Some concerns but no worries...because. I fished a stream yesterday for several hours and observed brook trout doing what was necessary to continue life. These fish are so unbelievable in what they are capable of doing under some not so kind conditions. The photo above is a bunch of stream debris that collected where a bunch of stones caused a shallow run. The collection had branches of various sizes as well as leaves this collection caused the stream to flow at a pretty good clip. In the minutes I fished below this woody constriction I observed two brook trout shoot right through this mess. Now you might say well that's life for the wild brook trout and you would be right. Now I may add that this is but one issue they must encounter in the course of their life in not the best of conditions, and they not only handle this issue they exceed. Their tenacity for life is such that I can't find the words to describe it.
So although I have concerns about the wellness of brook trout I'm not worried about their future. For what I have witnessed in my short time around these creatures they will not be denied life by anything or anybody. But what we can do is make their life easier.....
This pool was right above the first photo. Now experience has led me to believe that brook trout will use a leaf jam like this for a hideout. If the fly come near it usually a strike will happen and it did. Question what type of fly is needed?
Beautifully written, a perfect example of the “tenacity of life” being a brook trout and its generations of brethren persisting and adapting to conditions within their tiny niche in an immense and sometimes hostile world.
ReplyDeleteKevin
Ned Zeppelin
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Kevin they have been kicked around almost to the point of no return. But that's not happening. They find their places and with the help of us they will survive.
Those are some nice photos Alan. Went out Thursday and had some luck once we found them. It was a lovely day. Lots of cold and snow coming our way next week so probably home bound.
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill this time of year they can be most anywhere on the stream. Finding them can be fun. Cold and snow not ready for that yet.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI would assume a rise in the stream level would help move some of those leave. It looks like that stream is sowewhat low? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill a heavy rain will indeed clear things out. But it's nice fishing those leaf hideouts...the stream is actually in good shape. Most are like that this time of year.
I too have observed brook trout plowing through leaf dams like that, Alan. The power they put on display when hooked comes in real handy to them when they come across those obstacles. They are a most amazing and tenacious fish. Given half a chance, they will find a way.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Sam
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Sam I remember you talking about that in a post many moons ago. They will not give up, and it's that inner being that keeps them going. If we get out of the way, in the sense of not stocking fish over wild brook trout I think it will benefit.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteAgain, this thread addresses the issue of brook trout survival which has captivated me ever since I started to follow this blog! It is mind boggling to know how they "get by" and also to thrive in many cases especially during extended periods of drought!
Your coverage of this is awesome as usual! Your observations are keen and your experience is beyond measure!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug I often think of how much better this native wild fishery would be if we had not got in the way. A hundred and fifty years ago we could plead ignorance but today we have no excuse. We have tried to bring a thriving Atlantic salmon fishery back, and for decades and enormous amounts of money and resources with the end result a failure. We have a wild brook trout fishery lets focus on keeping it.
To answer your question at the end of your text.....I would say Ausable Bomber! I would like to drop a Partridge and Orange in first just to test the waters!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
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The bomber would be a god choice but that was not the fly. The P&O is close...
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ReplyDeleteI am going to have to start getting closer to leaf jams!! Glad to see you still out there fishing and writing. I'm still here, but the circle of bloggers is getting smaller, isn't it? Hope you are staying safe, Alan!
DeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily we are still at it. Our little community is not what is was, but it still has purpose. We are all good here and hope you are as well.
Any species must know how to adapt to the environment to be able to survive ... they are specialists in it ... also remember that the objective is to deceive the trout and not allow them to deceive you.
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