I was so excited to fish this stream at a time when there was a nice comfortable flow and there was no ice or snow to deal with. This stream I'm very familiar with but changes were made to it by the state. I first became aware of the changes last winter at a time that I could not fully fish the areas that were affected by the upgrade. The state had done some rehab work on the streams road crossing. The large culvert that was in place had been removed and a new one installed which enabled the wild brook trout to move freely through it and find much more suitable habitat up and down stream.
The streams flow was perfect and there were many deep pockets that held fish. It did not take long to find a few willing combatants to bend the glass rod.
I call this guy "spotty"...there were so many spots on this fish, they went from back to belly.
I really love this run. Over the years it has given up some spectacular fish including a gorgeous spawning male that took a Black Ghost streamer. Unfortunately he was able to free himself before I could photograph him.
Not bad......they were very active for a few hours and then they just shut down.
Beautiful flora, it so nice to see it in a natural setting.
Part of the days menu.
Like I said before I have fished this stream so very many times, and this was the first time I saw this giant. I wish I had a tape measure. The rod was placed there to try to give some perspective. This tree is personal best for me as far as tree's go along this stream.
Alan, your "best" looks nice and healthy and thriving. The trees, at my camp in Woodstock, CT are defoliated, at this point and their bases are covered with hundreds, if not thousands of gypsy moth caterpillars. Its the worse infestation I have seen in over forty years.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John the eastern half of the state took a big hit with those nasty cats. I fish several streams in that area and at times you could hear them eating. The fungus finally took care of them only a little late.
Alan
ReplyDeleteLooks like the soft hackles were busy on this outing. I would say this tree is in the hardwood variety. The Native Americans probably saw this tree as a young sapling. Another beautiful stream with some colorful brooks taken-----thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill your right on aging the tree, it was one massive oak. The tree lies on protected land so maybe it will be around for another century.
Beautiful water is always rewarding. Colorado handshake to the folks who did the work to do some rehab. on the stream. Those fish are colored so awesome. That tree has been there for awhile, guarding that stream, with all the magnificence it could.
ReplyDeleteThe Bluegill Bug
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Mel lots of stream fixing going on. With dam removals and culvert replacing it's good to see.
That tree sure does provide some shade, not to mention the vast amount of soil it protects...
Amazing amount of spots on that one brook trout, so beautiful. It sure lives in a beautiful stream. With regard to that tree, how old do you figure that is, Alan? Must me a couple hundred years old is my guess.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam it's been awhile since I last saw a brookie with such spotting.
That tree is at least 200 or close.
That is such a massive old tree. Just think how many generations of brook trout came and went through it's life time. May there be many more generations to come.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan that old tree must have witnessed it all...hay day to bust and back.
Does your state have a big tree listing. If so you should measure it and submit it for the records.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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I'm not sure of such a listing, but I may check into it. Next time up there I'll put a tape to it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely a beauty that spotted brookie is. The tree is just massive, probably has seen a few winters.
TROUT1
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Pete I'll bet your right on that, winters hurricanes and maybe a tornado not to mention lots of lightning.
Alan - It is so nice to see streams with a healthy flow this time of year, glad you were able to enjoy it in prime shape. That is one massive tree! Do you know what type of tree it is and did it escape the gypsy invasion?
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark I caught that stream after a good rain event and it was awesome. The tree was an oak, and the trees in that area did not take it as bad as other areas of the state.
One word Alan STUNNING, Im really jealous of you with those Brook trout over there. Well done mate
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George we love our brookies, I guess it shows.
Hello Alan ... very good column and good day of fishing too, as always you do Alan ....
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando it's good to hear from you.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteA downright beautiful stream indeed! The brookies reflect the beauty that is around them including the huge white oak that you have cradling your rod! That is one impressive statesman you have there!
I remember the fondness you have for hemlocks and the unique relationship between them and brookies! I have been taking particular notice of the hemlocks in our area and how they are situated along the hills and small streams. It's uncanny how beautiful these stretches become when they are in the area and thriving! I just wish we could hold some Conn. strain "spotties" in those waters beneath the hemlocks!
Junior Botanist Doug
Dougsden
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Doug, the friendly Ohio jr. Botanist your description of the association of the hemlock and the wild brook trout should be put into print, perhaps the Nature Conservancy will take me up on the idea.
That stream has a nice mix of evergreens and hardwoods which makes for some beautiful surroundings in any season.
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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