There have been countless streams I have fished over the years. Many of those streams countless times. There have been those areas of the streams that look like they would trout hotspots, possessing everything needed to bring success. And as you fish these same spots every time you visit the stream it's always the same. You catch nothing there, most times not even any interest shown the fly you present. As I cast my fly on these places I ask myself, WHY. Perhaps I do this in the thought of taking an exceptional fish there. I don't know, but I will continue to do so.
These are examples of parts of a stream that should give up a fish or two, but never. Still every time I'm there a fly will drift through.
I had picked up these hooks at a fly shop sale over the winter. The other day I put a few other materials together and fashioned an emerger. An Ausable Klinkhammer? I fished this fly yesterday, and well thats for another post.
The majority of the streams I fish are small, generally not very wide or deep. I do not ware waders or hip boots but a pair of hiking shoes. I'll fish these streams from the banks, and if I have to cross a stream, there's always those areas where a gravel bar, or a log may help me do so, if not, well wet feet.
Brt Trt, another nice post! Nice photos of potential holding spots for the wild beauties. It makes you/us wonder why they're not in a spot that looks like it would/should hold'm and vise-versa.
ReplyDeleteAs far as using hiking shoes, you can look at it this way. "During a fly fishing outing, they only get wet once".
Love your Blog.......Phil
Great post BrkTrt. Concerning those fishless spots, don't give up on them. There is a small trib that runs into my homewaters that has one large pool. I fished it many times over the years without as much as a tug. Then one early morning after a rain, completely unexpecting, I hooked a very large brown that fought me for several minutes before dropping right at the net. That fish still haunts me and I contine to return to that spot on occasion, yet have never seen him again. Moved in on high water perhaps?.. Just passing through...one will never know. And those are the secrets of fishing that keep me going back.
ReplyDelete-BT
Phil,
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out why this happens. It seems as if they use it as a travel part of the stream, and never actually take up a position.
Thank you for the kind comment on the blog.
BT,
I will never give up those places. As you say one day the reward will come.
I love the time of year when you actually get wet. I have used sandals, sneakers, boots, and even bare feet, but truth be told I can't pick which works best for me any reason why you use the hiking sneakers?
ReplyDeleteOh and as for those spots, I love them because it is the stuff you dream of. I also find that if I get a next to perfect cast, and drift most of the time they don't pay off either it's just how this fly fishing stuff works.
I also know of these holes of which you speak. There have been a few that finally I coaxed a fish or two out of. There are still a few that I haven't, yet I still return. I know their in there, just waiting right until I am about to give up. Oh to be a Trout. Great Post. I too am a avid shoe/boot soaker. Oh well waders just get to hot. Tight Lines and great pics and flies.
ReplyDeleteFull camo. Crawling on all fours. Becoming one with a heron. Wade Boggs never swung at the first pitch. Mark Fydrich talked to the ball. Hiking shoes for wading. I like your style.
ReplyDeleteBruce,
ReplyDeleteNo special reason for the hiking shoes, they fit well and give me some traction.
Trout Magee,
Thanks. I will always fish these places, and I know that there will be a fish to remember coming out of there.
Herringbone,
Yes, sort of Special Opps, of trout angling.
Wade, and Mark.... something from the past.
Good post! I admire the way you maintian the fishyness of this blog!
ReplyDeleteI love to use Klinkhammers. They have been one of my most successful flies when fishing the film. Are we going to see a tying recipe, or are you challenging us to deduce the steps from the pic ;-).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just discovered a native brook trout stream 5 min. from my house. I've hooked two tiny guys, one on a Prince Nymph and the other on a Parachute Adams, but both got off before I could take pics.
It is some of the pics and success from your posts that have motivated me to hunt for these small native brook trout streams. Thanks for the inspiration.
Bigerrfish,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope I can continue to keep that image going.
deanwo,
Thanks. The pattern is a simple one to tie, using only a few materials.
Hook, I used Partridge Klinkhammer Extreme, but I'm sure Mustad C53S would work as well.
Tail, Woodchuck guard hair.
Wing, calftail
Body, Austrailian opposum, dyed rust orange
Hackle, grizzly and brown.
That stream you found, tight lips on it, it's not being selfish, just protective of the wild jewels that inhabit it.
It's amazing where you can find these places. And doing recon is almost as much pleasure as hooking a brookie.
Keep up your work, and I'll be happy to read of your success.
Thanks, Bkt Trt. I have those exact Partridge Klinkhammer hooks. Will find substitutes for the Woodchuck and opossum. Bought the hooks at the Bear's Den Expo this year.
ReplyDeleteI will keep the stream a secret.