With talk of an impending nor'easter that's on tract to dump a couple feet of snow on us Friday, I took the opportunity to fish yesterday. The first stream I selected was a bust. That is I busted it. access was very difficult and when I was able to drop a fly every wild trout was already in the next county. So I moved to stream two. It was in wonderful shape. Nice flow, clear water, and the sun was on the water to help warm things up, especially my bones. As I moved into position for my first cast I noticed lots of caddis, both cased and uncased. I had a small worm like pattern that was close to it as far as shape gos, but the color was different. So I cast the fly upstream a bit and on the second cast I had a hit. Good start...not. I fished that fly for at least 45 minutes without a bump.
By this time I had moved to a section where the stream flattens out and is much slower. Soon the fly was to produce. As I lay my hand into the water to lift the little fish up, what I thought was a brown, seemed a bit odd. It had a stout that was long, somewhat like a pickerel. I took a photo, and it flipped itself free and swam off.
Sorry for the poor quality, but he did not give me a second chance.
I moved downstream to an area I call the cow pasture. It's a section of stream that flows by a long pasture. It also has a nice feeder brook coming in. As in times past it proved to be a good spot to fish this day. The fly stopped its drift just past the brook. I lifted the rod and soon this wild jewel was at hand.
I would like to mention a book that I have really admired. It's essays are wonderful. They tell of real everyday regular outdoors people, told as only Tom Hennessey can. With the nor'easter a coming, I'll read from this book again.
A few streamers will be tied also....a Name "The Blizzard"
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Funky lookin fish, nice size brookie too! Stay safe this weekend. I'm supposed to be delivering in Stonington and Pawcatuck, 2 feet expected!!!! Jeeze. Keep us posted on 'the blizzard'
ReplyDeleteSwamp Yankee,
DeleteThanks.
This snow will do a lot to replace the ground water. Just seems like a lot at one time.
Hi Alan!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking stream! Nice brookie you brought to hand. They are really like swimming jewels! Always nice to see in pictures.
Your friend,
Mats Olsson
The Jassid Man,
DeleteThanks.
It's a nice place to fish, especially in milder times.
good luck w/ the expected snows!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Last report I heard, 2 feet.
With the warmer weather yesterday and the stuff coming this weekend, I thought you might be out and about! Some nice looking streams but I completely understand about trying to get near the water without creating an earthquake busting through the bankside ice! Nice going
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteThanks.
Today would have been good too.
Tying, and reading the next few days.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat is the name of the wet fly you were using? Beautiful area you were fishing there with the combination of fast water and pockets. What a great way to spend time inside reading a good fishing book. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
It's a simple fly, antron tail, aussie possum dubbing, antron wing, or a few deer hairs, and orange thread.
I had planned on taking my rods out to the back yard for some practice casting.....looks like I'll be reaching for a shovel instead. Glad you were able to benefit from the calm before the storm. That is a beautiful brookie!
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
I was happy too. It's been a normal winter, but last years winter was much more angler friendly.
Sure wish Northern Colorado could get a couple of feet of snow. Not much predicted. Going to be a long, dry summer, I am afraid. Anyhow, what a great looking Brookie! Stay warm and enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteRainbow Chaser,
DeleteThanks.
We had a dry winter and spring last year and suffered some very low water conditions.
Hope you get the needed precipitation.
Good on you for getting out before the impending weather. Nothing takes your mind off of lifes worries like a walk along a small stream (especially with a flyrod in your hand)!
ReplyDeleteStay safe....
HighPlainsFlyFisher,
DeleteThanks.
You said it buddy.
The one with a snout must just be one of those nature oddities.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
DeleteThanks.
He sure was.
Enjoy the book, the streamers, and the snow Alan.
ReplyDeleteStay warm!
Peter Patenaude,
DeleteThanks.
It's all good.
Very nice brookie. Looks like you caught a extremely rare gar-nosed brown!
ReplyDeleteRKM,
DeleteThanks.
He was a bit odd.
Hope you fished today, it's going to be awhile.
No such luck. I worked all day and then got ready for the next power failure. Good luck with the snow.
DeleteKirk, You guys are in for some nasty stuff. The winds are going to be bad.
DeleteGot gas for the generator?
Bundle up Alan. The reports we're getting sound ominous. That brookie is a beauty but is that snow on the rocks in the stream?
ReplyDeletecofisher,
DeleteThanks.
Howard some locals are calling for records in snowfall and winds.
Snow and ice that built up on them.
You've inspired me to investigate the wild trout streams here in NJ. Any tips for finding them?
ReplyDeleteJersey Joe,
DeleteThanks.
Here are a few sites you may want to check.
http://www.benturpin.com/_/bt/ui/Index.aspx?tabid=536
http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/trtinfo_summer.htm
Thank you!
DeleteBrk Trt,
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the blizzard. Hope you have a good stockpile of hooks and feathers.
tenkara ambassador,
DeleteThanks.
I sure do. Lots of Picket Pins and Bombers will be tied.
That looks like a great way to spend the calm before the storm.
ReplyDeleteBill,
DeleteThanks.
It sure was.