Thursday, July 13, 2017

Mid July In Brook Trout Forest

I took some time yesterday to walk and fish a little stream in the hills of Connecticut. The stream flows through a large tract of state owned property, and solitude is a promise. What was to me a very special find was the fact that the stream was in such terrific shape. The flow was probably five times greater than it was last year at this time. I was excited to test my luck on some of the brook trout that swim these waters. The fly was to be a floater, one that would appeal to the natives as well as one that is highly visible. I'll let you name the fly.

Today the trout were found in several places, from the head to the tail of pools, to the plunges and riffles. There were no mistakes to be made when casting the fly, for a strike could come from anywhere.


Somewhere in the pool pictured above this wonderful wild jewel found the fly to much to resist.


The stream is a gentile walk, with exception to the very large rocks that need to be negotiated from time to time. When I take a fish I feel the water for coolness, but the exact temperature is the fact that determines weather I continue to fish or leave.


Today I'll stay....the streams waters were 58 to 60 degrees. I checked it in several locations. This is great seeing we are mid-July.


I spooked a couple of brookies in this pool as I tried to walk past. They shot upstream and I knew where they went. Waiting some minutes I then dropped the fly and a split second later a rise and a hook-up.


This gorgeous native was at hand, I admired it as the camera snapped...it was soon released. And as I sat momentarily I thought about how fortunate I was to have the pleasure of such an experience.


When I mentioned solitude earlier, I did have some company. This little guy stopped to check out the goings on, satisfied he move on.


With the proper amount of rain, all will remain well.














28 comments:

  1. Delightful little stream, so vibrant, and full of life it appears... Hope the water levels continue to stabilize so fishing continuity will continue to be your pleasure.

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    Replies
    1. The Bluegill Bug
      Thanks
      Mel the rains have been a blessing. Another year of favorable conditions and the brook trout will be back to substantial numbers.

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  2. Awesome trip Alan. Cool to have that company... but especially the company of the brookies. It's truly unreal how much more water there is this year - and based on the forecast - it's hard to imagine stream levels getting low until some time in August at least. This, is a good year to be a small stream brookie!

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    1. Hibernation
      Thanks
      Will like I told Mel it has been a true blessing as far as rainfall amounts. I hope it continues.
      And yes there was great company.

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  3. Nice day in the woods for sure..... thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Doug Korn, Fly Tyer
      Thanks
      Doug it was refreshing and fulfilling.

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  4. Your photos and narrative are so wonderful. It is the highlight of my day when I read a new post on SSR. Small streams are doing great this year thanks to the constant rain, so unlike last year.

    I am also glad you connected on the Farmington, Alan. A beautiful brown and brookies, more silvery looking than small streams, beautiful nonetheless.

    Best, Sam

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    Replies
    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam it's what I strive for each and every post. I know that it's a stream and it's a small brook trout but to me each time out it's different. I'm happy the magic of the small stream still comes through.

      The Farmington is a challenge for me with high flows, but I was satisfied with my last outing.

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  5. Alan,
    An incredible place of beauty and variety this Brook Trout Forest! Oh, to be able to take a walk with you along this gem of a stream! Maybe someday.....?? I am still very impressed with the beauty and bounty of your state of Conn.!
    Sweltering in Ohio,
    Dougsden

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    Replies
    1. Dougsden
      Thanks
      Doug that day was pure pleasure. And perhaps someday you'll visit Brook Trout Forest and experience it's magic first hand.
      Cool today in CT.

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  6. Always great pics with the brookies and stream but the snake pic was an excellent shot!

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    Replies
    1. Chris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
      Thanks
      Chris that little guy seemed to take an interest in what I was doing...I love stuff like that.

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  7. Alan
    Great to see that little stream so full of flowing water and nice and cold. Once again lovely pics of the brook trout and surroundings.

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1
      Thanks
      Pete it's such a big difference from last year. I hope it continues.

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  8. Alan
    Beautiful stream as always, could it be the Bomber got the brookies attention????
    By the way what is the smallest size you tie this fly in? Does the smaller size 16 get the attention of the trout? Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill, bomber it was.
      I tie these flies in 14 and 16, I have tied it in 18 also.
      Both 14 and 16 work very well.

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  9. Hi Alan, J. Brackett said it so well (1797).

    'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
    'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
    And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
    'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

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  10. John Dornik
    Thanks
    John that he did. I believe that little stream in eastern CT would fit right in.

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  11. How I miss fishing in forest. Another great post Alan. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      I miss it too, and it's only been a day or so.

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  12. envious is the word I would describe how Im feeling right now. Great post again Alan

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    Replies
    1. George
      Thanks
      Places as these have a way of transforming us, for the better.

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  13. Wow Alan whats up with that snake? They have not bitten you yet? You have to be very careful, right? What happens with the trout? Maybe snakes eat trout?

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    Replies
    1. Armando Milosevic
      Thanks
      Armando I've not been bitten. I am careful when I enter snake looking areas. The water snakes will eat trout when they can catch them. It's all part of the natural world.

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  14. Well, as much as I hate snakes, that is a great shot. And yes, it is incredible how a snake can suck down a trout so quickly. I've seen vids on it. Crazy! Have a great week, Alan!

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    Replies
    1. The River Damsel
      Thanks
      Emily I'm not a fan of snakes, most times I don't see them although I know they are present. This guy really was interested in what I was doing.

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