With the hot temps of late I decided to fish the Farmington river. It's a tail water that runs cold. I brought along with me a friend, an Orvis 7ft 5wt rod that's been with me for some time. It's a Superfine "Small Stream Special" and it roll casts like a dream, something that was necessary today. As I walked to the river at the first place I was to fish I heard the river rushing. They have been getting strong storms in the area for some days as of late, as well as the releases of water from the chock full reservoir that feeds the river. Upon reaching the river I saw a pretty swollen fast ripping river. It was going to be tough fishing. I tied on a caddis pattern I have been fooling with and tossed it out. The fly was swiftly transported on the top. As the fly drifted I thought I noticed a rise but it was hard to see with such heavy current. Knowing the fish would be hugging the bank I worked the caddis along it. Suddenly a fish rose and was on. Once hooked it shot out for the heavy current. The fish knew he had an escape and used it to his advantage. I was able to turn it around and eventually bring it to the net. A fine heavy rainbow was photographed and released. I hooked two more fish here and lost both to the current, not to mention I almost went swimming. So I decided to go to another location I knew would be a little calmer.
They hold right near the bank, then take you to the heavy current. You fall in here and your in for one hell of a ride.
Lots of pretty things along the river.
My second location, one I'm very familiar with was a bit more subdued. It did have lots of debris, logs and branches, and the water was some what off color.
I continued to work the caddis and soon had a beautiful brook trout. Several more would come to hand.
In the mix were a few browns. I realized my friend and I had a hat trick.
This stretch was good today. It also let me enjoy watching a couple of mink playing hide and seek with each other.
The brookies and the browns appeared to be wild.
A good day for my friend and I.
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Looks like you had a great visit. Next time I won't turn down the opportunity to go there.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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It was one of those days. Overcast conditions also helped.
Nice job Al.
ReplyDeleteI need to fish that river someday.
Apache Trout,
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That should be a priority for you John.
Let me know.
Nice post Alan, lovely colours in the rainbow.
ReplyDeleteCol,
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They were stocked bows, but this one was in the river for awhile.
Looks like a good day to me. Tail waters can be a saving grace for trout fishermen in the summertime. I really like the header photo!
ReplyDeleteBill,
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It sure was. That water was a very cool 60.
Ausable Bombers.
Nice one Alan, great post and pictures.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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It's appreciated Brian.
Excellent day indeed Alan..that river looks pretty wild..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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It was. Mike that river is designated "wild and scenic".
hi
ReplyDeleteflyfisher1000,
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"Hi"
Alan
ReplyDeleteThat rainbow has some outstanding colors, and the area you landed the trout from is even more outstanding. How deep was the fast water you landed the rainbow from? Is there a lot of generation on this tailrace? It looks like it could carry you for a fast ride as you said. thanks for the sharing
Bill Trussell,
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The river near the bank is about calf to knee high. Where the water is flowing heavy it's at least waist to chest high. There is a small power station at the res. It does not change flows much at all.
Outstanding Brk Trt!!! Beauties for sure!! I recognize the locations. We need to get AT up there soon for the guided tour!!! While we have all this water!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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I figured you would know the locations.
I agree with you about showing AT the Farmy. It would have to be on a Sunday cause that's his only day off. We'll figure it out.
Yes, some Sunday sounds good.
DeleteI keep getting more customers, it's crazy.
I need to retire & fish.
Someday. :)
AT
Beautiful area and successful trip by any measure!
DeleteHoward,
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You rest my case buddy.
Nice, nice post. Took me back to some of my favorite river experiences. Fast water and beautiful fish are an intoxicating mix.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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It sure was a change from the small streams.
the Farmington is a real gem i'm going to start fishing it soon it's our luck we live so close. tight lines oldman
ReplyDeleteDick Wemmell,
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It's a wonderful resource.
How was Maine?
Excellent post and beautiful photos of one of my favorite streams. I'm heading there next week, hoping to catch some of those gorgeous brookies. And thanks for reminding me I need to pack a wading staff!
ReplyDeleteChris Mueller,
DeleteThanks.
The trout have been active and you should do well.
The wading staff is a help.
Have a good outing.