We were gifted with two snow events this week. One Monday and the other Wednesday. In between I was able to get out and do some fishing. Last Saturday we did some scouting, and the streams were pretty well locked in with ice. With a few days of moderating temps allowed them to rid themselves of the ice so that they were actually almost ice free.
It's nice walking stream side and yours are the only tracks in the snow. Such was the case here with the only exception being some white tail tracks.
I was fishing streamers today, one in particular that was featured in my last post with a antron dubbed body and mallard wing. As the fly worked through the pool a trout struck. As I worked the fish to me I could see it was a brown. A few moments later as I put my hand into the water the brown worked free.
A dubbed body streamer.
As I worked the stream the suns rays were really working. The chill seemed to leave and although it was winter it felt really good on the back and shoulders. In this run I worked the streamer from side to side. And on one of the retrieves I had a strong strike. As the hook set the fish went airborne. It appeared to be silvery and quite strong. Several small runs and the trout was close at hand. Reaching down again and sliding my hand under the fish I was surprised to see a beautiful rainbow. Its colors in the water were brilliant. As I lifted the trout up and photographed it quickly it suddenly turned and was swimming away before I knew it.
My first trout of February. The rainbow had lovely markings, including parr marks, which make me feel it was wild.
So although it was a short outing in time spent in swinging streamers, it was a memorable one for sure.
Alan - Good for you getting out there and enjoying a winter "window of opportunity". Sweet rainbow to boot
ReplyDeleteMark,
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I never thought I'd see that much open water. Those "bows pop up in that stream from time to time.
Wish I had more time that day.
Nice 'bow buddy!
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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They are a nice surprise, and the air time was a treat.
great snow scenes!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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The sun, and the new white snow with a bit of green all came together.
Applause, Alan! Taking it to the fish this time of year. Gorgeous Rainbow. I am tying up some Streamers.
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
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The fish were on the bite. That brief time when the sun did its magic. Streamers will do the job when called upon.
With one dip of the hand in the water, I can see a definite need for a pocket full of chemical hand warmers.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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It can be cold. I usually put on my wool gloves to take the sting out.
Well done Alan, the colors on the rainbow are stunning.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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The sun surely helped bring them out.
That is a beauty for sure Brk Trt. Nice treat on a gorgeous day!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beauty for sure Brk Trt. Nice treat on a gorgeous day!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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That it was Pete. Only wish I had more time.
Beautiful fish. A surprise like that makes go outside in this weather worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
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Kirk, that day was one that saw sun, and no wind. Almost perfect for Feb.
Wow! Even the bows I'm sure are wild that I catch aren't nearly as perfect as that fella.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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He sure looked to be wild, but can't be certain.
Nice fish anyway.
My hats off to you......having the energy to fish following digging out from two storms in one week deserves special acknowledgement. Nice rainbow!
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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It's tough but someone has to fish. Just glad I had the opportunity.
Glad to see you got out and put the streamer to good use. getting around in the snow was probably tough, but i am sure it was worth it. Great post and better winter outing.
ReplyDeleteSavage,
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The snow was on the fluffy side so walking was not so bad. The streamer came through.
That is a gem of a fish. Thanks for that beautiful sight.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Now Jim if we had some green foliage all would be nice.
Alan - That's one of the most beautiful rainbows I've seen. Nicely done and glad you didn't let the winter keep you inside.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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He was nicely spotted and great parr marks. I can only stay indoors just so much, when there's a little break in the weather I take to the stream and hope for the best.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI think you have found another streamer pattern that will produce year round. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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I have confidence in that little streamer.
So much beauty in that rainbow and your pictures. The water looks so clear, too! Nice job as always.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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He was light in color but other features were so pronounced.
Cold waters are brilliant.
That rainbow is simply beautiful. Good getting out I'll bet.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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It felt wonderful getting out. Cold temps back again.
Ah, what an outing for this time of year and a cold season, in particular. I'm waiting for an opportunity like yours to reappear in my land of ice and snow.
ReplyDeleteWalt Franklin,
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Cold and snowy, with not many breaks. Thoughts of Aprils risers.
Your picture makes me to feel chill...
ReplyDeleteWeekend Windup,
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Makes me feel the chill also.