Over the last three weeks or so a lot of interest has been directed about searun brook trout also known as "salters". I have fished for these special trout in the streams on Cape Cod. There are three streams that I know of that hold these fish and the one that is most talked about is Red Brook, this is perhaps because of the restoration that has gone on in this stream for quite some time. I have seen this effort first hand over the years and it's quite an achievement.
The stream is not your typical brook trout stream. It reminds me of a limestoner. It can be frustrating to fish at times but it also can be so rewarding. Most of the "salters" respond to a streamer more so than typical insect patterns. I have fished these streams in spring, fall, and in winter.
The dams on this stream were used for cranberry production, they have been removed to help the trout move freely between Buttermilk Bay, which is salt waster, and the further upstream sections.
There's a very good chance as your Mickey Finn is stripped in along that wonderful green moss that a salter will hit it.
This beautiful male was taken in tide water in the fall. He took a Edson Tiger bucktail.
The brook trout in this stream have electronic tags and can be monitored. One was located in the Cape Cod Canal.
Another Red Brook jewel. These streams are very special habitats. They should be treated with respect, as should their residents.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Very cool...It's hard to imagine a brookie being able to spend much time in the salt without becoming dinner for one of the saltwater denizens. Do they spend entire years out there before migrating back upstream or does it just tend to be a short jaunt?
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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They migrate to the bay which is salt water in late fall after they have spawned. By that time the stripers and bluefish have left. They feed on the bounty of the sea. Then in the spring when the herrings enter the stream to spawn, this also brings in the stripers, the brookies move into the fresh water brook where they will stay through the summer.
C run brookies sound really cool. I get a lot of C run Browns in my area... you know the next thing is going to be /c run Tigers.. my Thanksgiving plans include 8am shots of whiskey, dry flies, and sea run browns. .... don't cook them, just hook em' thanks for the photos and education, now I've got something else on my bucket list
ReplyDeleteSwamp Yankee,
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Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and good luck with those browns.
I agree with HighPlains, when they say searun do they really mean these fish might be found in the sounds or small bays. I can't see these fish surviving long in open ocean.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank,
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No ocean for those guys....it's the bays.
Hi Alan!
ReplyDeleteWonderful stream to fish! Yes, they really look like jewels (the inhabitants of the stream). Hope the stream will be treated well and the inhabitants flourishing.
Kind regards,
Mats Olsson
The Jassid Man,
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It's been a success so far....hope it stays that way.
Beautiful fish and photos. Jewels indeed!
ReplyDeleteJay,
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They are that for sure.
really fine photography, what sort of gear do you use onstream? thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteDarrellKuni,
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A simple Nikon point and shoot.
I suspect stripping a Micky Finn or a Edison Tiger Bucktail would be quite a challenge with all green stuff in the creek.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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It can be at times. But well worth it.
There some really well fed sea goers, nice one .
ReplyDeleteCol
Col,
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Looks like they didn't miss to many meals.
Such a beautiful stream. I am truly jealous.
ReplyDeleteGlina,
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I love that place. Good fishing and your almost always alone.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteGreat report and really nice salters. I gotta get up that way for some of those salters, just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Johnny
Johnny Utah,
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You would love it up there.
Gorgeous stream and fish. I definitely have to try it some time.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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It's not that far.
Hi Alan....first things first: Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pictures of Red Brook, they bring back memories from this summer when I lost a shoe walking along those banks.
Do the fish stay there during the winter? If they do, then I may have to make my way over there.
Nice pictures.
Ed,
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And Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
They're in the stream all year. I fished it once in January....COLD.
thats a lovely looking stream, the mickey finn looks a pleasing one to tie and fish with.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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The Mickey Finn is a damn fine fly....catches fish to.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI assume the moss is a good food attractor. I am really impressed with the stream structure and as always the trout are super colorful. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Not only does it provide a hiding place for the trout, but it also provides the same to the little food sources in the stream.
Super nice job!
ReplyDeleteGeof Day,
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do other flies besides streamers work well in red brook?
ReplyDeleteHow far up can you wade into the stream? I usually park at the preserve but have never waded it. Is it safe to wade?
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