It's only the first of August. There is a lot of hot weather ahead of us and summer is not leaving soon. But there are changes taking place that show the season is going to turn.
This subtle change showed itself to me yesterday as I fished a small stream. As I walked I noticed that the oaks were dropping acorns, they were all over the forest floor. And there were signs of color on several leaves that had fallen into the water. While this may not seem monumental it is a sign of a wonderful season about to come upon us.
The weather this day was cloudy, with a few breaks of sun. The stream was low and clear. A water temp was taken in several locations and it showed 62 to 64 degrees. With hiding places like this the brook trout will always have protection.
I fished with several flies this day, from Bombers to caddis to inch worms. They all worked well, for I found the trout to be very aggressive taking the offerings if placed within striking distance of their cover. This male brook trout shows some of the subtle changes taking place.
Woody debris, this surely holds a trout. As the fly drifted a orange flash darted out and took the fly. This happened in a split second. Moments later this beautiful wonder of nature lay at hand.
A wild male brook trout, its jaw starting to show a hook, and the colors in is body showing the changes to come.
It's only August, but the brook trout say changes are on the way.
What a wonderful stream. One that many fly anglers would overlook due to its small size and smallish fish. Well, they can have the large rivers; I'll take an intimate brook trout stream anytime.
ReplyDeletetenkara ambassodor,
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The beauty of small streams and the trout that inhabit them are small and concentrated. And like fruit they are sweeter.
the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder, not by much but a noticeable difference for sure. lovely fish
ReplyDeleteBlake,
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Those that are tuned into these things, notice.
Beautiful picture of that last brookie. I just said to my 6 year old daughter two or three days ago (before the heat and humidity returned) that it felt like the season was about to turn. I agree it's very subtle but the signs are there for those who take the time to look. I have started to notice golden rod about to bloom, the fire flies are dropping off, and many of the young birds from this year are on the verge of "leaving the nest for good."
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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You have put it so well. And I hope people will take a few moments to notice.
I can only hope that the season is ready to turn. Certain flowers here are starting to die, our acrons are dropping and have been for a while, the evenings seem to have a different light to them. I'd like to think that since the warm up happened so early maybe the cool off will come sooner along with the rains. The waders come back out along with the sweaters, the streamer and wet fly boxes are full, the first fall rains bring that anticipation everyone in NEO waits all summer for and the mornings just smell different. I can hardly wait.
ReplyDeleteBill,
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I was thinking the same. Perhaps an early autumn.
Streamers, spawning trout, sweaters...my time of year.
great looking brookie! i also noticed the acorns falling two days ago while fishing in Mansfield, it is a tell of whats coming. now, just a little bit more fresh rain, and the creeks will be perfect.
ReplyDeleteSwamp Yankee,
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We sure could use some more rain. Hopefully August will be wet.
Beautiful. And those changes are coming sooner than we think. My woodpile is slowly growing to be ready.
ReplyDeletee.m.b.,
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I remember the winter you had last year. I hope that woodpile grows a lot.
Boy the days have suddenly started to get shorter, but I haven't seen any of the other tell-tale signs yet. Nice photos and post Alan.
ReplyDeletehoward Levett,
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Yes the evenings are a bit shorter, and the sunrise is a bit later.
Sure signs of change.
Beautiful water and fish as always. After the summer we're having I'm yearning for some frosty mornings and leaves on the ground!
ReplyDeleteMidgeman,
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I hear you my friend.
Still hot in Nor Cal and no acorns yet, but (if you have any back there) the Buckeyes are all brown. A sure sign that seasons are changing.
ReplyDeleteMark
RKM,
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Mark Kautz,
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The heats made a comeback here. Buckeyes we don't have.
Those trout know what's up and what's to come. Just biding their time for their timeless spawning ritual..those boys are getting dressed up for the ladies..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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They're set to natures clock and run on her time. Love their style.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI yearn for the dog days of summer which brings my favorite time of year FALL. Glad to know you are getting into the transition early there, it is still many weeks away here. Beautiful brookies, thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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It's my time of year also. Summer came back in a big way.
I'm always looking for signs of fall this time of year, glad I'm not alone in that. Beautiful brookies!
ReplyDeleteBill,
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One of small stream fishing pleasures is observing the natural world around you.
I have been seeing the same thing: subtle shifts signalling the change to come. I love that you can see it in the Brookies.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Signaling a fine Autumn season.