The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday to most but not me, I don't like the term so I'll refer to it as the day after Thanksgiving. On this day I was to meet up with Kirk and do some fishing in a nice little small stream. The weather was "almost" perfect, that is it was sunny and oh so bright. But the air temp was pretty cold. I believe the temp never went above 32. It was a day of cleaning the ice out of the guides and trying not to slip as you moved along the streams edge.
On days like these there is incredible beauty along the walk. Ice forms on overhangs and when the sun hits it just right it's very hard to concentrate on the fishing, but that's OK.
We moved along the stream tossing various flies with some success. The trout were somewhat lethargic as expected and the hits were very subtle. There was a time when I fished a bomber and actually had several rises to the fly.
Early winter color along a decaying birch log.
I came to this run and observed what I though was foam forming at the end. Closer examination revealed it was ice which was topped off with snow. I tossed the wet fly into the run and it did not go very far before I had a solid and swift strike. Pulling back on the 2wt I felt the fish. Several moments past before a wild brown was at hand.
A wild winter brown. To try to describe the beauty of this fish without a photo could not be done.
Kirk and I continued to fish and caught several brookies. It could have been warmer this day after Thanksgiving, but not better.
A nice little journey out... The wild trout have such superior color.
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel,
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Emily it was enjoyable. They look so well in their natural colors.
Still good fishing weather for you! Hope that continues into December. Thanks for the report. I may sneak out today to do some steel heading. 55degrees here on Americas north coast.
ReplyDeletetim,
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The temp on my deck this afternoon was 60. I know that will change but we will enjoy while we can.
Steekhead, now there's a battler.
Alan - looks like you guys celebrated thanksgiving in a proper way. Love those little wild brown and that flaming adipose fin that says "I'm the real deal"
ReplyDeleteMark,
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Much better than a shopping trip. They're incredible in the bright sun.
Good Stuff Al and RK
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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I appreciate it buddy.
when i saw the fish i said 'wow, that's beautiful!' really awesome!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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In that bright cold air they're special.
The spots almost look orange. Purty.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank,
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They did seem to have a bit of orange to them.
Nice! I have had good fishing lately too, glad the snow hasn't come to CT yet.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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The past few days have been kind to us anglers, but the snow will come.
You made me smile. Thanks Brk Trt.
ReplyDeletePeter Carlson,
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I'm glad it did that for you Pete.
BT,
ReplyDeleteWhen you fish you mostly cast and quarter downstream on small streams. Would you say that you get most hookups once the line is taught and it almost or completely done with its drift? If not, how do you detect a strike if you don't use strike indicators?
thanks,
Cliff
cphaneuf,
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Cliff they hit it at any of the places you described. But generally they hit it with some vigor. The subtle takes are difficult at times, but that's OK, I still get my share of hookups.
Those wild browns are something else.
ReplyDeleteAnother week and I'll be chasing them.
Apache Trout,
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A very close second to a brook trout.
Get out there John.
Pretty brown trout, and that fungus image is an absolute knock-out.
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt there's so much to see, that is when the fish are not biting.
I live vicariously through your winter pictures...thanks!
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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Nasty weather out west I see. Well you can join me anytime.
What a thrill to spend a day on the stream during the icy, cold season, and to be rewarded with a beautiful Trout. Wishing you many more happy hook ups this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
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That reward is the peak. Thanks Mel.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThere is no comparing the colors of the wild trout verses the stock trout. I have yet to land a stock trout that comes close to those colors on the trout you landed. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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And to take your comment a little further A small wild trout is much more colorful than their larger brothers.
I'm not just saying this because I fish for small trout but it is what I believe to be true. Check it out.
Your photos are so good I can almost feel the air.
ReplyDeletessj,
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I hope that good feeling helps you make it through your day.
The lower winter sunlight really brings out the color in those winter brownies Alan..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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Mike I hope the coast of Maine is being kind.
The light really puts the focus on the color.
Beautiful. Sounds like a great trip.
ReplyDeleteFinFollower,
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A fine day in late November.