A Soft Rain

I'm not a guy who like fishing in off weather. Rain and snow are not pleasant times om the water for me. I like dry days and either sun or clouds are OK. On this outing I was met with a soft rain when I reached the stream. The promise of clearing skys was not happening. I had an option of leaving or fishing so I said perhaps I'll stay and deal with it. I had a half cup of coffee still warm so I put on the radio and finished my coffee hoping the rain would stop. It did not so I dressed and headed down to the waters edge. I gazed into the run that was before me and saw the rain drops make those lovely little rings as they hit the surface. On days like this I have had success using dry flies, the calmness of the rain seems to relax the fish and they rise to take the fly. Well another theory put to bed and so alternatives were used and they were successful.

The stream bottom. A relaxed scene with colors of the stones taking on a muted look.

The brook trout looking more beautiful on this damp day.

This bee was moving up into the flower to avoid the rain or so it appeared.

The brook trout have started to take on those colors of fall. Great days are ahead my friends.

I remember and something new....

In our wanderings we like to find off the beaten path places to eat. Most time we are in search for a good breakfast. Now breakfast is not only at breakfast but there are times when we enjoy a breakfast menu in the evening. On this day we were on our way to Vermont when we saw a sign for good eats at the Whateley diner. The diner is located off of I-91 in Whateley MA. Walking up to the door you can see 1950 come back to life. Everything inside has that 50's look. There are even juke box selections right at your booth. Atmosphere is nice, but the service and food here are awesome. We had a waitress who took the time to tell us of the history of the Whateley diner which is quite a story.

The diner is clean and with glass windows almost all around it is also very bright. And the food was great.

There was a movie filmed in the diner too.

The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery...an enjoyable and historic place to spend a few hours. Lots of trails to walk. We also had a wonderful guide for awhile who informed us of what the hatchery does. It's focus is on native cold water fish, and that is lake trout and brook trout. The lake trout are part of the Great Lakes restoration of these big fish. The brook trout are part of the local needs and is part of the Trout in the Classroom programs.

One of the several houses on the property. I love these.

A ham sandwich. I finally tried this stuff called "off the bone" ham at a local deli...two thumbs up...this ham is awesome. Lean, and tasty. A slight smoky flavor and not a lot of salt.

From the vise...Sakasa Kebari...these orange bodied flies have been working well.

"What say you"......

"The wild brook trout is one of the most colorful native freshwater fish in Connecticut. If you are fortunate to capture one of these fish, you will easily understand the nickname "Aphrodite of the Hemlocks"....Connecticut Wildlife...

There is not much more I can add to the words so simply put in the opening lines of this post. I wish everyone who has the chance to seek and catch one of natures finest creatures does so. It is truly a blessing that we have such fish swimming our streams. They are a testament to clean water and outstanding habitat. We must take care and preserve this valuable salmonid for future generations to enjoy.

Wonderful Day, Willing Brookies

Not as full as they were last year at this time they still are doing OK. Recent thunderstorms in certain areas dump lots of rain which boost the flows and make the fishing easier. I try to get out on the stream if possible after these rains and enjoy the time out there. The streams I fished in northwest CT. have had temps from 60-62. These streams flow through thick hemlock and pine forests so they tend to stay cool.

I have been fishing the Farmington for some time and it sure felt good coming home to my friends...there is nothing like fishing a small stream.

Pools, pools and more pools. In between are riffles...look to the riffles.

This little guy was impressive. Taking on color and a small very black lower jaw.

Late summer blooms.

Sometimes a picture actually shows the dorsal of the brook trout.

They liked this fly...thanks Mike.

So I think I'll take the bamboo rod and the Altoid box and find a stream today.