Every angler says to himself I want to fish the next pool upstream. On this particular stream I've said the same many, many times, but for reasons of access I never did until Tuesday. The lower stream has been good to me for years, giving up brookies of various sizes. So after fishing for about an hour I began my quest of finding what it was like around the bend and upstream.
What I found was a rugged freestone stream that was flowing swiftly. The stream was apparently up from recent rains. Some sections were open along the bank and others completely down right nasty. Large boulders created pockets that had to hold fish. There were places where I crossed the stream to be able to fish, and doing so I stepped into holes that almost covered the top of my hippers.
Noticing a small amount of sulphurs about I put on a fly of similar color and was able to bring a fish to the surface. The pockets where the trout held were hard to work and the presentation seemed like it was never going to happen right, but when it did you had a fish on.
I was able to fish this area and had the fortune to take many beautiful wild brookies.
All of the brookies were about the same size this day. I knew by some of the hits I felt that there were larger trout here.
This swift run produced a brookie. As the fly got sucked under towards the back I pulled and lifted it up. The trout struck it and was on.
Moments later this fine brook trout lay in my hand. I think there may bigger guys than this lurking about.
A beautiful stream, and some places as such I should let be. It's very easy to fall and a broken bone quite the possibility. I walked around this jam and fished the pool above it.
There were quite a few green inch worms about. The closest fly I had to it was a partridge and green soft hackle. In the swift current if it is similar they will eat it. As I reached into the water to lift this wild jewel up I was startled by what I saw. I tell that story at another time.
A fine few hours were spent upstream. Wonderful surroundings and wild brook trout. "Life is truly sweet".
Looks a cracking bit of water, now I wonder what's beyond that upstream? Negotiating those log jams make for a tiring day.
ReplyDeleteCol,
DeleteThanks.
That's always the question.
They are tough on old legs.
a bowl of cherries, for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Life truly is.
Brk trt,
ReplyDeletelooks like a dandy day. Hey it looks like you picked up your orvis rod for this journey? I do the same thing every so often, so your other favorite rods don't feel left out. Thats what happens with many go to rods, with mine are all go to rods.
Mmmm! Sweet cherries.
Tight-lines.........Phil
DRYFLYGUY,
DeleteThanks.
The Orvis rod is a wonderful small stream tool. And all my rods must be treated well.
nice cherries, those are big! beautiful stream as well.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
DeleteThanks.
A bit tart but also sweet.
Great looking stream. That larger brookie has no red spots.....
ReplyDeleteSwamp Yankee,
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Very true.
Alan, usually your food posts have my mouth watering, but that second shot of the stream is amazing!!! Looks just like an Adirondack freestone and by the looks of that second brookie it probably holds some nice sized fish! Looks like your curiosity was well rewarded
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteThanks.
I was amazed at what the stream looked like further up.
I will follow up on it to see if a few larger brookies swim the water.
Alan
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how open some sections of the streams are, and all of sudden you are chocked up with brush to the point it is impossible to make a cast. Some of those rocks look slippery. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
Very true Bill.
And caution was the word of the day.
The coloring of the larger fish is really interesting... Your comment about always wanting to fish the next pool upstream is right on the money. That thought inherently runs through my head every time I'm out on the stream. Also, some very wise advice, as we are certainly better leaving certain sections of our favorite streams alone. A broken bone--or dislocated shoulder, is a really cruddy way to put an end to an otherwise awesome day on a small stream.
ReplyDeleteMike Rapidan,
DeleteThanks.
We must as anglers fish the next, and the next.
Very true are your words, broken bones do not make for sweet memories.
These last two posts have been terrific and the pics are amazing. You always capture the moments so well. One of my favorite parts of fly fishing is around the bend to the spot I've yet to see!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
DeleteThanks.
I try to do just that. Most times I'm comfortable with familiar turf, but there are those times when the pioneer takes over.
Hi Alan. I know what you mean by the next pool up. There is always a next pool on most small streams. You mentioned the inch worm, I've got a deal for you. Somewhere I came across a fly (somewhere) called the Green Weenie. #14 nymph hook, green thread, chartreuse green body and a little peacock herl at the eye. If you need more, let me know.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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I'm familiar with the Green Weenie. At this time of year I should have a few in the fly box.
Beautiful looking stream and fish. I'm sure your glad that you opted to go farther this time.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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Kirk I sure was. It's beautiful up there.
What's your address Alan, I'm moving in. I love this kind of water and surroundings.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
They are truly beautiful, and we have the same likes.
Brk Trt - Those brookies you posted are truly precious gems, Great shots and thanks for sharing what only nature can paint. MG
ReplyDeleteMatt Grobert,
DeleteThanks.
Nature does a super job, I'm fortunate to have the chance to participate.
Beauties as always Brk, thanks for the look.
ReplyDeleteMatt
Matt,
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Your welcome and your comment appreciated.
That looks like a great place to hide from the heat. It really is a great looking spot. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteSavage,
DeleteThanks.
If I were there right now, I would be sitting in the water.
You show good sense in not taking a chance on injury and what's really nice is that your caution was rewarded with another nice brookie. Pretty stream..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
DeleteThanks.
Very true Mike. In our younger days it would be full steam ahead, but wisdom thankfully takes over.