Wednesday, December 5, 2018

A Beautiful Day In December

Brook Trout Forest
Monday was about as beautiful a day as you'll happen on in December. The sun was out and the wind a non factor. The air temps were near 60 and one could enjoy being outdoors with just a good fleece jacket. I had a good feeling about the day, even though we had some substantial rains on Saturday. The streams were a bit high but absolutely clear. I started fishing a small streamer and why I changed to a soft-hackle reversed I can't tell you. Sometimes I open my fly box and a fly will catch my eye and I'll say "what the heck" try it....in this case I'm glad I did.



This fly fishing thing is always a learning deal. Years ago, like maybe a dozen or so I went steelhead fishing on the Salmon River in N.Y. state. I have never fished there or anywhere for steelhead. So for months I tried to get some info that would make my hopes for success come through. On one forum an angler with years of fishing the Salmon under his belt told me to "fish the seams", those little soft spots in the currents that fish will find to help them maintain a position without to much effort. I have used this method since and it has improved my catch rate on small streams.


Monday the "fish the seams" method worked very well. The sakasa kebari moved ever so seductively through the seam and sure enough a brookie ate it.


I fished that sakasa kebari the whole time and when I hit the seam just right it was a home run.


My best fish of the day. A beautiful strong buck. This guy even went airborne.


A "workhorse" and veteran of a beautiful December day in Brook Trout Forest.









26 comments:

  1. Man, I am sooo jealous of your weather. I haven't been bitten by the tenkara fly bug yet, but your flies and the photographic evidence you've posted is making me rethink my position.

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    Replies
    1. mike
      Thanks
      Mike the weather here has been kind. A bit colder today but still comfortable. A few Tenkara flies have worked very well for me. Try some....

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  2. Is there a Tenkara rod in your future? Using a Sakasa Kebari might get you to lean that way.

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    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz
      Thanks
      Mark I'll never say no...but for now the flies work well with conventional fly gear.

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  3. Alan
    You got to love it when the trout go airborne and walk on water. Crazy weather for sure it was 70 here on Sunday and this morning it was 25 degrees with a high of 45. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill jumping is common with rainbows, and it's pretty awesome. Brookies are not prone to be acrobatic. Winter is trying to make it's presence felt, but autumn want's to hang around.

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  4. Another can it get any better kind of day!

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    Replies
    1. Brookie61
      Thanks
      Kurt not for this time of year. Maybe we'll see a few more kinder days before winter takes hold.

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  5. another cracking outing for you Aan, well done

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  6. Hi Alan
    Monday looked like a really good day in the Brook Trout Forest. Thanks for sharing your trip with us all (and please send some of that settled weather Westward!)
    Alistair

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    Replies
    1. Alistair Corbishley
      Thanks
      Alistair a fine day for sure. I think you mean eastward...

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    2. It was late I was tired 💤 😑
      Now when do the holidays start.........

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    3. That's perfectly OK...cheers.

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  7. We know seams as creases over here.

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    1. Bureboyblog
      Thanks
      You are familiar with them I take it. Those places hold fish.

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  8. East is east and west is west and Alan has made the twain meet ;=).

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    Replies
    1. William Shuck
      Thanks
      Bill years ago on a small stream forum I made contact with a Japanese angler. He and I exchanged flies, his east flies and my west flies. It turns out trout in both countries loved them.

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  9. That's a great fly, Alan. It's been a real producer for me over the years. Those are some beautiful brook trout for sure!

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    Replies
    1. Tom Davis
      Thanks
      Tom I tied the same fly only using a red body. Maybe it will be a better color for winter.

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  10. wonderful post. I really like your photos. I have heard that you keep a digital point and shoot around your neck. I have an Olympus point and shoot that I would like to use. Using a cell phone requires too much fumbling about. Do you have a recommendation for a strap system?

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    Replies
    1. James Shanley
      Thanks
      James I do have the camera around my neck. It keeps the camera ready, and I don't have the worry about dropping it in the water. I use a simple strap it came with the camera. I think your Olympus should do just fine.

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  11. I'm going to give an unnamed trib a try tomorrow. Your pics of the small woodland streams inspire me, thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Michael Capurso
      Thanks
      Michael that's great. I hope you will let us know how you make out.

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  12. Beautiful brook trout, Alan. The one that went airborne is spectacular. Congrats on making the best of a beautiful day.
    Sam

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    Replies
    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam he was a strong one and showed some moves.
      I've been out Wed. and today on different streams. Each day was a bit colder, but no ice in the guides and that I can handle.

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