Thursday, March 1, 2012

February's Ending 2012


Tuesday was going to be my last day to fish in February. A month that saw winter as we know it in New England fail to make an appearance. The summer of 2010, and the winter that followed were very harsh taking a toll on the wild trout living in these small streams. But nature was kind through the summer past, giving ample rainfall and cooler temps allowing a fine comeback. This winter has been just so kind. Mild temps have produced insect activity usually reserved for late April. No anchor ice to wreak havoc, and trout being able to move freely in the streams from riffles to pools.
As I fished this last time in February, the sun was friendly, making you feel warm. The trout were in a "lets feed on the surface, but don't get hooked mode", and that's all right by me. There were several times when I observed a brook trout rise to the fly, follow it and swim back to his position. Those that fish for brookies just know how non selective they are. I love it when they change the plan.


As I was starting my walk back to the car this day, I was going to fish a few last runs and pools. The sun was beginning to slip behind the hills that surround this little stream, creating dark shadows upon the waters. As I approached a deep undercut I let the little dry fly drift, it soon stopped its movement and disappeared. I lifted the 2wt and felt his tug, and a few seconds I held a beautiful healthy male brook trout. He was photographed and sent back to his dark lie.
As I placed the fly into the hook holder and turned to walk, I said "Thanks"




The suns rays coming off the riffles.


The deep dark lie of a wild brook trout.



Incredible wild beauty.

24 comments:

  1. What a fish and what a winter!
    Glad to hear your taking full advantage of this wonderful season.

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  2. Really nice fish. They certainly were playful once the sun was high in the sky.

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  3. Thanks indeed...fine fish, mild weather...good times.

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  4. Very nice. I'm looking forward to fishing for brookies in NM later this summer. Hopefully there will be enough water this year. What length 2wt do you fish?

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    Replies
    1. skyfireblaze,
      Thanks.
      The rod is a TFO Signature 6ft 2wt. A real good small stream rod.

      Delete
  5. That brookie is a beauty! I'm glad you have kept us posted about your winter fishing trips. They remind me of what's to come this spring when I finally get a chance to get back out on the water. I'm jealous of you....I have not been out since early Dec.

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    Replies
    1. Kiwi,
      Thanks.
      Your season opens on April 1, not much longer.

      Delete
  6. Glad the month ended well for you. Here in New York State we enjoyed snow, rain, and ice yesterday. Temperatures will rise into the upper 40's tomorrow, but my local creeks are all blown out from the rain and snow. Oh well, might have to wait another few days to catch some fish.

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    Replies
    1. Rob Colling,
      Thanks.
      It's been a wintry mix here today. The streams will be off color.

      Delete
  7. Brk
    Those size brookies look to be in the 8 to 10" range. That size range can give one a pull on a 3 wt. and under. That is the size for I fish for most of the time below the dam at our local lake. The trout are stocked once every month, and all are in that size range. Sorry to say there are no brookies-----I wish there was--great post.

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      The brookies in this stream will avg about 5 to 7 inches but you will take some in the 8 to 11 inch range.

      Delete
  8. Glad to see that you didn't waste a day to head out to the small streams that you love so much..and..that you didn't get blanked, although sometimes that's not so bad either. That trout sure is a looker..

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    Replies
    1. penbayman,
      Thanks.
      Getting a lesson taught to you by some 4oz wonders is an OK experience.

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  9. Very nice way to close out the month and the year for all but the "managed" streams in CT

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    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      I've got 2 WTMA's selected for a visit.

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  10. Brk Trt,
    nice post to cheer the delightful passing of winter. Yes, the weather has been great with what mother nature has dealt us this year.
    Man, those are nice looking photos of brookie holding spots, and a nice looking brookie as well.
    I'm counting the days till Spring 2012.......DRYFLYGUY

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks,
      March is the beginning of spring. But I think there's some winter left.

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  11. A fine way to spend the last day of the month. Definitely worthy of saying thanks. For all of it.

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  12. Replies
    1. Joe,
      Thanks. They sure managed to hold there colors.

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