagulls.
One of my best friends was a person I met trough my job,turns out he was a person that has been honored by many trout unlimited chapters, was the first conservationist of the yr. by the state of Pa. And was honored by the sec. Of interior in Washington. I have learned a lot from him. He has done so much for conservation and trout habitat in our area and is very humble when comes to taking any credit for his efforts. I would say that I would probably get along with mike myself. It's wonderful to meet people that have a lot of the same interests in fly fishing as yourself. Thanks for the introduction.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad those are some truly remarkable accomplishments
Being humble is a gracious trait, more of the world could do with some humbleness.
Beautiful pictures of a fine day on the river. You know, Alan, as dry as it's been it almost seems strange to see a river flowing that well. Thank goodness for tail water this summer.
ReplyDeleteFishing on the Swift this spring into summer, I have seen a large family of mergansers swimming together from time to time. I bet they do a number on the brookies in there.
I always enjoy your posts and look forward to each entry to your blog site.
Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam we are getting to the point where reservior operations may take first dibs of the water. We all need to pray for rain.
Mergansers do a big hurt on the smaller fish, and the herons take care of the rest.
Thanks for the blog comment..it's really appreciated.
From the radar I saw today, it looked like Connecticut got a good amount of needed rain, Alan. Weatherman was saying we would get a couple inches, but I bet we only got a quarter inch. Amazing how all the rain events miss us here in the Springfield area. Things have a way of turning around and hopefully we will get the needed rain soon. Regards, Sam
Deleteso cool.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa I wish the weather were as cool.
It's like Texas here.
very good your friend Mr.Mike Stephens ... the merganser also fishing? that good fisherman that duck .. !!
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando that he is. As far as the merganser they don't miss many fish, unlike me.
Alan, nice post about your friendship and eventual trip with Mike..... There are so many great fly fishers, and, fly tyer's etc that live in anonymity. Oh, the stories they could tell.
ReplyDeleteYou will need more than one pot of coffee..........
Grandpa Mel
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Mel you are spot on. I like the more than one pot of coffee line...it's true.
Nice post Brk Trt!! Always good to meet the person one has been communicating with via e-mail. As I recall that is how you and I met on the Farmington that day long ago!! Very nice action photo of you in mid-cast!! Form looks good
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
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Pete seems like that meeting was yesterday. I like your observation on my casting form. That was a great shot.
Alan - Nice to see you and Mike were able to met each other! I've also fished with Mike for the first time this year also, so I know exactly where you are coming from! While I am not the biggest fan of electronic communication it has provided an avenue to meet people who I might otherwise never have.
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark, he's a great guy and to finally meet him enforced that feeling.
Great images! I've met a good number of folks the forums and such, and the vast majority have been great people. Thanks for sharing your day with us.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph I've met some really nice people via forums and the blog. Most of those people I continue to fish with.
I love stories of meeting up with folks we've "met" on the interwebs. I enjoy fishing solo, but I seem to get so much more out of meet-ups like this. Congrats, Alan!
ReplyDeleteFading Angler
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Chris it's nice to put a human face to what was just some words. I enjoy solitude when angling but good company is always welcomed.