A Walk About In Brook Trout Forest

We took a walk in the woods today. The thought was we might be able to view the fading colors of Autumn one more time before the curtain came down. We were able to get some wonderful glimpses in areas we walked, and I would like to share them with you.

There were more yellows and deep golds.

A splash of red here and there.

A trout stream...last summer this stream took a big hit. Low water and hot temps took a toll on it and I did not expect much would survive. Again I was proven wrong. As I moved to the stream I saw brook trout darting about. Oh how I love to proven wrong, and they sure did a number on me.

After a few hours in the forest an afternoon snack of hot chocolate chip-maple- and walnut cookies was a real treat.

A Special Gift

About the middle of September I purchased a fiberglass fly rod from "Cane and Silk". A beautiful and functional fishing piece. Since receiving this rod it has been in my hand on every outing.

Last week I got an email from Mike at Cane and Silk and it said this... "Hello Alan I just want you to know you will be receiving a package within the next few days. Compliments of myself and my side rod business. This past year I started doing this twice a year for customers that I feel deserve this bonus. You are the winner for fall 2016 Please let me know if you have any questions once received. Best regards Mike"    Monday I received the package and this is what I found.

A 4'10" glass rod, for a 2/3 wt line. It is a translucent color "Ice" with rust colored wrappings. A wood reel seat along with engraved sliding band. Mike also included a silk fly line which is something I've read about but have never owned. The line is complete, ready to go on to the reel. Included is silk fly line dressing and a tapered leader. I did not put the silk line on choosing to wait until the Spring.

I have fished this rod twice now including a trip to Cape Cod fishing for "salters" and it has performed flawlessly.

Thanks Mike.

As I Closed October

Often times you have heard me mention that Autumn is that "glorious" season. Well in that glorious season is the highlight of that  season and that's October. The month came to an end yesterday and luckily I was able to fish on the next to the last day. For the most part the leaves have peaked, and have fallen. The streams have been cleared of the floaters and dry flies can again be fished without a hassle. Cold nights have brought the clarity of the streams to brilliance. With the leaf canopy gone and super clear water the brook trout are even more skittish.

A "wishing well" a dry fly floated here with the wish of a take.

Walking along here it was nice to hear the stream talking. A sort of trance takes over and is suddenly broken by the rise of a trout.

It's great to hold such a remarkable creature, a survivor who looks to be in good condition.

So many places to hide..better be quiet.

Oh those hemlocks, brook trout magnets. I walk far upstream and let the big fly float slowly down until it just passes the hemlock. I see the wake of the fish and then the explosion. "Fish on"

October's finest,in this glorious season.

Comforts In Many Ways

Here are some comforts both for the stomach as well as the mind. Sheperd's Pie or Cottage Pie as it's called when made with beef is one of the best meals that you can have on a cold night. A hot pie just out of the oven will put you in a state of mind like nothing else can. This is my version....ground turkey, ground pork, carrot, onion, celery, seasonings, a mashed potato top crust, and grated cheddar cheese.

Even when the day saw you fall in the stream, loose a big fish, as well as a fly or two....sitting down and enjoying this will make the hurt go away.

How about starting your day with this? Creton, a French pork spread. This stuff spread on a slice of toast will put you in a great mood to start the day.

Creton packs well too. Put some in a little container, a few of your favorite crackers and you have lunch, or a snack. Creton can be served hot or cold.

This article gave me some comfort when I read it...I hope you'll enjoy it and also get the comfort that it gave me.

http://www.mvtimes.com/2016/10/12/gone-fishin-search-brook-trout-marthas-vineyard-brings-hidden-rewards/