Winter trout fishing is usually reserved for those days when the sun can be expected to reach earth and take the bite out of the cold and give the angler a fighting chance to fool these wild salmonids who swim these waters.
We have been fortunate this year to have many of these days, and the results have been wonderful. Monday was one of those days that found Kirk and myself fishing a small stream. While catching a few trout is the objective it's not the only reason we're out. The beauty of winter waters are many, I especially love the ice formations on the stones and branches along the stream. To see a winter stone fly hatch from 40 degree icy water and fly to safety before a hungry trout ends it short life. The sounds of the water as it rushes over obstacles, the sound increased by the crispness of the air. These are a few of the reasons we fish winter.
I started fishing a dry fly, because I like fishing dries. Kirk fished the Picket Pin. We each brought a wild brookie to hand and after a quick photo sent them on there way. Kirk soon changed to a dry fly and had taken his first winter trout on a dry.
This day ended very successful in many ways. A day etched in my minds journal.
A winter brook trout and an elk hair caddis.
Kirk with his first winter dry fly brookie. Is he a convert?
The stream is in great shape, and the brook trout are too.
Care, admiration, and respect are shown.
While the stone flies were taking wing along the bank, the trout were taking along the log and the small rock on the right.
RKM Photo
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Lovely small stream to admire and to fly fish in! Thanks for sharing this, with pictures, for us that doesn't have the same opportunity to fly fish during winter.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with those lovely brookies,
M.O.
great colors on that first brookie...still great to see all those leaves on the ground rather than snow!
ReplyDeleteFrom the looks of things, it won't be long before the skunk cabbage starts poking up.
ReplyDeleteMan..........I have to get a CT fishing license!
ReplyDeleteThat first Brookie is a fat little guy. Stoneflies are yummy! I was up along the Pomperaug this past weekend. Midges and stoneflies all over the place.
ReplyDeleteSteve Zakur,
DeleteThanks.
This mild winter has been helping these little guys.
The thoughts and photos are inspiring as always. Will have to try a dry fly on the small freestone water before the winter's out!
DeleteThe Jassid Man,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I'm glad you enjoy them. Your time is coming soon.
Steve,
Thanks.
I agree with you on both points.
penbayman,
Thanks.
It's coming up now. I'll post a photo of it on my next post.
Ed,
Thanks.
That reminds me I've got to get my Mass. license.
I've gotta find water like that! Being from S/E Mass there isn't much around here with native Brookies. would LOVE to know of a little spot to tinker around.
ReplyDeleteWhat I still find surprising is how aggressive they were towards the dries. The cold water obviously doesn't slow them down completely.
ReplyDelete"Care, admiration, and respect are shown"
ReplyDeleteA great line.
Nice post.
I never get tired of looking at those beautiful little creatures. Thanks for the pics!
ReplyDeleteNice sunny day for fishing. Successful too.
ReplyDeleteMark
Great post for the senses. Nice when the weather just seems to cooperate.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with those surroundings ! Great post !
ReplyDeleteEnvy is one of the cardinal sins--but I'm feeling it. Beautiful day and trout.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt, Nice fish and photos. It seems that the ELC has been your dry of choice these past few outing?
ReplyDeleteAnother great post....DRYFLYGUY
Tony,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I wish I could give you a stream, but that part of the state is tough.
Go west.
RKM,
Thanks.
That day they were very quick to the fly.
G Lech,
Thanks.
If we all do the same, they will be with us for a long time.
Kiwi,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
You and me both. They are soothing to the soul.
Shoreman,
Thanks.
It was a great winters day for sure.
Sanders,
Thanks.
It's been an unbelievable run.
Glina,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
It's beautiful.
Jim Yaussy Albright,
Thanks.
A sin that I believe won't be held against you.
DRYFLYGUY,
Thanks.
The EH Caddis has been working, so may as weel stick with it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful fish! Dry fly fishing and a stonefly hatch in February...does it get any better?
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
DeleteThanks.
It's pretty hard to beat.
What wt and length rod are you using on these outstanding streams?
ReplyDeleteBill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I'm now using a TFO 6ft 2wt., But I have used an Orvis Superfine 7ft 5wt. It's one of my favorites.
Looks like a great time you and Kirk had. Beautiful stream and char. This winter has been great for fly fishing, I just hope it doesnt have much effect on the spring. Also its great to see that you appreciate all that is fly fishing. I'd wet a line with you anytime.
ReplyDeleteAlso which tfo do you own? Im looking to get a 2wt.
DeleteJohnny Utah,
DeleteThanks.
I have a TFO Signature, it's a 6ft 2wt, 2 pc.
An awesome small stream rod under 100.00.