T-Shirts, Dry Flies, and Other Fine Things

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.

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