Each season presents it's challenges and satisfactions. This small stream located in Connecticut's foot hills shows its beauty in two of those seasons. This past weekend we paid a visit to see how winter was treating it. We were in the midst of a deep freeze and the stream showed the results of the cold. Shelf ice was pretty evident and in some places completely covered the stream. In other areas there could be seen a nice flow of open water.
As I stood looking at the stream I wondered how its wild residents were holding up. Was it at a point where the cold would so bad that it would hamper life. Food sources would be hard to get, and staying alive would be a challenge to say the least. I then said to myself,..these are wild brook trout, they have chosen this place to live, and they will survive and flourish here just as they have for years. I am thankful there are still these small streams where in most cases they will be protected to do as they have been doing since they took up residence here so long ago.
The same stream in a kinder gentler season. Mid spring, insects aplenty. The stream flows at a cool friendlier pace, and the harsh winter is just a fast fading memory.
It is in this section of stream where I'll cast a "Bomber" dry fly, perhaps where the tree is. And a wild brook trout will rise and make my day.
You need but one to hand.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Looks like you're going to have to get an ice auger Brk Trt..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
Deletethanks.
That or wait 'til spring.
It sure is a different world in and along the streams this time of year. I like the photo's of the same spot in different seasons. I've always wanted to take a photograph at the same place for each month of the year but have yet to accomplish it, maybe this year.
ReplyDeleteBill,
Deletethanks.
Each season has its good and bad. It's nice to see such in our photos.
Personally, I like the summer look much better.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
Deletethanks.
Right about now I'm leaning that way too.
Hard to imagine sometimes but springtimes edging ever closer!
ReplyDeletebrian,
Deletethanks.
Very true, ever so slow though.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait until spring. This weather is killing me.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
Deletethanks.
I'm not a big fan of the cold. But the rewards of a healthy stream makes it bearable.
The original "Bomber"- as good for wild Brookies as the "Stealth Bomber" is for bass. It's hard to believe those little guys survive the elements... shows just how hearty they are as long as we don't mess things up too much. Very nice photos as always.
ReplyDeleteJay,
Deletethanks.
When I read your post this morning I was thinking the same thing.
I don't know about you, but I derive comfort from the notion that when my life's seasons are done, those of our streams will go on and on.
ReplyDeletetenkara ambassador,
Deletethanks.
It's the hope of many of us.
Hi Alan!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures of a beautiful little stream holding treasures in form of brook trout! Wonderful!
Greetings from at present a little milder tempered north,
Mats Olsson
The Jassid Man,
DeleteThanks.
They were refreshing.
It's good to hear of your heat wave.
Nice post! Maybe by Thursday it will open up a little for you to get some fishing in.
ReplyDeleteSavage,
DeleteThanks.
We have a slight moderation in temps....maybe 55 degrees.
Its quite amazing the conditions fish tolerate, your spring picture has got me drooling, im really looking forward to casting at rising trout again.
ReplyDeleteCol,
DeleteThanks.
Brookies are masters of adaption.
Rising trout a nice thought for sure.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat nymph would you use in this stream or do you just use dries most of the time here? Would this stream fit a small streamer? Outstanding looking stream---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I don't usually fish nymphs. I would fish a wet fly, soft hackles and dries.
A small Mickey Finn or Edson Tiger streamer has taken brookies in this stream.
everything to its season, but i'd prefer 'kindler, gentler'. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Very true. And I for one have the same preference.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI love the 2 pics of the same stretch of water (pics 2 & 4) with one winter, one spring. I'd tossed that bomber up along the right seam edge and let it dump back into the pool at the bottom below the bent tree. Got to be a fish or two in that run!
-BT
Browntrout,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
A fine placement for sure.
Poetic post Alan- enjoyed it a lot.
ReplyDeletePeter Patenaude,
DeleteThanks.
I appreciate your comment.
How can winter look so pretty and be so miserable to live in?
ReplyDeletecofisher,
DeleteThanks.
Howard you said it.
Hold on springs a coming.
nice
ReplyDelete