We here in New England are about to get whacked with our first taste of winter. They're calling for that lovely mixture of wintry precipitation and cold temps. So yesterday Mark, Kirk and I headed to a small stream to try and persuade a few wild guys to take the fly. The weather was supposed to be somewhat warmer than we were feeling, but still we were fishing. The stream was in good shape and I'm sure cold. I did not take a temp but I'll guess it was about 38. The first pool I came to I tossed a small streamer, because that's what I had on from a previous outing. After a few casts I took a hit, perhaps I picked the right fly...NOT. The next few pools brought nothing. I tied on a pink fly, one that Kirk refers to as "Pinkie". I stayed with that fly for the rest of the day and it was the right choice.
A couple of beautiful wild brookies who could not resist "Pinkie" As the day moved on The clouds rooled in and it felt as if it were getting colder. We made a decision to fish a different section of the stream and so we headed for it. Kirk and I fished this section before, but for Mark this was his first time here. I kind of think he liked this new section.
There comes a point on these cold days when the thought of "I'd pay 5 bucks for a hot cup of coffee" and this was a day I would do that.
This photo shows what early winter looks like on a small stream. Fishing a pretty swift run, not a place favored by brown trout, "Pinkie" was tossed out. As soon as the fly started to pickup speed a fish hit. I knew I had a solid hookup and the pull on the 2wt said it was a nice fish. How nice was realized as the brown came to hand.
A handsome wild brown. This was probably one of the 5 best browns I've had the pleasure of taking in this stream. There was a nice warm feeling as I walked back to my car.
Love the colors on that brown!! very nice!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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He is deep in color. Pretty strong too.
Nice trout gents.That is some fly!
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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We've got to get you out. My grand daughter loves that color fly.
I'll be free after Friday! :)
DeletePink chenille flies are popular down in Shenandoah country. Great winter attractor fly pattern. I tie a few different ones including a pink wooly bugger.
DeletePinkie does it again. Nice fish. I guess I need to tie one now.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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I thought you had a few in the box.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe pinkie somewhat reminds me of the san juan worm. I have noticed that most all the streams you fish are void of high banks. Are you using a 6X tippet when fishing most of these streams? Awesome looking trout!! thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Most of the small streams have a gradual slope to them and I'm glad of it.
I use 6x almost all the time.
beautiful leaves and berries around, still.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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The leaves will take a beating soon. I think those winter berries are pretty hardy.
the size of the paddles on that brown!
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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If the stream were bigger, he would be quite impressive.
I sure like the pictures of the streams back there. Nice Brown.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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They have really been enhanced by the recent rains.
Brk Trt,
ReplyDeleteanother dandy post. That pinky fly looks intersting. Is it simular to a San Juan worm? Do you nymph it through your hot spots, or strip it like a streamer?? Just curious on your fly success.............Phil
DRYFLYGUY,
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It's tied very similar. Phil I fish it both ways, but it's more effective fished in a natural drift.
Beautiful fish and cool fly. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteGerry,
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It's a great little stream, and the occasional surprise is a plus.
Lovely day. Pinkie somewhat looks like entrails in one of those photos. Glad it worked for you.
ReplyDeletePeter Carlson,
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The photo of Pinkie shows a pretty beat up fly. Tiny teeth doing some real damage.
Seems like an unorthodox fly....but who could argue with the results. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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It does get their attention at times.
BT,
ReplyDeleteDoes it really matter if you use 6x or vs say 4x? Do you use a 7foot leader? If so, how much of the 7 feet is 6x tippet? Did you use any weight?
Nice brown!
Thanks-Cliff
cphaneuf,
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Well I find that 6x is a good medium. It's subtle and easy to tie, and strong enough to reclaim snagged flies. I really like it. I use a 4ft braided leader, with about 2 to 3ft tippet.
I don't use weight, but will tie some of the flies with non lead wire along the shank.
I will never be able to get over, no matter how many times I frequent your blog the true beauty and grandeur of the fish located in your waters. Makes this Kansan quite jealous.
ReplyDeleteAtlas,
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Wild trout, and protected clean waters make all the difference.
Alan - was a great day to be out, even though it was colder than we expected. Your new camera takes some very nice pictures! I'm still amazed that wild trout will take that pink worm but then I saw it with my own eyes. I'll have to try one soon but then again I had fun fishing the mini muddler dry!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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The camera is wonderful, and if I take my time the photos come out so much better. Still learning.
Pinkie is destined to be a classic. Maybe?
Those flies that Fran created should be in every anglers box.
Ah, the dreaded Pink Weenie. Actually know the guy who claims to have come up with using the color pink on the weenie after messing around with green weenie colors in the SNP.
ReplyDeleteChasing Blue Lines,
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If you ever run into him again tell him they work great on northern wild trout.
A trip to be envious of....like always.
ReplyDeleteHope the winter weather doesn't hit you too hard.
HighPlainsFlyFisher,
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Your like me, we love al fishing trips.
We have some snow on tap for today.
Another great post. I really like that last brown.
ReplyDeleteFinFollower,
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He was a handsome fellow.