I started to write this about an hour ago as I was finishing a cup of Nantucket. But it was put on hold as I listened to the free concert out my window. The birds are exceptionally vocal, or should I say their volume is exceptionally loud. Well it's a sweet sound and it put me in a nice frame of mind. Combined with another cup of "joe" I might be able to type a decent report.
Hemlocks and laurel seem to grow very well together along the small streams I fish. Together they perform a valuable service to the brook trout that call these streams home. The hemlock grow big and provide necessary shade to keep the waters cool. Their root structure holds the soil from washing into the stream. When branches fall from them or when they fall they still provide cover for the brookie as well as food in the form of ants, and beetles which take up home in the decaying tree. The mountain laurel provides cover in the form of natural thick wall which at times you can't penetrate. Together they do a valuable service to wild trout and their streams.
A typical stream. Hemlock and laurel doing their thing.
A wild brook trout taken on a "Bomber" from the stream above.
Beautiful colors.
The hemlock and the laurel doing their part to keep these jewels with us.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Great pics. It's great to see the landscape greening up. I think the fish even appreciate it, since they've become much more frisky.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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Frisky for sure. Those little guys were tail walking.
Great pictures Alan, you've got me thinking of the sweet smell of hemlock and laurel after a nice spring rain, Priceless !
ReplyDeleteMark,
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One of the best fragrances, and they're free.
Nice pictures. I hope we get some rain to help these fish out.
ReplyDeleteSavage,
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We sure could use some, thankfully the streams are cold.
Great report and pictures Alan, the second Brookie is particularly stunning.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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He was on the dark side, but well spotted.
the woods are beautiful. the violets are perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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It's so uplifting to see such color.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThis is what makes this part of the country so beautiful, and the streams added in make it spectacular. The Bomber is one of my first dries to try when I can get back on the tailrace--still to much generating. thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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New England sure is pretty now, and the brookies are starting to take the dries.
Stunning looking streams there, And what a fine Brookie.
ReplyDeleteCol,
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They're both spectacular.
Here's to it staying intact. Awesome pics - thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCasey,
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I sure hope so.
The birds are singing loudly and things appear to be greening up more by the day. Looks like Spring has finally arrived to stay for awhile!!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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It has really popped in the last few days, and I to hope it stays around.
Alan~ Gorgeous pictures. I actually went up to a mountain creek today and only could wish for a beautiful brookie. I still don't know how to fish between the rocks of a small stream... someday!
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel,
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I'm happy to see you taking a small stream venture.
You'll do fine.
These pictures of both the fish and landscape absolutely made my day. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMrFishman80,
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I'm glad they had that effect on you. They make my day too.
I hope those beautiful hemlocks don't get infested with the Woolly Adelgid. There have been some infected trees showing up in the southern part of Maine..and oh yeah..those trout are beauties too..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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I guess they are in the state, hope damage will be minimal.
Nice - some of my favorite streams are lined with hemlocks and laurels.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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They really enhance any stream they grace.