Small Stream Reflections

Groundhog Day, 2012, a Tail

2012-02-03T05:27:00.001-05:00

Groundhog Day 2012 turned out to be a winter buster here on this small freestone stream. The air was quite cool with a temp of about 40 or so, I think it was colder though. The sun never made an appearance, which probably made for better fishing.
I met up with Kirk and we set out to fish this stream. We started fishing the typical cold water flies, pink midges, beadhead nymphs and Picket Pin wets.
Soon Kirk had a taker on the midge and the first brookie came to hand. We continued to move upstream and continued to seek a few more willing trout. Kirk changed to a Picket Pin and had a taker, a beautiful brookie, well colored and healthy.
Not being able to do much with the underwater feathers, I changed to a Bomber dry fly, the reason being it's tail is tied with groundhog guard hairs. A few drifts and a trout rose to the fly. I failed to hook this fish, but a fish that took a dry fly. The next hour pretty much went the same way,brookies would rise to the Bomber but not one hookup. I thought the size 16 fly was maybe to small, although it drew a lot of interest. I changed to a 14 emerger/dry pattern and soon had my first fish to hand. A photo and a thank you and off he went. I soon had another take an Elk Hair caddis, my first February trout on a dry fly.

It was a fine day, this Groundhog Day. Company, brookies, and dry flies.

More of Connecticut's past.

Kirk with a a wild jewel.

This stream is small but it has all that's needed for the brookies that live here.

The little char of the springs. I was able to coax them to the surface this day.

It was 40 degrees today, and this was the perfect dish to ward off the cold.
"Chicken Corn Chowder"

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

February and Some Streamers

2012-02-01T05:15:00.001-05:00

Here it is the first day of February. It's now 4:50 AM and I'm enjoying my first cup of Nantucket blend waiting for the black brew to do its magic and put some meaning to my thoughts.

These are a few streamers of mine, one a bucktail conversion of a featherwing. The Footer Special is a very successful featherwing streamer that has a good track record of taking brook trout and salmon. It actually represents the forage fish swimming upside down as if it were wounded.
A few words about the book in the first photo. Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing, by Joe Bates. This book is considered by streamer tyers as the bible of streamers. Bates did extensive research on hundreds of patterns. The accuracy of the streamers is true, as are the recipes. This is a great book for anyone not just those who tie streamers. Its a great streamer history book as well and a good read in general.

The Footer Special, Bucktail Conversion.

This is a featherwing pattern, "Northern Lights".

Brook Trout on a Dry Fly, A January Dry Fly

2012-01-29T14:05:00.001-05:00

Well I received another lesson on what trout want to eat and when they want to eat it.
Yesterday found me angling on a small stream. The weather was great with bright sunny skies and temps in the forties. I tied on a favorite wet fly a Picket Pin. As I let the fly go drifting downstream to raise hell with the resident population of wild brookies and browns. On the first retrieve a brown struck the Pin and was on although for a brief time before throwing it back at me. I said to myself this is going to be a good day.
I continued fishing the Pin hooking up on a few brookies before the interest in the fly suddenly came to a stop. I changed flies putting on an emerger, a Ausable emerger. It's a body of rust orange possum dubbing with brown and grizzly hackle. I worked this fly and it drew attention. They looked and chased but did not take.

I don't know what made me do what I did next. I selected a tan Elk Hair Caddis. Tied it on and sent it on its mission. Several drifts later the fly was taken and the trout headed down and straight for the roots. The little 2wt managed to coax the determined trout to turn and eventually give up.
As I lay my hand under the brook trout I was impressed with what had taken the caddis dry. A beautiful hooked jaw male. A male that had been in this stream for some time. He was photographed, thanked and sent on his way.
Lesson learned. Trout will rise to a dry fly in January.

Colors that I seem to never tire of.

The run where the brook trout hit the caddis.

This is one of the better brook trout I have taken from this stream. A brook trout I will remember forever. A brook trout that took a EH Caddis in January.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Streamers

2012-01-27T12:33:00.001-05:00

These are two streamers I tied back in 2008. The first one is more of an attractor pattern. Its colors are probably not found in any forage fish. Its designed to draw a strike with its flash and color.

"Red Copper"

"Caveman 2 Bravo"

This streamer was tied for a US Army veteran of the war in Iraq. Its colors are that of the US Army. This streamer is a commemorative streamer.

This streamer is from streamers 365.com.
It's a Cains River streamer, one of a series. I believe the Cains River series of streamers are the most beautiful of streamers. Originally tied as Atlantic salmon flies they have been converted to streamers. The series gets its name from the Cains River in New Brunswick, Canada.

You can view many streamers at "streamers365.com"

January 24th, and No Floatant

2012-01-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

It was hard to believe that yesterday was January 24th. The air temps were in the fifties, the sun was bright and there was no wind.
This was a perfect day for seeking some wild brook trout from a beautiful little stream tucked away where no one can find it, I hope that is. I started fishing a Picket Pin, drifting it through likely holding waters. The fly was showed interest, especially when brought to the surface, but no takes.
Several fly changes and hours later I had not brought a trout to hand, a few light hookups,were all that I enjoyed. The one thing I noticed was that the brookies were looking up, they seemed to be more interested in taking near the surface. I tied on a dry fly/emerger pattern, and when I reached for some floatant I realized it was home. Luckily there was another angler, who was trying to figure what to put on the menu for these trout, he just happened to have some floatant and let me use some.
I sent that emerger into a pool and as it went under I let it sit a second or two and brought it to the surface. The brookie went for that fly like it was a day in June. I failed to get a hookup, and several more casts brought interest but no success.
I knew that my day was a success, just being there with the opportunity to enjoy this thing, small stream angling. A few trout chasing a fly, another angler to enjoy the day with me, and lastly, a wild brook trout to hand. He just couldn't resist an Edson Tiger streamer.

A small stream, lots of nooks and crannies for the brook trout.

The lack of snow cover enabled me to photograph this stone wall. I love these remnants.

Another angler, an angler with floatant. That's Kirk,"RKM Trout Quest" trying to coax a brook trout.

This is a reward. This is why I spend hours on little streams, why I have a sore back, why I decorate the hemlocks and mountain laurel with flies, all for this little 5 inch treasure.

A Winter Day

2012-01-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of those nice winter days to be outdoors. The sun was bright, the air crisp, and no wind. It might have been a day to drift a fly, and even take a trout.
On this day we decided to walk some familiar places, take a few photos and see how beautiful a New England day in January is.

The first photo is Niantic bay, right on the Connecticut coast. Although the sun was shining bright a few miles inland, the skies over the bay were threatening.

Connecticut state land, lots of places to walk. The snow was fresh, with no footprints.

Winter waters, the photo says it all.

This brown appears to be swimming in ice. It just looks winter cold.

A sure thing to bring life to a cold body. Hot chocolate.

Red Brook

2012-01-20T09:14:00.000-05:00

In the winter 2012 issue of Trout Magazine there is an article on a very special stream. This stream is located in Massachusetts at the very start of Cape Cod.
It's the home of the sea run brook trout. These wonderful trout that spend part of their lives in saltwater as well as the cool spring fed water of Red Brook.

Salters have been present in this stream since the Mayflower landed, and were no doubt a food source for the colonists. Over the years, cranberry farming has caused the stream to degrade and almost eliminated the salter. The Lyman family who owned the land surrounding much of Red Brook donated it to the Trustees of the Reservations, along with T.U. and the State of Massachusetts. Since taking over this stream extensive restoration efforts have taken place. The removal of dams, the placing of structure, and the planting of native trees and grasses to stabilize silting.

I have fished this stream for a number of years and have seen these efforts taking place. The brook trout that live in this stream have rebounded and appear to be stable to perhaps growing. The addition of more land, land that was causing sand to filter into Red Brook will be soon stopped.
A big Thank You to all who have given so much to help this salty brook trout continue to be part of our world.

Red Brook, its name comes from the color of its waters. Lower reaches of this stream experience tidal movements. Parts of it move slowly like a spring creek, while others have a faster flow.

It is not an easy stream to fish. I do not wade its waters, but choose to fish from the bank. The brook trout can be found near places of structure and in the shade of the submerged plant life.

A Red Brook brook trout. Taken on a bucktail. The preferred flies for these fish.

Typical flies used for brookies, such as Bombers, Wulffs, Adams, and wets and nymphs, do not seem to work as well as streamers and bucktails. The Edson Tiger is my best producer on this stream.

This is where Red Brook enters the salt. Buttermilk Bay, which flows into Buzzards Bay.

This is the place where this brook trout was taken. It was early October, the trout struck a Edson Tiger.

If you plan to visit this special place, a 7ft 4 or 5wt is a good choice, some size 8 to 10 streamers, and a lot of patience. It's a place you'll always remember.

Some Thoughts

2012-01-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

January 18th, I haven't been fishing for a few days, but the thoughts of small streams and wild trout are always present. I try to do those things that are associated with what I love to do.
While tying flies, thoughts are "what will be the first to take this offering,brown or brookie".
Reading books, or in most cases rereading books that I love. Those books that have words that had such an impact on me.

And food. Most of the time it's simple food, simple like the fishing I do. The recipes for the food are as the recipes for most of the flies I tie and use. I see no use in complicating my food dishes, as I see no use in complicating my methods of seeking wild trout. There is beauty in simplicity.

The simple Wooly Bugger. It has probably taken more trout than any other fly, it's simple materials and ease of tying make it a first fly to tie. Russel Blessing knew what he was doing.

Hair wing dry flies, mostly Wulff types. Hairy, buggy and first on the list of small stream wild trout. They're simple and can be tied by anyone.

This is a book I would love to see you read. It's so much more than fishing.

And speaking of simplicity. Roasted red potatoes and carrots. It will comfort you like a stream on a June evening.

Mid January, Shelf Ice, and Streamers

2012-01-16T10:02:00.000-05:00

Mid January and winter has just tightened its grip here in the northeast. The temps have been in the single numbers to mid teens daily for a few days. The streams remain open but shelf ice has formed and to attempt wading can be dangerous.
Saturday we drove to a stream that I fish often, in warmer times,that is. The road along the stream was all but abandoned. The sun was shining bright and gave some beautiful highlights to the stream. A crystal wonderland.

This is a streamer that seems to capture that wonderland.
Blue and white, like the colors of ice. A tail of hackles like thin icicles, and a body of white, like the snow that lines the waters edge.

The streamers name "Shelf Ice"

Stream darters are small fish that live in rivers and streams. These small fish make up part of the diet of trout that live in the streams. Brown trout are good examples of big fish eating little fish and often the largest trout in such streams are browns.
This darter is only one type found in streams, but it is the model for the next streamer.

The darter, almost looks like a small brown.

This streamer takes the colors of that darter. It is the hope that when the streamer is retrieved in a zigzag darting style a big brown will make a hit.

The streamers name, "Darter"

Oatmeal, and Another Lesson

2012-01-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

After fishing these small streams for many years one thinks he knows everything about angling for these small but beautiful trout that live in these streams. That's why I love fishing these streams, because there's always a new pitch thrown at you and it's a new game.
Last Tuesday I fished a stream, a typical small stream that I was familiar with. Well four hours of angling netted me one bump. I could not explain this happening, so I didn't dwell on it for long and accepted the loss of fish to hand was my sloppy fishing, or the wrong flies were used.

Yesterday's forecast was for a partly sunny day with temps in the low forties, with the winds picking up and the temps then dropping back to the thirties. The next four days are to be cold.
So with that brief window of not to bad conditions, I had a bowl of hot oatmeal and left for a small stream. It's a stream I'm familiar with, and with the rains of the day before was a bit off color and slightly high.
Tying on a staple fly, one that has served me well, I sent it off on a drift into a fishy looking pool. The fly worked well, covering several areas where a trout would hold. Cast after cast into that pool brought nothing. Moving down the stream and casting into several places that have brought some interest in the past produced the same no interest. About this time the sky got cloudy, the wind picked up and all of a sudden, rain, snow and sleet. All three whipping into my face and stinging like wasps. At that time the sound of trees making noises as if there were a herd of elephants running through the woods. Taking cover as best I could I waited out the outburst of nature. Several minutes later the precipitation stopped and the sun returned.
I resumed fishing, changing where I presented my fly, which was a shallow rifle at the head of a deep pool. It was there in the middle of the riffle as the fly began to swing that the trout struck. I pulled back in the attempt to set the hook and pulled the fly away. Seeing I had lost the trout I sent the fly drifting down stream. A second or two later the fish hit and was on. The two weight did its job and a lovely wild brown was at hand.
That same riffle also gave up a brookie, which hasn't happened very often.
Another lesson learned.

The trout were in this run, about midway. The deep pool where I assumed them to be is just behind the fallen branches.

These two guys were apparently feeding on something that was moving in the riffle.

Well with a not to promising weather forecast for the next few days, I'll guess it's more time at the desk.

Shoulders, Profiles.......and Braciole?

2012-01-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Here are a few photos of a streamer that was in used in combat. They show the the shape of a sleek bait fish, the shape that will draw a predatory fish to strike.
Notice that the shoulders and the jungle cock highlight the point of the head of the fish. This would be the area a predator would strike. By hitting the bait fish here would stun and incapacitate the fish and make it easier to complete the meal.

This is why the use of a shoulder feather and a jungle cock nail on a feather wing streamer is important.

I would have liked to show this streamer in the mouth of a 20 inch brown, that has not happened........as of yet.

CHICKEN BRACIOLE

Thin sliced chicken breast, chopped parsley, garlic, Romano cheese. Rolled up and secured with toothpicks. Then browned up in a frying pan in olive oil. It's then placed in a baking dish with seasoned tomato sauce and baked for an hour or so. Then remove tooth picks slice and serve with penne pasta.

What could be more rewarding after a cold day chasing browns with a streamer. A Poudre Canyon Special, streamer.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A Hope, A Mystery, and "A Ghost"

2012-01-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Connecticut has many streams that have access to the sea. This is one stream located in southeast CT. It's a stream that's part of an Atlantic salmon restoration program. It's also a good trout stream,one that receives a fairly good stocking of fish. The stream has many little tribs that may run cooler than the main river, and these tribs may have some natural reproduction of trout.
Its habitat must be so that Atlantic salmon can spawn some where along its length.
Although I have never caught an adult salmon, they are present.

The salmon are protected as they should be.

While trout fishing this stream, one can locate prime salmon holding areas. I have hopes that someday my grand children can fish for the wild leaper, fresh from the sea.

The Atlantic salmon, a fish from the sea. He moves through his fresh water haunts. A ghostly figure sort of, one that is not seen but who's presence can be felt.

This streamer was created for him........."A Ghost"

A Lesson Learned

2012-01-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's temperatures topped out at around 58 degrees, not to bad for the &th of January. With a few hours to fish I headed for a wild trout stream. It's a Connecticut class 1 stream, this designation states a stream that has self sustaining populations of wild brook and brown trout. There is no stocking and artificials only with catch and release. Being located on state land, and with the warmer temps this brought out many people, families with there children. This is a wonderful thing, kids out enjoying nature instead of being indoors in front of TV's.

So with so many people in this particular area I chose to fish another part of the stream, a road less traveled so to speak. It was in this area I recieved an education from some wild trout.

In many of the pools and runs I observed trout rising. There were midges and small stone flies about, but I could not determine what they were feeding on. So for an hour or so in different locations along the stream my offerings were refused for the most part, and when a take happened a shake of the head and the fish was gone.
I did manage a few to hand but not what it should have been with so many active feeders.
It was a lesson taught to me by some educated wild fish.

An assortment of flies I thought would serve me well.

Ice that had formed was melting in the warm January sunshine. Crystal fingers falling into the stream

Long pools and the riffled waters in between were full of fish, some rising and adding to my frustration. The banks were lined with thorns like sharks teeth, I must do some trimming for sure.

But the cut legs, a few thorns in the face, a sore back, and wet feet, were all worth it for the opportunity to photograph this brook trout.

T-Shirts, Dry Flies, and Other Fine Things

2012-01-05T05:40:00.002-05:00

It is the 5th of January, the air temp outside is 24 degrees, with a high expected of 35. The last few days have been cold, with the rest of winter still looking at us, and that's not a good thought.
Winter is a season that seems to last forever, I guess it's the cold that slows its retreat.

Winter fishing can be enjoyable at times when a day of moderating temps can make us feel better, along with the fish. It puts them on a slight feed for a brief time. It's at that time we seek them fishing with weighted nymphs, a style of fishing that is on the low end of the ladder for me as ways to fish.

So all though winter is here I'm thinking of times of walking streams in t-shirts, seeking brook trout in the shade of hemlocks, and deep green moss covered stones. When these small streams give up their meager insect life to start a new cycle. When land based inch worms and crickets fall into the water bringing fish to the surface. This time is my time, a time when a few simple dry flies work magic, allowing me to cradle a brook trout.

Well the Nantucket has taken effect and the dream ended......for now.

At these times one box of flies is all that is needed. A few favorites and a few new ones to try.

On occasion these small stream are slowed and form a sort of pond. This is at times caused by beavers or by large logs and woody debris. These ponds can be full of rising brookies at times. If you are able to approach these rising fish without a disturbance and you are able to place you fly just right, it will be gone in an instant.

If you are able to lift you rod, clear the vegetation, and keep tension on the fish, you'll be able to hold one of natures treasures.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

New Years Day, 2012

2012-01-03T07:56:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row a group of anglers who love small streams and the wild trout who live in these streams get together to fish the first day of the new year.
The stream we chose was a Connecticut Class 1 wild trout stream. A wild trout stream that author and artist James Prosek fished and wrote about in several of his books. It's a beautiful stream with lots of pools and riffles.
We gathered at the stream, exchanged a years worth of stories while enjoying hot coffee and donuts. We then dressed for a few hours of fishing. We split up with Pete and Kirk going upstream, and John and I fishing downstream.
Fishing for an hour or so I saw John working his way back to me. He stood on the bank and said lets move upstream and meet up with Pete and Kirk. As we walked along we told each other the happenings so far. We both had taken brook trout and missed others.
We finally met up with Kirk and Pete and were told fishing was good to them. We all walked together to the parking area for lunch...Sausage and Peppers, brownies and beverages. While eating we all commented on the weather, 50 degrees, bright sunshine, no wind, and no snow. Pete told us of the fly that was a killer on this day. A fly that he is a master of. The Bead Head Soft Hackle. As it turned out it was the top fly that day.

We fished again, and as the day wore on, some had to leave. Saying so long we ended this New Years Day with our first brook trout of the year.

Classic small stream trout water.

John, Kirk, and Pete.....the three wise men.

We were joined by another angler.

In this beautiful pool, I was able to take my first brook trout of the 2012. He was fooled by a midge pattern.

A wild jewel...

Thank guys for a fine day...New Years Day, 2012

Simple...and Keeping It That Way

2012-01-01T05:10:00.000-05:00

When I started fly fishing gear was a must, so I thought. Every necessary gadget was a must, every fly I could fit into a fly box had to be there, there were sink tips, DT floating lines weight forward lines, and full sinking lines, and the list went on and on. While this amount of tackle might be necessary for the angler who seeks trout in rivers, rivers that require several stages of insects from nymph to spinner, fishing for ever so selective trout.
I soon chose to seek wild trout from small sometimes tiny creeks. Trout that are not selective as to what is presented to eat, but how it is presented. It is these trout that give me a greater reward, these four to ten inch fish, trophy's all.

One of the reasons I enjoy writing this blog is to tell of the pleasures of small stream fishing. To try to encourage others to seek small stream trout. And to show respect for these residents and the habitats they call home.

A simple downwing Hornberg. Three materials are all that's required. A fine rod and reel to present the fly. Just about all that's needed.

The Hornberg. It worked then, and still works today.

As simple a pasta dish can get. It works now as it did when I was a kid.

Streamers 365.....

2011-12-30T08:27:00.000-05:00

Beginning January 1st, 2012 a feature is about to begin. It is a feature that took a year to create.
Streamers 365 is the work of Darren MacEachern, a streamer tyer from Canada. Last year he asked fly tyers from all over the world to submit streamers they tied, both classics and freestyle. The response was great and the feature will be launched New Years Day.
Any one who loves these long flies, their history and beauty will enjoy this feature.

I hope you will stop by at http://streamers365.com/ and enjoy this work of art...new streamers daily.

I was asked to contribute 3 of my streamers to this wonderful feature, and was humbled to be in such a group of streamer artisans.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A Thin Blue Lined...Shared

2011-12-28T05:47:00.001-05:00

Most trout streams are pretty much known to all anglers. They are listed in most of the pamphlets that each state fish department issues with their fishing license. The special sections of these listed streams are well known to anglers, info that is usually handed down from family or friends.
Small streams, Thin Blue Lines, that hold wild trout and especially those that hold wild brook trout are closely guarded secrets that few share with others. These streams are kept secret not because the angler is selfish, but because they are fragile habitats that need protection. Heavy fishing pressure, and catch and keep cannot be practiced on the wild streams.
Yesterday I was given the opportunity to fish one of these thin blue lines by an angler who researched this stream and did the leg work which comes with sore muscles, wet feet and sometimes more to document the streams wild fish.

Kirk, at "Trout Quest Redux" and I met up at 10 am or so and fished this wild trout stream he had found. A beautiful gem located in the forests of eastern Connecticut. Kirk had fished this stream several times and spoke of its brook trout. Brook trout that were feisty and colorful and willing to take your offering.

As the hours passed Kirk did well with these brookies, while I was unable to bring a single fish to hand. About 1:30 Kirk had to leave, and I decided to stay for another hour or so. Moving along and down stream, fishing as I walked with the hope of bringing one this streams wild ones to hand. As I fished a long slow pool, almost at the tail end a brookie took my offering and gave the chance to admire its beauty. A quick photo and back to his clean home. I then cast into the pool and instantly the line went in a funny direction. Pulling the line tight I realized I had a second trout on. It to graced my hand and allowed a photo before its release.

I continued to fish that stream and never once did I have even a bump. It was a fine day on this small blue line, a blue line that was shared with me so graciously.

The stream, lots of pools, runs, and beautiful riffles.

Kirk, stalking wild brook trout.

A true reward... a wild friend to hand.

This pool was good to me as I was walking out. I can't remember if I fished while walking up.

Two brook trout...the same pool, on consecutive casts. Thanks guys.

Making It

2011-12-26T05:37:00.000-05:00

As I sat at my desk laying out this post, trying to put my thoughts down in words that would describe them. I looked at the cup of black hot coffee and realized how after these so many years how much this beverage means to me. A cup of strong "joe" in the AM and the cob webs in the brain start to fall apart, and clear thoughts start to appear. Such is the case today.

The "Housatonic Special" a simple bucktail pattern created by Walt Stockman. I saw the bucktail in "Forgotten Flies" and it looked to be a fly that a brown trout would show interest in. I have not fished it as of yet, but plan to soon.

A box of flies sits on a window sill. The warm sun shines on it. It is full of flies that bring trout that dwell in small streams to the surface. My thoughts are of such a day, a day which is months away.

Warm days, dry flies, and the wild brook trout that rise to them.

Thanks to......Black, hot, Nantucket Blend for making this possible.

The First Day of Winter 2011

2011-12-23T05:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of winter, and if every day of winter could be the same as the first it would be OK with me.
After having thunderstorms the night before the day broke to sunshine with a promise to reach temps in the 50's. That's all that was needed to finalize our plans.
Jeanette and I soon packed a lunch and left to locate a new stream, one that was told to me by Kirk, at Trout Quest Redux. His directions were good, but I missed the stream somehow. So rather searching its location and loosing time fishing we decided to fish another wild trout stream familiar to us.
We had a wonderful day. I had the pleasure of some brookies coming to hand, we enjoyed a stream side lunch, and took in some natural woodland beauty.
We realize days like these are few, luckily we were able to take advantage.

This first deep run of the stream produced a quick response. The trout came from under the wood and missed the fly. Not giving up on the promising water, I let the fly work again and again. I was rewarded with the ability to take a photo of a brook trout.

The brookies were taking the fly in the middle to top portion of the stream.

A stream side lunch. Ham and cheese on rye can be so delicious when served outdoors.

This section of this little stream is a favorite. Its a long run with riffles and some deeper channels. It usually gives a fish or two. The hemlocks provided some cover, and the wet fly was to much to resist. The trout that came to hand was a wild tiger trout.

The tiger is a very strong fish. They fight with the tenacity of a bear. A 2wt gets a workout.

As we were leaving, this tree looked so right.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-21T04:52:00.001-05:00

Taking this time to wish all "Merry Christmas". I hope that whatever your wishes are this Holiday Season, are wishes that come true.

Be Happy, and be safe.

Is it just me, or.........

2011-12-19T04:54:00.001-05:00

Is it just me or do you have the same questions.
Are wild turkeys less wary? When I started hunting them back in the eighties you couldn't even sneeze and hope to get a glance at one. Now they seem to escort me to the stream.

Are birch and hemlocks more prevalent along freestone streams? They're so beautiful together.

Are all cheddar cheeses equal? And would you drive to another state for a chunk?
Granville General Store, Granville MA. the best cheddar.

Are the best fishing stretches of a stream, the hardest to reach?

Are wild brown trout from a small stream harder to catch then their larger water brethren?

Do old abandoned barns seem just as spooky now as they did when we were kids?

What say you?

A Cold and Cold

2011-12-16T05:21:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays weather called for sunny skies and temps in the mid forties, not to bad for fishing, but. When I arrived stream side it was a different story.
This section of stream is surrounded by tall pines and hemlocks, this equals lots of shade, and very little sun penetration. I tied on an egg pattern and began to work the water. Drifting eggs is not like fishing Bombers, with Bombers you see the fish take, with eggs you can just about feel them take.
After fishing an hour or so, with some subtle hits I hear someone call my name, I turned and said yes,and was greeted by fellow blogger RKM from Trout Quest Redux.
We talked and fished for awhile and I could feel the cold working deeper. He told me he had fallen in a stream earlier and that made a chill penetrate a chill that would stay with me through the day. By the way I have been nursing a cold for a week so that was of no help. So I told my fishing friend I was going to fish a section of stream that offered some warm sunshine and we parted.

I fished that section for a couple hours and was rewarded a trout or two. As I left the stream I had good feelings from seeking out these wild trout....but the chill was still there.

Ice on the branches...beauty, but a reminder of things to come.

A warmer friendlier section of stream. The trout were hanging in the seams.

Two small stream wild trout. Their beauty made the chills all worthwhile this day in December.

The Oreo's and milk, very soothing.

"Indian Rock"

2011-12-14T04:50:00.000-05:00

In the western Maine mountains lies a series of lakes. These lakes are a destination of many.anglers. They come here to fish for brook trout and salmon.
Scattered within these lakes are numerous rivers, many offer great fishing for the same trout and salmon as the lakes provide.
The river I write of today is the Kennebago, in particular the place where it meets Cupsuptic Lake. There is the place they call Indian Rock. Located there is the Oquossoc Angling Association. It's one of the oldest fishing organizations in the country which was established in the 1870's.

The streamer I created is named for this special place on the Kennebago.

"Indian Rock"

Product Review, and Some Stuff

2011-12-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

I don't often do product reviews, the reason being most of the stuff I use in my pursuit of small stream trout is old school and most everyone has used it for many years.
This item I picked up several weeks ago and had a chance to use it for the first time last week. In an attempt to get a fly down into the current I pinched a small, I mean small amount on my leader, and right after hitting the water that fly was in the zone. Loon putty is soft and workable and hardens like steel when it meets the cold water. It's removable and does no harm to your leader, it's non-toxic and reusable.

Loon Deep Soft Weight

I have received many requests for information on the thread for tying the Ausable Wulff and several other Fran Betters fly's. At the time I spoke to Fran about it he told me he used Gudebrod orange. I had purchased several spools of it from his shop. Several years later in an attempt to purchase more I was told that Gudebrod no longer makes fly tying threads. Many questions on a suitable substitute, I have come up with these. Uni Thread, and Orvis. I think Orvis is the closest to Gudebrod.

For many years the Pennsylvania F&B Commission has issued these wonderful patches.
They issue them yearly and they are well done. These are only a few of the patches I have, and I keep them in a box. I used to sew them on my vest, but no longer wear one. I'll just hang on to them, perhaps someday one might have the value of a Ted Williams rookie card.

What Is.......Is Not

2011-12-10T05:27:00.000-05:00

This post was supposed to be about the "Carrie Challenge ll" feature that was posted yesterday on Global Fly Fisher. But in the process of looking for photos of the streamer I found several photos that brought back some fine memories. Memories of fishing small streams.
As I viewed them the sights that they captured brought the experience back as if it were yesterday. I like many other outdoor people, we have cameras with us. Cameras to capture that something special. I take photos of most anything relating to my outing. Perhaps if I would keep my fly in the water, instead of taking photos my catch rate might be better.

A place like this is captured forever. I recall this 2007 outing ever so clearly.

This brook trout came to hand. Taken on a favorite wet fly. I didn't have the Picket Pin in my box at the time, but this one was given to me by the only angler I saw that day.

Can man build this?

This brook trout appears to show anger in his eyes, fearing the possibillity of being the evening meal. Not to worry my friend.

An evening camp meal for two. Franks and beans and chicken soup can taste so good at times.

"Silver Badger"

2011-12-08T05:17:00.001-05:00

While paying a visit last week to a online fly shop in Wyoming, a shop I have done business before with. I noticed they had listed a Silver Badger saddle. I gave them an order right away for the saddle and it arrived the other day.
Upon opening the box I was pleased with what I saw. The Silver Badger saddle was beautiful. Almost perfect feathers, and every feather seemed to be usable, which does not happen often. This saddle will make many wonderful streamers.

This is a photo of the Silver Badger feathers. When the light hits them they have a color that's hard to describe.

Here is the first streamer tied with Silver Badger hackle. "The Silver Badger"

Hook, Martinek Rangeley Streamer
Body, Wine Yarn
Tag and Rib, Flat Silver Tinsel
Throat, Black Hackle
Wing, Silver Badger Saddle Hackle
Cheeks, Jungle Cock

Bacon, and Some Fine Weather

2011-12-06T05:15:00.000-05:00

December has been a mild month so far, with daytime high temps in the high fifties and nights in the low forties. This may be mother natures way of saying she's sorry for the freak snow storm in October. What ever the reason for the fine weather, I have taken advantage of it and been rewarded.
The small streams are in beautiful condition, and the fish very hungry. The Picket Pin wet fly still continues to be hot, with the brookies showing no mercy for its well being.

This brook trout photo shows a crispness to both water and trout.

A classic small stream pool. This pool gave up the wonderful brook trout below.

This brook trout put on a spectacular battle. It leaped several times like a rainbow, and bull dogged like a brown.

What to do with some fine dry cured bacon and Granville cheddar cheese.
Twice baked potatoes.

A Toast.......December 1st, 2011

2011-12-02T07:21:00.000-05:00

December is upon us. It is a month of filled with not enough time to do what needs to be done. It is a month with many celebrations, with both family and friends.

Yesterday, December 1st, we had our first celebration. We hit the forest in search of winter berries, princess pine, and spruce boughs. Equipped with cutting tools, heavy gloves, and a canvas bag. It did not take long to find some winter berries, there were clumps of them growing along the stream. Reaching in to cut the perfect bunch can be a challenge, nasty thorns. Several snips of the cutting shears and we had a nice colorful bunch.
Now that the hazardous part of the collection was complete, Jeanette set off along the woods trail in search of the other two items we needed, while took up the 3wt and Picket Pin in search of trout.
Over the next three hours our mission was accomplished. A bag full of princess pine and some hemlock boughs.
So as this first day of December closed, the first shopping day completed, in an unhurried fashion, taking place in a most beautiful shopping mall.

Jeanette taking in the beauty on this December day.

The suns warming rays as they reflect off the stream.

I was given the pleasure to say thank you to this brook trout. They seem to be family also.

The days wild harvest.

When we got home we toasted this wonderful day, Egg Nog with cinnamon.

In The Spirit Of The Season

2011-11-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

As one who loves this season, the season of giving, I am going to give a pair of my streamers to one of my blog followers who can answer one question. I have done over 260 posts, and while they are special to me, and I hope you all have found some interest in and enjoyed them as I have enjoyed bringing them to you.
But of all the posts, I have one that is so special to me. It is a favorite.

For you to win the streamers, all you have to do is name that post. I have told Jeanette the particular post.

So give it a shot... Seasons Greetings.

A New Friend Made

2011-11-27T06:56:00.000-05:00

A baby buggy, rusted away to only the frame. It sits along the stream, perhaps thrown away by the family that lived here so many years ago.

The last few days have found me walking small streams, some familiar some some not. The familiar ones are old friends saying glad to see you back, while the new ones say welcome, soon to be new friends I'm sure.
Fishing is the main reason for being there but the observations made along the stream add so much more to the outing.
As I finish this piece, I'm going to enjoy a breakfast with Jeanette, then head out for Pennsylvania for my annual stay in Penns Woods.

The new stream. One would think to have many brookies, but none were to come to hand this day.

This old factory. How many craftsmen worked here. I wonder if they fished the stream that flows by the shop.

There were no brookies taken this day. But the stream gave up one of its residents. A handsome wild brown. To wonderful and crafty a brown to have fallen for such an ugly fly.

A beautiful day drawing to a close. A promise of a better one tomorrow.

The "Supervisor"

2011-11-25T05:20:00.000-05:00

Warden Supervisor Joe Stickney of Saco, Maine is the angler credited with the design of this streamer, "The Supervisor" in 1925. It is an exceptional streamer for brook trout and landlocked salmon. It is one of the best smelt imitations, as well as a general baitfish imitation.
Joe did not tie flies, but had others tie for him. He is also a designer of several other effective streamers.

I can tell you I have fished this streamer with good success in Maine, as well as Connecticut.
It produced a 18 inch wild brook trout for me in a small lake tributary. It also has been responsible for many trout in a certain Connecticut lake.

The "Supervisor"

This "Supervisor" has earned its retirement. You can see its battle scars. This fly tempted that 18 inch brook trout.

Transition

2011-11-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

Late November is a time of transition in the woods and streams. It also affects us. Darkness comes sooner, we attempt to slow our pace, spend more time together, and prepare for what about to come next.
This is a time when the woods take on what seems to be a time of only one color. That all trees look to be the same, long and short poles of gray. There are no flowers, or green patches of grass along the way. On some days even the sky takes on a gray color blending in with the November earth.
The streams as well as their inhabitants show change. The cold waters full of oxygen seem to be so clear as if you were gazing through air. The trout have for the most part finished their spawning. They have grown thin and must try to gain some weight, before winter tests them. Gone are the brisk splashy rises to a dry fly, and here are the subsurface strikes to a streamer, or the subtle bump of a trout taking a beadhead Pheasant Tail.
Take the time to walk the woods and perhaps a small stream....transition is beautiful.

There is some color, we just have to look.

As I walked this stream,this late November a Woodcock flushed, but did not land....perhaps as if to say goodbye.

Thanksgiving Week Begins

2011-11-21T05:41:00.001-05:00

As we head into this Thanksgiving week I had the time this Sunday to visit a small stream. As I walked through the woods I saw this remnant of a rock wall. There are many of these scattered through out Connecticut, property lines from old Yankee farmers reverting back to the earth. As I snapped the photo I wondered how many Thanksgivings had they witnessed.

The stream was in good shape, flowing crisp and clear. The air temps were near 50 degrees, so very comfortable. I tossed out my offering and the stream did the rest.
It was a long time before my first bump, and slowpoke that I am missed setting the hook. But soon another hit and this time ole swifty had my first hookup. A lovely wild brown was at hand. The brown was admired and sent upon its way.
I continued to have a good day, then again I seem to always have a good day on the stream regardless of what the fish provide or don't.

A nice trout was hooked at the tail of this pool. I never was given the opportunity to see what it was for it soon found refuge under the log and broke off.

Two wild browns were taken from this run. They used every possible angle to gain their freedom. They both succeeded, only one had his picture taken.

This guy was taken in the little creek below. I spotted him near a bank and was fortunate to place the fly in his zone, and he took it. As I walked the little creek I saw several other trout.

As I pulled int my garage, I could pick up the smells of something good. Upon entering the kitchen I was greeted with this sight.....Pumpkin Bread...Thanksgiving week has begun.

Some Warmth and Some Thanks

2011-11-18T05:29:00.000-05:00

This flannel shirt hangs on the back of the chair at my tying desk. A flannel shirt that was purchased years ago for Christmas. It has kept me warm during many days on the stream and in the field. It has also provided comfort while lashing feathers and hair on countless flies.
A flannel shirt that rarely gets any thought until you feel a chill then it go's into action providing warmth and comfort. I'm happy to have this flannel shirt, and I'm glad I gave it some thought this 30 degree morning.

This is streamer I tied several years ago. It's name is "Rio Yaqui" and it takes the name from a river in Mexico that is home to a beautiful trout.
I'm doing this post because of several paintings, done recently by Joel DeJong and are seen on his blog "A YEAR ON THE FLY". They are wonderful watercolors of western trout. These beautiful trout live in southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Stop by Joel's blog and see these fine paintings. Also check this link for more on these special trout.

http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/tnhc/fish/research/truchas_mexicanas/

"RIO YAQUI"

I also would like to pass along these links. They are a program that was broadcast on the "Rangeley Lakes". A bit of history about this wonderful place including Carrie Stevens and the Rangeley Streamer.
I would like to thank "DRYFLYGUY" for giving me these links.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r-video/29708489/detail.html

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/29708452/detail.html

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r-video/29708494/detail.html

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/29708491/detail.html

Pie and Worms

2011-11-16T18:04:00.001-05:00

"Pork Pie"
This is a pie that I make as the holidays approach. I have been making these for years, a tradition. They are of French heritage, but I was given the recipe from a Russian, who used to work with me. They are delicious as is, or with applesauce, that's the way I like it.

These are some flies that I tied. They are to represent aquatic worms found in most streams. The one on the top tied with peacock herl proved deadly the other day on some wild browns. The others I have not tested.
They are simple patterns to tie and don't require a lot of materials.
The next time your fishing a small stream pick up some of the leaf debris on the bottom of the stream. You'll be surprised whats there.

November Browns

2011-11-14T07:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I spent a few hours on a Class 1 wild trout stream. I have not fished this stream since the snow storm of a few weeks ago and was anxious to see how much damage was done. The stream holds both wild browns and brookies, and the browns predominate. As I walked into the stream the damage was easy to see. Trees and limbs scattered about, some of them very large.
Upon reaching the stream I observed some of the better pools had completely changed, and the familiar runs were gone. I said to myself I have a new stream to explore, and proceeded to do so.
The first fly I chose was a Bomber dry, this is a fly that always worked here even this late in the season. Well I gave this fly all the time it needed to bring a trout to the surface, and that did not happen. I changed to a Picket Pin wet and this produced one bump. This was going to be one of those days where I was going to do some hard walking and enjoying the stream and the woods. I say this because the flies that would have been a good bet,streamers, were in a box at home.
Looking at the choices I had I tied on a worm like, caddis like, I guess a bug that looked like it had a chance to fool one or two fish. The second drift as the fly started to sink the trout hit, and hit hard. A very respectable battle took place, and the TFO 2wt was tested and did its job. I held the brown, took a photo and sent it off, it was gone in a heartbeat.

As the day went on, I learned where the new trout lies where and had a wonderful day.

These were the flies that worked so well. Also a longer version with peacock tied in as legs. It was centipede like. I don't have a photo of it for I lost it, along with the three other flies. I'll tie a few up and post them later.

This was a good pool.

Beautiful wild browns. Nicely spotted and very aggressive.

You can see the other fly in the browns mouth.

This was a part of the stream that was so beautiful and peaceful. While taking in the view I was startled when a wind gust brought down a large branch.

Thanks friends.

Penn's Woods

2011-11-12T06:46:00.000-05:00

This time of the year not only offers fine fishing for me, but also the anticipation of the whitetail deer season. My son and I have hunted this area of Pennsylvania for a quarter century and we have many fine memories. For those who never hunted deer, it is a very challenging quest, but one that has many rewards. The friendships that are made last lifetimes.
While the actual opening day is the Monday after Thanksgiving, several weeks before that day some scouting of the woods is necessary to see if there are deer in the area, especially bucks. Bucks leave distinctive markings, trees that marked by them show bark that has been rubbed of the tree. They also make scrapes in the dirt, these scrapes are used as mating signs. Since we hunt oak ridges, acorns and the abundance of them is also a good sign.
So with this preseason work and some luck we will be able to place a tag on a special gift..... a Pennsylvania whitetail.

Although I have never fished this lake it is one of the best. It produces a great variety of fish, including some nice trout.

The mountain ridges we'll be hunting. Every year they seem to get higher and rougher to climb.

I now find it easier to walk a half mile out of my way just to find a gentler slope to access the top.

A whitetail rub. By the size of the tree, this might be a good buck.

A whitetail scrape. This one is active, the ground was damp, this is hard to see from the photo, it was a windy day and the leaves were blown into it. Notice the sapling, it is well rubbed.

There are many little creeks running through, some containing brook trout. This is a favorite.

The Alpine....a favorite spot to stop. The best German smoked sausages, and provisions. Landjaeger.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Nor'Easter, the Aftermath

2011-11-10T05:35:00.000-05:00

On October 29th Connecticut experienced a Nor'easter like it has never witnessed.
The storm left as much as a foot of heavy wet snow which covered tree limbs, which still had almost full leaf cover. The trees cracked from the weight and took down wires. At the end of the storm 833,000 homes and business' were without power.
I had no power or heat for 6 days, and I was fortunate, thousands still had no power as of Monday. Restoration crews were here from all over the United States and Canada, for which I an very thankful.

This post is also about how a small stream fared in the aftermath of this storm.
As I entered the wood I could see some of the damage. Trees were down all over, many of them fell into the tiny stream. Leaves were in the water and covered the bottom like a mosaic art. Tree limbs floated down until they got hung up, leaves followed and created large dams. Some of these will be blown away with a heavy rain, but some will remain. They may prove to be beneficial, providing, deep wintering pools for the trout.
As I finish a cup of black Nantucket Blend coffee, hoping it takes effect to enable me to complete this post. I realize it's not me who is slow, it's my computer.

Some of the damage to the little stream.

I did manage to drop a fly or two in between trees and found the trout very hungry.

I was surprised to see this guy around. Several hard frosts, two snow events.... he's a survivor.

These are the flies that worked so well....Picket Pin, the one on the right is what they are supposed to look like, the other was retired after the long battle.

One of the rewards of small streams. He to is a survivor of many storms.

Natures reconstruction, for better or worse....time will tell.

Some Things, a Bit Odd, Well Maybe

2011-11-08T05:11:00.000-05:00

When I was growing up this guy was very familiar.

Over the course of time spent fishing I have taken many photos. Some of them of real interesting, and some well you say to yourself why did I take that picture.
These are a few photos of some of my odd, I mean photos that I took that had no special meaning but after looking at them much later are not to bad.

An old Medalist. Lots of turns of the handle with this one....still going strong.

A head on view of some workers.

The black and white version of two of the best.

Everything sweet.

An old covered bridge. It spans the headwaters of the Connecticut River in Northern New Hampshire.

First Snow in Brook Trout Forest

2011-11-06T05:41:00.000-05:00

Thursday, October 27th the day started off with rain, and it became heavy at times. As the day went on it became colder and the rain turned to snow. It looked very pretty as it coated the trees and grass. This was only a dusting but it was the first snows in brook trout forest.

Friday found me walking into the woods with the sound of crunching snow underfoot.
The stream looked like sparkling diamonds in the sunlight as it rushed over the rocks
and logs along its banks.
I had already decided that I was going to fish dry flies, why not it was perfect timing, first snow there has to be a hatch coming. No but I enjoy fishing dries and brook trout are usually willing to eat most anything that could be a meal.
As the flies drifted through the streams little seams and pools there were rises and a few chases, and on few of them I was rewarded with a trout to hand.

It was a fine day.

As I stood along this stream I observed at the tail of this pool two brook trout in the process of renewing life. I stayed for a spell and watched. Then moved on without them knowing.

The flies that were selected for this outing.

Wild brook trout. I can never describe my feelings as I admire them. There seems to be a new one though every time I do.

Blog Update

2011-11-04T18:56:00.000-04:00

I just want to say I'm back on line.
I have been living without electricity and heat since 3:30pm on Saturday Oct 29th.

I will now try to catch up on all of your blogs, and maybe post one of mine.

Missed all of you.

"Cotton Candy"

2011-10-28T03:23:00.000-04:00

A streamer tied in the Rangeley style. I chose the feathers because they appeared to work so well together. When the fly was completed it looked like cotton candy.

For those interested in streamers, I have a few sites for you to check out.
http://www.streamerlist.com/
http://streamers365.com/

"Cotton Candy"

Quiet Time, and a Special Place

2011-10-26T08:15:00.000-04:00

Jeanette and I took a few days to enjoy some quiet time on Cape Cod. There are no crowds at this time and the weather was nice. We're not swimmers so it did not matter what the water temps were. We walked a long stretch of beach, and saw but a handful of people. It's at times like that you are able to think with a clear mind.

We also spent some time walking, and fishing a wonderful stream that has a special place in our hearts. "Red Brook". This stream is a place where searun brook trout live. These remarkable fish exist in but a precious few streams as they did when the Pilgrims first landed. It is to the hard work and resources of many dedicated people that they are doing well, and are protected in this environment.

While the fishing was spectacular, the catching was tough. There were hits, a few hookups, but only one came to hand. My belief was they were quite far upstream, spawning. While I fish from the banks, the stream is quite thick with brush upstream, making it difficult to access.

While returning home we stopped at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Foxboro. Fellow blogger Bruce Weaver, his blog is "Outfitted For Life". He is an associate in the fly shop there. We stopped for a spell and chatted. His fellow associate, who's name I can't recall, was a member of TU who's chapter is responsible for the Red Brook restoration. He told us a story of a brook trout. Some of these trout are fitted with tags that can be followed by satellite. This one trout was tracked in the Cape Cod Canal, not once but twice. This is quite remarkable because that is quite far from the little stream, and full of predators such as bluefish and stripers.

Those that live close enough to this area should visit this little stream, and witness these special brook trout.

Red Brook

One of Red Brooks precious residents.

A quiet lunch, and a toast to a special stream.

Some Plans, New Shoes.....and Pie

2011-10-22T07:08:00.000-04:00

Well plans have been completed to spend some time on Cape Cod. An opportunity to do some hiking and fishing. There are a few streams I enjoy, one of them or perhaps both will give up one of its "Salters", a sea run brook trout.

The changing of the shoes....a new pair of hiking/walking/waders. LL Beans, Trail Model Hikers. Super Quality, Beans guarantee, and only 59.00.

I made a New England favorite, Chicken Pot Pie. Some warm comfort for these autumn nights.

Lots of chicken, vegetables, and a puff pastry crust to soak up that gravy.

"Gray Ghost"

2011-10-20T05:28:00.000-04:00

There is a little camp that sits on the carry road at Upper Dam, Maine. In this cottage in 1924 the wife of a Maine guide tied one fly fishing's most recognized items. The "Gray Ghost" streamer.

I know as a starting fly fisher it was one of the first flies I purchased and fished with. It was a productive fly then and continues to be to this day.
From what I've read on the history of Carrie's streamers the Gray Ghost was not her first streamer, and I know it was not her last. But I believe it to be her finest.

This plaque sits right across from the little cottage where the Gray Ghost was tied.
There is a well there, with a hand pump. Several cups are there, just as they were in 1924. Stop, fill your cup, take a drink and pause to reflect on what took place here so long ago. I have been here many times, fished the Upper Dam pool, and stood in front of the little cottage. It is a special feeling.....

I tie many streamers, most of them of my own thoughts. I believe they are a form of art, and are beautiful to look at.

But this is a true classic. It's been tied in so many ways, that some of them in fly shop bins don't even look like Carries original.
I have tied this "Gray Ghost" exactly to pattern as she tied it in 1924.

Hook, Martinek Rangeley Streamer
Body, Orange Floss
Tag and Rib, Flat Silver Tinsel
Belly, Peacock Herl, White Bucktail, Golden Pheasant Crest
Wing, Golden Pheasant Crest, Gray Saddle Hackle
Shoulders, Sliver Pheasant
Cheeks, Jungle Cock

Autumns's Treasures

2011-10-17T14:58:00.000-04:00

For the last several days I have been out wandering a few small streams. The country is alive and vibrant with color. Color which seems to fading with each day.
The streams are full of crystal waters, flowing cold, and in places deep. These deep pools are holding residents waiting to start a new life cycle. There are a few who's colors rival natures unframed artwork along the stream. And if I'm quiet and stealthy enough I may be fortunate enough to handle one of Autumns Treasures.

A small tributary, who's waters have flowed throughout the year. Although somewhat small and narrow at it's meeting with the larger stream, further walking upstream brings about a larger somewhat wider waterway. Being a bit over grown with brush, providing shade to help cool and conceal its residents.

The "Picket Pin"..this old wet fly was the choice for this small stream. Size 12 and 14 are the most productive for me....14 being best.

As I sent the wet fly on its ride, being a short one on this stream, it stopped, yet the fly line continued. I thought a snag, but as I pulled the line towards me I felt the weight. The brook trout ran up and down the little stream, causing me to do some jumping to. In the end I was able to meet the trout. I admired him, and off he went.

As I reached what to be the widest part of this stream, the Picket Pin and I were given the pleasure of few more of Autumns treasures.
There are but few days left on the calendar that give this angler the opportunity to seek the brook trout in natures finest time.

They are in my minds journal, to be retrieved on a cold, snowy day.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Ends, But Not Odds

2011-10-16T05:09:00.002-04:00

Pursuing Wild Trout, is a book that tells of a wilderness in northern California that is home to wild trout. It's well written, and is an easy read. I bought this book maybe twenty years ago, and still pick it up from time to time to reread parts of it.

Mark, at Northern California Trout might have some knowledge of this area.

This is a companion of mine. He comes with me on all my outings.

I love stuff like this.... this one is from Great Barrington, MA. It's awesome.

The "Picket Pin" a wonderful little wet fly. I have carried this fly for a lot of years. I used this fly yesterday and I'm going to use it again today. The report will come on its performance.

This is the apple harvest time in New England, so....... "Apple Walnut Bread"

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Small Streams, Columbus Day Weekend

2011-10-14T05:41:00.001-04:00

Over the Columbus Day weekend I fished several streams at various times during the day. I find that fishing from that 9am to 3pm works best for me. At that time the sun is out and the fish seek shadows, which are easy to locate thus finding fish holding areas simpler.
This stream is a freestone that was running pretty good for this time of year, we've had ample rainfall this year and the streams are full. The large boulders in the stream always make me think when they were deposited there. Were they placed there by man, or did the glaciers of the last ice age deposit them there.

I started fishing a Bomber dry drifting it in likely areas that I knew might hold fish. It soon produced a rise, but the fish did not want to eat it. This has happened a lot these last few weeks with this pattern, it's as if they just want to play with it.

I tied on a Clown Shoe Caddis, still not tied to pattern, but I'll get it right soon. Well that fly worked for me for those few hours I fished. The fly was hit at the end of the drift, just as it stopped and was sucked under.
The brook trout that day looked like the foliage around the stream.

Large boulders make for some wonderful holding water.

Here's that not tied to pattern Caddis.

October Brook Trout

Glacial landscaping

Another survivor from the ice age.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Images

2011-10-12T05:34:00.000-04:00

Images in black and white.... old school photography. Images that appear to be made of steel. Images that are dark, and appear to be unreal. Images of objects that are so full of color, now are in a form of lifeless reality.

They are beautiful in there two tone color...Black and White color. They have a soft shine to them that no color can match.

I hope you can see the simple beauty in them, and enjoy.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

An October Morning

2011-10-10T05:41:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning found me visiting a stream that I truly love. It winds over some rough land but has some smooth spots that are easily negotiated. The morning was crisp with frost all over, and the suns rays filtering through felt good. It's funny how the mind works. The suns warmth could not be felt, yet knowing it was coming through made your body feel warm. As I walked this little stream, looking into its pools, which were not very deep, I wondered has I have so many times, how can a trout with such vivid colors go unseen until they dart away.

I walked and fished this stream for a few hours and it was kind to me. Not once did my hiking boots feel the cold bite of the stream. I remained dry which is unusual for me. It also gave up some of its wild jewels to The Bomber and me, allowing a few to come to hand to admire their beauty.

A small stream. An October morning, the fresh smells of a mixed forest.... can it be better?

A woods road.

Bridges and the pools under them are favorite places for me. It seems that the pools under them almost always hold a trout or two. And though I'm aware of this possibility, I'm always shocked when the fly is taken, and most times loose the fish.

Gifts on this crisp October morning

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Dave Footer

2011-10-08T05:54:00.002-04:00

Dave Footer is an artist, and taxidermist. He is a man who has guided fisherman into the wilds of Maine, and Quebec, in search of brook trout.
My first encounter with Dave was in the late 1970's, when while fishing Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Maine, my brother in law caught a landlocked salmon of generous proportions. We went back to camp, which was on Haine's Landing, and asked about having the salmon mounted. Almost everyone suggested Dave Footer.
The fish was taken to his studio in Lewiston, and was mounted. The salmon is in my brother in law, John's home, and looks as good as it did when taken back a long time ago.

About 25 years later, while fishing a tributary to Rangeley Lake, I was fortunate to catch my personal best brook trout. I knew what I wanted to have done, and who I wanted to do it.
I stopped in at the Footer home in Lewiston, and talked about my mount with Polly,

Dave's wife. She is a very knowledgeable and told me all about the process of a Footer mount. While taking the info from me on the fish she showed me around Dave's studio. There were beautiful paintings of brook trout all over. And oh so many fish.

Work that was being done for anglers from all over the world. Well one year later I received my mount from Maine and was impressed with the results.

The man is said to have mounted over 6000 fish, most of them brook trout. And many fish restorations, as well as fish paintings. An artist who was taught by "Herb Welch"

Dave Footer doing a brook trout painting.

Dave and his family, all of them involved with with the business of fish mounting and restoration.

A self portrait of Dave.

Two of Dave's fine mounts.

The "Footer Special" a streamer created by Dave. It is a very effective streamer for brook trout. This one from his studio and well used. It now sits in a plastic case, fully retired.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A Request.......and, "Joels Request"

2011-10-06T05:02:00.000-04:00

Last week I made a request to a fellow blogger about a certain item in a recant blog post he made. He responded with a reply and a request of his own.

He requested a couple of streamers for a project he was thinking of doing, and when he told me what the project was, I thought that's great, I'll let him tell of the project...

The blogger is Joel DeJong, and he is a talented artist with a tremendous vision which can be seen in his art. His blog "A Year On The Fly" showcases most of his creations.... check it out.

This is a streamer I created for Joels project.

It's name..... "Joels Request"

Things Familiar......and Friends

2011-10-04T06:11:00.001-04:00

After so many years of fishing small streams, seeking beautiful wild trout with strange clumps of hair and feathers attached to a thin piece of nylon that's attached to an even thicker line, all reaching a rod a various sizes.

Well it all comes down to a passion, and a lot of friends.
As I walk down a woods road to access a stream, a walk I've done before. All things are familiar, and friendly, yet they different at times.

The stream I have fished many times, it to is familiar and friendly, but at times it can prove that it is difficult.

How pretty flowers in the woods can be.

To be able to fish with an old friend, one who has joined me in countless days of angling. Some say the fly rod is a tool, but not to me. It is a friend.

And the brook trout, one of my very best friends. He seems to always be there. Not asking for much, only respect, as any friend would be offered.
So with some help we friends can stay around for some time.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

September.....A Finale

2011-10-02T05:42:00.000-04:00

Friday was the last day of September, and from the weather forecasts it was going to be about the best day. I have become a fair weather angler over the last few years, unless I'm at a distance from home and it's my last shot to fish.
So off I went to fish a small blue line in a large tract of state forest land. Bow season for deer is at hand so some precaution was taken, an orange hat in place.

The stream was in wonderful shape, full, and flowing to perfection. The signs of change are appearing on the slow side with the leaf change, with minimal color. In time I suppose it will catch up.

The brookies were very aggressive and hit the flies well, all though when they seem to slash at the fly they miss it. I did manage a few to hand.

The brookies seem to prefer the areas around the nasty stuff..... which caused the loss of some ammo.

The "Clown Shoe Caddis" variant.

This is a fly I took interest in when I saw it in the mouth of a trout in a blog post from Erin at "Mysteries Internal". I asked what the fly was, and she said it was a "Clown Shoe Caddis", and was tied by her friend Jay. She posted a link to how it's tied and while mine is a bit different, cause I don't have the materials it worked great. I hope Jay doesn't mind the variant.... I'll tie it right as soon as I get the materials.

This brook trout is in peak color, and slammed the Clown Shoe Caddis alongside the birch log. I did proceed to loose that fly to the log.

So the last day of September proved to be kind to this fair weather angler.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

"Oquossoc"

2011-09-30T06:23:00.000-04:00

Oquossoc is a small town in western Maine. It sits on the lakes of Mooselookmeguntic, and Rangeley. The town has some small shops, restaurants, a general store and now an outdoor heritage museum.

The outlet to Rangeley Lake is there and creates the Rangeley River. The river flows a short distance until it joins the Kennebago River and flows into Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
The Rangeley River has been a fishing destination of mine for many years and has given up some beautiful brook trout and salmon. In the fall each ascends the river from Mooselookmeguntic to spawn. To journey along the river will offer wildlife views that are spectacular, moose, black bear, deer, and partridge.

I have created this streamer and have named it after this wonderful place in western Maine.

"Oquossoc"

CLICK IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW

Solitude

2011-09-28T05:50:00.000-04:00

Solitude is what I seek out as I fish the wild trout streams. It's not that I'm antisocial or selfish, it's because I enjoy being one on one with all that I encounter in the forests and waters.
The pure beauty of being alone, the deafening quiet, that a birds chirp is heard, the fresh smell of the earth, and the sounds of the stream.

Go there if have not experienced such tranquility, try it.

"Autumn Delight"......a streamer

2011-09-26T05:26:00.001-04:00

This is one of my better seasons to enjoy. It is a short season, late September through Thanksgiving, after that almost anything is possible.

I created this streamer to celebrate this wonderful season.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Favorites

2011-09-24T05:35:00.000-04:00

Trout Bum.... A Gierach classic... a favorite

These are some of my favorites, maybe not the best choices one could make, but they are little comforts that help me enjoy life a bit more.
I'm sure a lot of you have your goodies too.

These are not your granny's best, but they satisfy, and they are portable.

Pumpkin seeds, these are addictive, you'll never eat only a few.

At my age, I have consumed coffee from everywhere imaginable, almost every brand, and brewed every way. This is the best.

Breakfast comfort, bagels, and wild blueberry jam.

French toast, what could be said.. just look.

I enjoyed these as a kid, when you could by them in a corner store for a penny each, then go to school.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Late September, Small Stream

2011-09-22T05:38:00.000-04:00

This is a small stream located in southeast Connecticut. I have fished this stream many times and have taken many of brook trout. Lovely little jewels, wild and spunky.
Over this past year or so I've taken a few small brown trout, this does not surprise me for a lot of Connecticut's small wild trout streams have both present.
Yesterday while enjoying what ever this late September day offered, I was given a surprise, one that I did not expect.

This stream is a classic small stream, 3 to 5 feet with runs, pools, undercuts, and lots of woody debris. While most of the trout will be found in likely holding areas, this time of year they are on the move and might be anywhere, even right in the middle of the stream.

This brookie was taken in the middle of the stream, at that soft spot near the black rock.

Bends in the stream are always good places to find trout. This one has the added bonus of some woody debris.

Where I find undercuts I will always fish them. This one I was standing above it, and drifting, and bouncing the fly. There was an eruption, and all I felt was weight, then that feeling of the roots or anything else that was under that bank.
By keeping pressure on the fish I was able to bring the fish out. He tried to run as much as possible but there was not much there. Finally I was able to gain the upper hand and brought the brown trout in. He was handsome, beautiful spots, dark and red, with a hint of buttery soft yellow. I was afforded a quick photo before he went to his dark lie.

Not a giant as brown trout can be..... but he is a monster for this stream.
One I placed in my minds journal, and will not forget.

One never knows what might swim in a small stream.

Litter

2011-09-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

Natural woodland litter.

Litter in it's natural form is pretty common along the woods and streams we frequent. Not much is made of its existence, and is mostly overlooked, for it does no harm.
Most of the streams I fish are on public lands, but several pass through private land. I have gained permission to fish these streams through the kindness of the landowner. I respect that land.

There is no greater reason for land to be posted than when people dump on private lands.

Natural litter can be seen along woodland paths.

But this is the way to bring about... NO TRESPASSING.

Farmers Markets, Worms, and Brook Trout

2011-09-19T05:24:00.001-04:00

Well my first cup of Green Mountain coffee is starting to kick in, so I maybe able to write some of my thoughts, while actually knowing what I'm saying.

Jeanette and I took in a few small farmers type markets Saturday. It was a crisp day, perfect for checking all sorts of local wares. We came out of there with breads, heirloom apples, handmade wine bottle stoppers, and a wonderful appreciation for a two piece band singing 50's and 60's folk music.
Along the way I picked up on a lovely small stream, flowing swiftly over the most beautiful boulders. I said I will visit you soon. Well yesterday was soon enough.
I found myself along this stream with my 2wt, and a Bomber ready to see if the residents were active. After much time I had nothing to show for my efforts. The trout pounced the Bomber, but I could not hookup, it was as if they were playing, and not eating. Looking in the fly box, not much variety, a lot of the same, just different sizes. A pink colored worm pattern caught my eye. It's a pattern that "Midge Man" from "Poudre Canyon Chronicles" ties, although his are more realistic. I tied this pink worm on and within three feet of drift, slam, I don't know what it was, but it was a violent hit.
I continued to fish this stream for several hours on that fine mid September day, with many fish hooked on that worm, and even a few to hand.

A fine stream, deserving of another visit.

Two variations of the worm, tied on different hooks.

I find this interesting, one beautiful wild flower, all alone. As if it to enjoys solitude.

Wild brook trout.... Autumn colors, enticed by the worm.

Keeping it Simple

2011-09-17T07:23:00.001-04:00

One of the things I enjoy doing is cooking. Usually it's just simple stuff that doesn't require a lot of work, or fancy, hard to get ingredients. I call it uncomplicated good cooking.
I usually don't follow recipes, I just go along with how I feel and what I have on hand.

Simple ground beef, with parsley, garlic, onion, and fresh mozzarella mixed inside.

Sausage and peppers, any brand of Italian sausage, any type of peppers, or combination of peppers, onions, and tomato sauce.

Mac and Cheese, or in this case spaghetti and cheese. Use whats available. The great part of this dish are the left overs. Slice a hunk of it and fry it in some butter or if you have bacon fat, that's better and enjoy it with eggs.

New Waters and Fran's Fly

2011-09-15T13:30:00.001-04:00

This was one of those small streams that was on my list to fish. I had never fished it before, but my research said it held brook trout.
Upon arriving at the stream, I found access to be quite easy, with some very handy parking. I said to myself...to easy, and that proved to be right. It was to be an enjoyable outing fishing new and what was to be productive.

I had chosen to fish a favorite fly today, one that is special. The fly has been a success for me most times I've fished it. The fly is a creation of Adirondack fly fishing legend Fran Betters. The fly is tied in a simple rough and rustic fashion, common to many of Frans flies. The fly is the "Aussable Wulff". If you want a fly that floats well, has great visibility, and catches fish, then this is the fly for you.
On this day Frans fly worked its magic on the beautiful wild brook trout, that find their home in this free flowing freestone, small stream.

While parking was easy, fishing required some rough walking to access the good water.

While fishing, time is taken to enjoy the beauty along the stream.

The "Ausable Wulff" as tied by "Fran Betters". This fly was purchased by me in Frans shop in Wilmington, N.Y.

This my attempt at the Ausable Wulff.

And when you come upon a stream like this, and you present an Ausable Wulff, just right. One of natures most beautiful wild jewels will give you the opportunity to hold him.

A male wild brook trout.

Some Feathers........."Wedding"

2011-09-14T04:55:00.000-04:00

This is a streamer I created. It's tied in the Rangeley style. The feather colors used for the wing at first didn't seem to work, but when the streamer was completed those colors blended beautifully.
The name I have chosen for the streamer is "Wedding"

The photo print is available, a 5x7 double matted to 8x10.
The streamer fly is also available.

Changes

2011-09-12T05:30:00.002-04:00

It is only mid September but already The subtle changes can be seen telling us that a season will end, and another will begin.
Autumn is a beautiful time to be out in woods, and yesterday proved it right. The air was cool and the signs were there. Leaves on the color, bees so very active, and tons of acorns, that crunch under foot. The stream even showed its colors, through its water that is crystal clear its rocks show there colors.

Yesterday was a special day on this small stream, and enjoyed by me..... enjoy it too.

A tiny tributary joins this stream. Small white wild flowers border it, along with a few colored leaves.

Lunch will always be good, when eaten out here.

Leaves lying on a stone, the stream rushing by. Where will these leaves meet their final resting place.

The brook trout starts to show their Autumn changes, making this wild little jewel even more beautiful. In days to come he will lie on the bottom of the stream and watch the colored leaves float over his head.

A simple grilled pizza...... what color.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A Tale of Two Streams

2011-09-10T05:45:00.001-04:00

This month we have had a considerable amount of rain, in some areas upwards of a foot. This has some streams to go into heavy flood. While small streams fair better than larger rivers, in that they recover quickly, returning to their banks usually with minimal damage.
I fished one of these small streams yesterday, and was surprised what I saw. This usually peaceful stream was turned into a wild, ripping torrent of water. Looking at it I said to myself this is not good. I don't fish these small streams with waders, fishing from the banks instead, but this was going to be difficult to present a fly.
I tied on a Mickey Finn streamer and cast it into the current. Within a blink of an eye it rose to the surface and was swept to the streams edge. With all the fish hugging the bottom I knew this was not going to work. Go to plan B. There are several smaller tribs to this stream, and I was going to check them out. As it turned out they were more tranquil. Tying on a Bomber and sending it out to do its work in the plunge pools and small runs. My plan paid off for I had several hours of fish taking, mostly brookies, but was surprised by a somewhat larger wild brown.

So what had started out to be a just possible walk along a small stream, turned out to be a wonderful fishing day.

This stream is usually 3 to 5 feet across.

One of the small tribs to this stream. It has lots of plunge pools, and places to hide.

One of several brook trout that graced my hand this day.

Signs of Autumn, in the clear stream.

This was a gift I had not expected, a lovely spotted wild brown trout. A wonderful end to a great day.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Old Text, Humpback Trout...and Streamers

2011-09-08T07:44:00.000-04:00

While in Rangeley, Maine one year I saw this book in a small book store I was in. At first it didn't look like much of a book to read. As I browsed through it it got more interesting as each page was turned. I purchased the book, and it went in the stack of reading material we had a the camp we stayed at.

One rainy evening I sat down to read it, and I enjoyed it. It's full of history from the "old days" in the Rangeley region. The original book was published in 1876.

Some of it's pages

A few Rangeley Featherwing Streamers.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Recovery........ and a Small Stream

2011-09-06T05:34:00.001-04:00

I was fortunate to fish a small stream last Thursday for several hours. This was the first time fishing this stream since the heavy rains from tropical storm Irene pushed through.
The storm changed this stream scouring out new holes, silting others and putting trees in several locations. Upon looking at it you wonder how the trout could hang on, but hang on they did.

It took a lot work for me to present the flies to my quarry, but when it was right they responded with authority. Many of my hookups were just that on and then off. There were a few beautiful wild survivors that came to hand.

As I sit and write this post it is softly raining, listening to the rain I think of the sounds of the stream as it cascades on its never ending run..... all is well in Brook Trout Forest.

These stream side flowers, must have been covered with the heavy currents which were able to move trees, yet they held on to show their beauty.

Their fall colors are beginning to show.

Along this flat rock, the water was deep and clear. A brook trout of about 10 inches rose the the fly.....he was on, but not for long. He won the battle.

That pool produced several rises, and one to hand. So small and fragile.... yet strong enough to beat a tropical storm.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Funky Feathers

2011-09-04T10:52:00.000-04:00

A short time ago John at Feathers Mc posted some saddle hackle that he dyed, he called them Funky Feathers. They were dyed with multiple colors to each feather. They looked like they could produce a nice streamer.
Well I ordered a few hackles and sat down and tied this up. It looks like it might be a good attractor pattern, especially for brookies, and landlocked salmon.

The Funky Feather Streamer

These are a few flies I like to use in the fall. They can be fished dry or wet.
A simple pattern. Peacock herl and your choice of hackle.

I spent some time on a brook trout stream the other day, it felt good, and the trout cooperated too. I'll post that report soon.

Rehabing

2011-09-01T05:19:00.000-04:00

I have been rehabing from a stroke I suffered last Tuesday. It's been a slow process, but the results are very good.
I want to thank all of you who expressed kind and thoughtful comments, which helped in me being able to post this blog.
I am looking forward to my first outing to a small stream, very soon.

I want you to know that I'm reading your blogs, and enjoying them.

Thanks.

These are a few flies that I've tied, they're a little rough, but I glad my arm is starting to get stronger.

This is a rehab stew. I was able to cut all of the ingredients.

Blog Notice

2011-08-25T20:48:00.000-04:00

I want to let you know I have not answered your blogs because I may have had a mild stroke. I had an MRI today which should tell. Hard to type, right side is numb. I can read though. Hope to be back soon.

Roads

2011-08-23T07:31:00.000-04:00

These are the roads I like to walk. They are located on large tracts of land. The landowner chooses to not allow vehicles, which is fine with me.

It's along these roads that some of the best times fishing are not on the water.

The brook trout in this stream were but three inches long...while they never came to hand they were beautiful

Some of natures works of art....very unique

Nothing special....

The Brown

2011-08-21T21:55:00.001-04:00

The brown trout has been in this country since the late 1880's. And although not a native to The U.S. they have been here long enough to be naturalized.
Those that follow this blog know of my love for the wild brook trout, and the small streams where he dwells. The brown trout is a close second, for he is a formidable quarry found in small as well as large waters.

My preference in the angling of the brown is in the same small streams as the brookie. In some instances they manage to coexist in the same streams. The brown will take a variety of flies, but my type of flies for this trout are dry, and streamers. This handsome trout is a meat eater, and soon discovers that little fish can fill up the belly faster than insects.
Most of my larger browns have been taken on streamers, and the Wooly Bugger is at the top of the list.

Small streams where the brown trout is found wild and scrappy.

A small stream wild brown. His colors are brilliant.

While most of my fishing is done a small waters, I do fish for the brown on larger rivers.
This one was taken on the Salmon River in N.Y. in December on a Wooly Bugger.

Smoky Mountain Fork Tail.....and Variants

2011-08-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

I believe I have done a post on this fly. If so you would not mind a refresher, I hope.
The reason I have come back to this fly is because at this time of year, late August to well into December this fly reeks havoc on wild trout in small streams.
The actual origin of this fly is not certain, but one thing that is known it was created in the Southern Appalachians. I tie this fly in several variations and they all work well to bring trout to hand. They are good floaters, and are visible to the angler, as well as the trout.

Below are two variants of The Smoky Mountain Fork Tail.

A handful of Fork Tails

Here are two views of one of the variants.

Hook, Mustad 9671
Tail, and Wing, Goose Biots... I use Brown and Tan
Dubbing, This can be of your choice, I use Aussie Possum.
Hackle, Brown, Grizzly. I vary the hackle.

This variant is tied similar to a Stimulator.

Hook, Mustad C53S,
On this one I use Elk Hair for the tail.

These flies are not overly difficult to tie. I keep these in my box and will go for them first when I get to the stream.
I have all ready put them in to action this August with good results. I'll post that later.
So take an hour or so and tie up a few and create a buzz on the stream.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

And The Sign Said.........

2011-08-17T07:35:00.001-04:00

One of the things I find myself doing whenever I'm out, weather fishing or driving, I like to take photos of signs. Some of the signs tell of places, people, and achievements. Some of them are well thought out, and some.... well they're there.

I suppose if I had to pay for the film, and the development I might not do this, but digital photos, much cheaper. I guess most would say there are nicer subjects to photograph, and I agree, I still like to show the signs.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Passing It On

2011-08-15T05:53:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday I picked up my two grandchildren at their home. We returned to my home and started preparation for a day of work, learning, and enjoyment for both grand kids, and grandparents.

At home Morgan began to put together a lunch of PBand J sandwiches, along with some other snacks as well as water. Ethan and I got together the other things necessary for the outing.
We were going to visit a small stream and do some enhancements, along with removing some natural debris. I was also going to show the two grand kids some of the wonders of a natural environment.

One of their first projects. They were to help place stones into the stream to help channel water to a deeper undercut pool. They assembled the stones, wood twigs, and some vegetation, which were collected in the woods along the stream.
While the work was going on I explained to them the importance of what we were doing, and how much this would benefit the resident trout population.

The completion of their water deflector. An A+ was given.

I told Morgan and Ethan the importance of a cold clean environment needed to sustain a wild trout population. I gave them a stream thermometer and told them how to take a water temp. They just about checked all of that streams waters during the outing.

While checking the streams temps. Morgan found this.... a small streamer, apparently lost from one of my previous outings.

We stopped work and sat along the stream and enjoyed the shore lunch that Morgan had fixed. The kids asked lots of questions about the goings on of the day. I answered them to my best. Children are like sponges, they will absorb what they're told, and what they're doing.

After lunch Ethan picked up the fly rod, and attempted to fool a brookie in one of the promising looking runs. Morgan and Jeanette were looking for any special item they could find along the stream.
Ethan soon found out that wild trout in small clear streams, were not as easy to catch as the crappies he catches in the marina. He did not get frustrated, but instead asked why. I told him of the approach needed to help in his task. Then showing him how to present the fly. He took the rod and applied the teachings. He soon had a fish rise to the fly, but missed.
The excitement of that rising trout was all that was needed. I may have him hooked.
We moved to another run, and I took the rod. Several drifts of the fly produced nothing. As we were talking of moving to as Ethan put it, a better spot, the fly was sucked under, and a beautiful brook trout was at hand. Morgan came from her side of the stream, and as I lifted the trout, Ethan held it in caring hands. A quick photo and off he went.

Their first view of pure wild beauty.

At the end of the day as we were walking out. I asked how did you like your day in the woods..... together they said, Loved It. I said Thanks guys.

This is a Small Stream Reflection. It's one I'll never forget.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Hackle, Book, and "Royal Mic"

2011-08-13T05:18:00.001-04:00

Hackle......
Those that tie flies know that in the last few months they have become a premium item. In some places, especially internet shops they have all been impossible to purchase. The reason for this is they are being used in hair fashion.
Lets hope this trend dies rapidly, or your next fly purchase may be as costly as a cup of specialty coffee.

This is a book that I would place very high on a list of, "just plain good books".
There are several writers who tell of their experiences with wild trout. It's a very enjoyable read.

This bucktail streamer...."Royal Mic", is a creation of mine. It incorporates several of the same materials used in the Royal Coachman, and Mickey Finn streamers.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Along The Way

2011-08-11T06:13:00.000-04:00

While most who fly fish, catching is the goal of why we are there. But there is so much more to this outdoor pursuit, especially in small stream fishing.
For the most part small streams do not afford the fly angler with those large trout that we see in magazines, and on the internet, although those that seek the small stream trout know all to well that a five inch wild trout is a wonderful trophy.

There is so much more to the small stream angler than just fishing. Along the way he is provided with the natural beauty that nature provides. I so many times will just sit along a stream, or the path leading in and just take in the sounds and sights near me. Each season has its own beauty, and while I prefer seasons without cold and snow, I can find something special in all of them.

I'm sure all of you can too..... along the way.

Paths and dirt roads provide thoughts of what has taken place here, so many years ago. So much color, and at times the smells of the forest can intoxicate.

The sound of water as it flows over the stones of a stream, although the stream is small its sound can be so relaxing.

If you tried to grow flowers like this at home...... would they look as beautiful?

A fallen tree, across a stream provides a bridge to those woodland creatures who do not wish to get wet. I have at times seen chipmonks dart back and forth across such places.

Watching this little fellow along the stream made me wonder what his eyes have seen.

So the next time your out fishing a small stream, put down your rod and take a few moments to enjoy the beauty along the way.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Woody Debris

2011-08-09T05:22:00.001-04:00

Debris, in this case I'm speaking of the woody kind. These are areas of a stream where from natural causes in the streams make up create these collections of logs, branches, twigs and over time leaves. These debris areas can be small and sometimes quite large. They afford very good protection for wild trout, as well as an insect attraction point.

When fishing these woody debris places on small streams I try to allow my fly to drift as close to the main part of the pile. Usually there is a good flow there and good visibility to hiding trout. The fly can be taken in front of, alongside of or just past these natural ambush areas. A word of caution, keep a close eye on your fly, these areas can capture your flies, and losses can be high, but your ability to get more hits will improve if you fish these areas.

The photos here show several different woody debris areas on a small stream. Each one requires a little thought as to where the angler should position himself to present the fly. I fished this stream yesterday and a trout was taken from each area.

A place to find hungry trout.

These woody debris areas can change. During high and swift water flows, and ice jams during the winter. This past spring I had to learn the stream all over because of the nasty winter changing things around.

This debris area produced this beautiful rainbow

The next time you fish a small stream and spot one of these debris areas, drift a fly along it..... you may be surprised.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Beauty, Simplicity and Salmon

2011-08-07T05:32:00.001-04:00

There are times when things happen they seem to be not very important at the time they take place, but in time they become very beautiful and bring a bit of joy to us daily.

This is one such time. Our grand daughter gave us a package of seed during this past winter. They were called butterfly flowers. She said could you plant these when the snow is gone, I think they will be nice and bring you lots of butterflies. I said OK and put them on the counter. Well the packet wound up in a drawer and remained there until the end of May or so. While going through the drawer my wife found the seeds and said lets plant Morgans flowers. Well I found a flower pot I thought would be big enough and planted them. They grew into some of the most beautiful tiny flowers we have ever seen. They sit on a table on the deck, and their beauty is enjoyed daily.

Native produce. Blueberries, and corn, along with butter and maple syrup from this year. These are small things by themselves, but put them together and they can bring you joy for sure.

Upon looking at this fly the name Hornberg comes to mind, and that's perhaps what was on my mind when I started to tie it. Although when completed it looked more like a stone fly. I have fished this fly in many streams and while it will take a fish or two from time to time it's not what you would call a killer, except on one river here in Connecticut. I won't mention the name, but it's one of our better trout streams.
On this river it never fails to produce many trout. Why this is I can't guess.

This is a fillet of fish sandwich........ Grilled salmon fillet, on Italian bread.

Excitement, and The Golden Badger

2011-08-05T05:55:00.001-04:00

This is a post about several exciting happenings that took place a day or so ago. The first was a visit I paid to a stream, a small one that holds wild brookies. This stream last year at this time was very low, with stream temps that made it not fish able. This summer up to this point has been a bit more generous in the rain fall, being slightly better. And although we have had some very hot days I don't believe it was as bad as last summer.

Upon arriving at the stream I could see that the flows were OK, and the dark leaf canopy was doing its part to keep things cool. The water was very clear and after a few steps I startled many trout, sending them for cover. As I walked along the banks I dropped my thermometer into the water, its readings were another exciting happening of the day..... 64 degrees. I continued to check the temps as I fished this little stream and the temps were consistent.

I tied on a mayfly pattern I had tied the day before, a lovely fly that was tied with some badger hackle that had been dyed gold. As I sent the fly along a riffled run, I was hoping for a rise from a brookie. This being a small stream the response comes quick, and is generally not repeated... I just gave away my position the trout would say. The rise came after a few drifts, and the brookie was on...off in a few seconds. While this happened more than normal, it did not frustrate me, I was excited that the fly was doing its part.

I am very familiar with these waters and over many years I have taken lots of brookies here. They are all wild fish. On a few outings, I could count them on one hand I have taken wild browns. These few browns were in the 10 to 12 inch range, very robust fish. This was the most exciting part of this outing. Along a very dark deep run, that swept the water into a undercut, the mayfly was molested by a flash of silver, in a moment a beautiful little wild brown was in hand. I took a quick photo, and released the wonderful wild fish back into the stream. Off it went, disappearing back into the undercut. I stopped to think about just what happened. A trout of this size, had to begin its life in this stream.
Perhaps at the start of this outing I had hopes for a different result in the maiden outing of this little mayfly. But upon holding that little wild brown, I realized my hopes were fulfilled.

Clear, and cool. The woody debris, the stones, and the leaf canopy, all doing there part.

The gold badger hackled mayfly.

The wild beauty of this beautifully spotted, red adipose fin little brown capped the excitement of a few hours on this little stream.

When I got home that afternoon I found this waiting. My son had made this pizza.
Fresh native tomatoes, broccoli, grilled chicken, and fresh mozzarella.
Talk about exciting...

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Golden Badger

2011-08-03T05:31:00.000-04:00

I used to enjoy reading a fly fishing publication, Fish&Fly. It was a well written and informative magazine. Back about five years or so I read an article on a fly tying happening being held at Roscoe NY. It was named Clearwater Junction. It assembled many fly tyers from all over, and lasted for two days.
One of the tyers that caught my attention was Roy Christie, from the UK. He was tying a somewhat different type of parachute fly, called a reversed prachute. The post and hackle were tied in near the bend of the hook. These flies really interested me. I said to myself I have to find out more about these flies.

Several years later, while visiting a web site I frequented often, smallstreams.com, I saw a post by Roy Christie. He was not only a wonderful fly tyer but also a fisher of small streams.

So one post and another post, comment and comment, we had a good conversation going, across the Atlantic. I managed to purchase a few flies from him, which are very effective. We continue to read each others blogs, and he comes up with some innovative flies.

While reading one of his blog posts he told of a bunch of natural Iron Blue Dun hackles he had obtained. The fly he tied was wonderful. He made the comment that he was not going to loose many of those flies to the surroundings. I made the comment "would you mind loosing a few hackles to me"..... and he so graciously sent me a package of some wonderful hackle. They're all beautiful, but one really caught my eye. It was a badger hackle that he dyes gold. I tied a few flies with it and they came out very well. I'm going to fish these soon on a small stream, and take a brookie for Roy.

This is the package I received from Roy. The badger hackle is on the bottom in the clear plastic.

This is the first fly I tied with the badger hackle. The natural dark band on the hackle forms a beautiful colored thorax.......... RC Emerger.

The two mayfly's that I tied using the badger look like they should draw some attention...... RC Special.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A Friend......Some Thoughts, Part 3

2011-08-01T06:14:00.001-04:00

In my quest of the brook trout, a variety of fly offerings have been used. Beautiful colored, and classic streamers have taken there share of brookies. All though some would say the classic streamers used are elegant, the brook trout does not really care about elegance or terms of classic, and regal, these are a fly fishers words.
I have had the pleasure of taking brook trout on the very rough, buggy looking flies of Fran Betters, and the crisp clean lines of the Catskill dry fly. The Royal Coachman, both dry fly and streamer, with their regal colors are an offering of beauty to the brook trout.

The brook trout, although he does not request we seek to take him with the finest of means. He and I do believe he should be taken with respect.

Ausable Wulff, and Bomber. Not elegant, but effective. Wonderful simple flies for the pursuit of a wonderful simple char.

This reel has had its time on the streams, all good. There are much more expensive reels to use on brookies waters, but he does not request it.

This is my first fly rod. Its history is so that I could not tell, for my fingers would fail at the keyboard. I do use it til this day.

A high end hand made cane rod would be the ultimate tool to use when seeking the brook trout. It to is not necessary. But that is the beauty of our pursuit of the brook trout.

Fly boxes, everything from one of a kind Wheatleys, to plasiic pill boxes, and plastic boxes given to you for the price of some fly tying materials, to the newest of flies, for those who fish in the most simplest of ways, Tenkara.

As I close on this three part series on the Brook Trout. I hope you will get an understanding of my love for this fish. I hope you all will someday experience this wonderful white tipped fin char.

Brk Trt

A Friend.......Some Thoughts, part 2

2011-07-30T05:46:00.000-04:00

I find pleasure pursuing the brook trout in all seasons. Each one has its attributes, and drawbacks. I find that Autumn is the finest season in which to seek him out.
The streams and the landscapes are beautiful at this time of year. The waters have cooled from the crisp nights, and the days can be spectacular. It is also the time of year when the brook trout begin their quest to bring forth a new generation. They begin this anytime from late September through perhaps early December. I have seen this spawning activity in many of the streams I've fished.
The male brook trout at this time of year can be quite stunning. His colors seem to take on the same colors of the landscapes, only more vibrant.

I have been fortunate to fish for these fall classics in many places, from large rivers, to lakes and ponds, and in my favorite of places, "the small stream". I believe when a brook trout is taken from a small stream, his colors are more vibrant, perhaps this is because of his small size, sort of like a concentration of flavors. Just my view of it.

Some say that Autumn is a time when nature brings death to the woodlands, and this may be true.... but she also starts the life cycle of the brook trout.

One of the tools needed. Fly selection need be simple.

The colors of this brook trout rival natures finest paintings.

The Rangeley River in late September. Several beautiful brook trout have come from this river.

Even the streamers take on the colors of Autumn.

Autumn's beauty at its best. A wild brook trout, in a small Connecticut stream.

A Friend.......Some Thoughts

2011-07-28T05:25:00.000-04:00

In the next few posts I will attempt to tell a story. It will have something to say about the brook trout, and my ramblings to encounter him.
He is a native to cold waters, having been here since the heavy ice rivers brought his ancestors to us. If you look at the white tips on his fins you can still see the remnants of his icy past.
He is a beautiful specimen of natures finest art. His home is the mountain stream, beautiful, but also hostile. He is found in the deep cold water lakes, as well as in the salty waters of the sea.
His needs are simple, but sometimes difficult to find. Clean water, food, and the ability to reproduce. Nature has given the brook trout this, all we have to do is protect it.

A free flowing stream. This one is protected, for it's fortunate to flow through land given free, and trusted to remain as so.

Little stream side wildflowers, seem to bow where this wild king swims.

You could write volumes about this wild char.... its not necessary, just look at the photo.

We have gone to some wilderness wild protected waters. And with our heavy equipment helped to enhance his home.

Royalty, living in a meager home.... their home.

Marabou

2011-07-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

Marabou. This wonderful soft, furry feather from the turkey is one very effective material for streamers. It's almost lifelike look when in the water will trigger strikes from predator game fish.
We are all familiar with the effectiveness of the Wooly Bugger, and the use of marabou in the construction of streamers works the same.
One can take a few materials and produce a fly that will take its share of fish.

These are a few "mini streamers" I like to fish in the small streams. They will also work very well in larger streams, and lakes and ponds. By changing the body color, and the marabou colors you can duplicate many of the common forage fish available to the larger predators.

This streamer is the "McKay Special". It was created by a Maine Guide, and is a staple in my streamer box. It has taken trout, bass, and is my best producer of "Salter" brook trout in Cape Cod streams.

I fish streamers all year long, but the spring and autumn are best. Strip a streamer along a small stream run like this on a cool crisp autumn day and the possibility is very good your streamer will be greeted with a violent strike.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Trying To Keep Cool

2011-07-22T06:09:00.000-04:00

With the temperatures hovering around the 100 degree mark over the last few days it's tough to keep cool. I enjoy the outdoors but that century mark on the temp sign makes you want to stay close to the AC.

Here are a few things I've been doing to try and get through it.
Wednesday we paid a visit to the Farmington River. That 60 degree water felt good.
Time spent mostly sitting in the water, but did cast a fly once or twice.

Although hunting season is months away, certain permits must be mailed now. Yesterday while filling these out, the thought of the weather the Monday following Thanksgiving, that's when these permits will be used, seem to have a cooling effect to the mind.

I tied up a dozen of these, "Brk Trt's Emergers", for a fly swap.

And since the AC is pumping, oh those electric bills, I decided to turn on the oven for an hour or so, I make this wonderful salmon loaf.
I got the recipe from....http://fishon-fishoff.blogspot.com/2011/07/salmon-loaf.html.
It's very tasty.

Well try to stay cool.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

My 200th, Thanks

2011-07-20T06:11:00.001-04:00

When I started this blog a little over a year ago I never thought it would be this rewarding. This will be my 200th post.
I have written about everything from fishing, fly tying, food, and about family. Small streams and wild trout, the beautiful places I have found them, from mountain freestone to slow meandering streams.
I am not a gifted writer who can say a lot of what I feel into words, so I try to put those feelings into photos instead.
I have enjoyed telling you of my times on the waters, and along the waters. I hope you have enjoyed reading of these. I will continue to try to provide you with my best.
Thank you.

Below are some photos of a few past posts.

A pristine natural environment...... where wild trout live.

Beautiful wild trout

Jeanette, a wife, mother, and a friend. She has accompanied me on so many of my adventures. She has bushwhacked, camped, got rained on, snowed on, chased away black bears, black flies, and so much more. I have enjoyed her company.
She is also a staunch supporter of wild trout.

I have been tying flies for a few years. These two streamers are from the starting point.
They are named for my two grandchildren, to commemorate their birth.
The fly on the right is my first streamer, "Morgans Fancy" it was tied about 10 years ago. The streamer on the left is "Ethans Special" tied 8 years ago.

These are what I consider the best dry fly for wild trout. "The Ausable Bomber".
This fly has accounted for more wild trout than any other fly I fish.

A wild brook trout, a native to my state of Connecticut. He will always be my number 1.

As my granddaughter Morgan once said when asked what do you like better.... big trout, or little trout. She quickly replied...... lil trout.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Heat Waves, and Other Things

2011-07-18T08:14:00.002-04:00

We in the northeast are about to go on one of those 90 degree heat waves. From this AM's weather long range forecasts, it looks to be at least 5 days in duration.
We have been doing some recon on a few streams that have access to the salt, in hopes of finding a searun brook trout stream. We have found a few and will put them to a test come autumn. The one pictured above is the latest find. I did not fish it but took several photos, and the one above was so peaceful. The trees mirrored in the water .......... A Small Stream Reflection.

This photo from last winter will cool you down, but I'm in no hurry to see this soon.

This is something I have been playing with. Taking a photo of a fly, and placing it in a matted frame.
I would appreciate your thoughts on it.

We came upon this beautiful church in a rural Connecticut town. It was founded in 1729, and is still holding services. It was located on a paved road, but alongside were two dirt roads. I wonder if one of our founding fathers ever worshiped here.

Rural Connecticut, fresh eggs......... A cheese and scallion omlet.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Summer Days

2011-07-16T14:52:00.000-04:00

Here's looking at you

As we enter into mid summer, the days are bright, sunny, and hot. Now's the time to fish tailwaters. If you have a small stream that runs cool, 66 degrees or cooler, it's best to fish these small streams in the early AM, when they may even cool overnight. The days can be reserved for other summer doings.

Here are a few of the things I've been doing on these days.

Reading, this little guide is well written. It's concise, and the color photos are splendid.

When fishing the other day, I thought I had lost a fly to the stream side brush. But when I got home I took off my shoes to let them dry on the deck. And what do I see, the fly safely tucked into my shoe lace.

In the Fall 2011 "Trout" magazine are several very good articles on Maine Brook Trout. There's also a article on the Blueback Trout. It's very informative, interesting reading.

I also have been tying a few flies to replace some of the ones that went missing in action.

And enjoying some great table fare........ "Bayou Stew"

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

One of Those Days

2011-07-15T07:54:00.002-04:00

Some days as we begin our fishing adventure, it can almost be a success without even casting a fly. Yesterday was one of those days. As I was pulling into a parking area that borders a wild trout stream I was greeted with this magnificent display of wild flowers.
Upon viewing these I said this is my day, it can't get any better. But that was to be topped by the beauty along the wet stream.

We had received a few showers the night before, and the woods were very damp, and that earthy smell was all around, mixing with the scent of wild flowers and fir trees. The air temps were on the rise, from the nightly low of about 58 degrees. There was a nice breeze, which helped to control the bug population.

I was going to fish dry flies today, and the Bomber was first up. I knew he would not strike out so he pretty much would be the only fly of the outing.
It did not take long before the Bomber was hit by a wonderful little wild resident.
I admired its beauty momentarily, slipping the hook out and letting him go. He was not to be seen in a heartbeat.

The few hours spent here today were enough to refresh the body and mind.......

Along this small run I was given a performance of the life in the wild.
A dragon fly was what looked to be dropping eggs in the stream was attacked by a small brook trout of about 5 inches. As the fly landed and lifted up off the water several times, the brookie tried to grab her. In the end the fly won out.
Wild tenacity on both parts.

Brook trout places, water temps on this stream 64 degrees.

A wild gem

Its not a wild trout, but its beauty can't be denied.

Along this deep dark run the fly was taken by a very beautiful brookie. In good shape, he actually put a bend in the 2wt.............. This was One of Those Days

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

"Sunset"......... and

2011-07-13T05:41:00.001-04:00

As I type the words to this entry, I am drinking a coffee from a gas station. I had no choice in this drink selection, because my K-Cup machine quit last night, and my regular fuel, Nantucket Blend is not available to me. So please pardon any mistakes.

This being sunrise here in the northeast, I'm writing about sunsets, and the beautiful colors that make them up. Sunsets hold thoughts of a peaceful end to a day, and even if your day was not the best, there's something about a beautiful sunset to ease your mind. A sunset also holds promise of a new day arriving, perhaps better that the last, and for me the possibility to enjoy all that nature and fly fishing have given me.

The first photo is of a beautiful sunset as it drops below the mountains, giving a faint bit of light on the waters of a northern lake. This view was from the porch of a small cabin. We have enjoyed this view many times over the years.

This streamer has most of the colors of a sunset. I designed this streamer to represent a yellow perch. To me it has that easy look of a sunset.
A "Rangeley Sunset"

When I took this photo I never imagined the beautiful colors that were about to be captured. The brilliance of the red/orange colors of this wild brook trout almost look like a sunset. I look at this photo every day, it's an inspiration to me, every sunrise.

Well as I finish this entry, the gas station 20oz coffee is almost gone, the caffeine has kicked in, and a good start to a wonderful day has begun.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE