It was Friday morning the already into March and I haven't been fishing in about three weeks. I had some time and the weather was not half bad so off I went. I was anxious to try my newly repaired St. Croix 3wt and some streamers in hopes of fooling some trout.
Mid morning found the sun brightly shinning and the air temp about 38. The stream very clear with lots of snow and shelf ice to contend with. The ice was a problem both in my access to the stream as well with it breaking off and snagging my line. But a problem I would accept, for I was fishing and that felt good.
The fishing was slow, both in the pace of working the fly as well as strikes. I had already logged in an hour before I had a hit. The fish took the streamer as it held in the current at the end of the drift. I had a hookup and my first fish of the day. I soon recognized it was a river chub, and back he went. I caught several more of them as I moved along the stream.
In one pool as I cast the streamer the current took the fly down. Suddenly the line went tight and moved up stream a bit. I pulled back and the fish was on. In a moment or two a brook trout was at my feet.
My first brook trout of March, and my first brook trout on the repaired St. Croix.
There was some melting of snow this day, but the snow pack will take some time before being gone. I continued to fish for a time, but no other fish came to hand. A wonderful day this 7th day of March.
Yellow and red sparsely tied, a brookie fly for sure.
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Hello Buddy.
ReplyDeleteWhat size hook did you tie the little thing on? It looks an ideal little fly I would use. Did you add any weight at all?
Wonderful front page again.
Best Wishes.
Flyfisherman. Richard,
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That was tied on a Mustad 3665A size 10. I find that hook great for hairwing streamers.
Looks like a nice little outing. Posts like this are definitely giving me the itch.
ReplyDeleteBill,
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A few more days as such and I'll have my balance back.
i could feel the fresh air in my lungs. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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You could feel the change in the air.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat is the length of your new St. Croix? I'm using a 7 1/2 ft. 3wt. and so impressed with its action. Glad you were able to make it out and fish another outstanding stream there. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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The rod is not new I've had it several years. One day while fishing I met a school class out along a stream. The kids watched as I caught a brookie. They gathered around and I showed them the fish, and one stepped on my rod and it broke. I just now had it repaired. This rod is a Avid 6ft 3wt. Great small stream rod.
I have that same rod, a kid stepped on it a while ago and I keep forgetting to get it fixed.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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That's exactly what happened to mine.
Beautiful photos. Ice can't leave quick enough!
ReplyDeleteCasey,
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You and me both. Should be good melting this week.
No surprise too me to see you out on a beautiful day and chasing those Brookies. I had to do a double take at the fly. My first thought was its a (Mickey Finn). Looked closer and saw some similarities, but, a different streamer with good color combinations. Beautiful Brookies.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I just posted a picture on my blog side bar of a recently tied Mickey Finn with Ice Dubbing. Give it a look and let me know if you think the Brookies would like this one. Thanks, Mel.
Mel Moore,
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Yellow and red will get a brook trouts attention.
I checked out your "Icy Finn"....it looks good.
Way tired of Winter! Glad you got out!
ReplyDeleteKevin Smith,
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That last storm, along with the brutal temps put everyone over the edge......better days are ahead.
A fine Brookie there Alan, your repaired served you well.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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That it did. It's a fine rod.
Nice job, Alan; that last stream photo looks especially appealing.
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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It's a pretty section of that stream. It can be frustrating at times, you know fish are there but........
Our snow is almost gone. Yours will be, too. That third photo is another classic. There's something about a winterbright fish.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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I hope so, have more coming this week.
The fish were very crisp in their color.
It's amazing how a very sparsely tied fly , without all of the bulk and extra materials that catch a fishermans eye , often are just what the fish are looking for.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an enjoyable afternoon for sure...
HighPlainsFlyFisher,
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Very true friend. Flies that have been hit, chewed and twisted often prove to be the best.
Your perseverance paid off..nice job
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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It was wonderful being able to fish after that awful run of weather.
Great looking time on the stream. And a beautiful little streamer! With the coming weather, you should be seeing much less ice over the next week - phew!
ReplyDeleteHibernation,
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Some snow melt taking place over the next day or two. Then if we only can put together a few warm days together will be in good shape.
Your pictures belong in magazines. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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Mike I appreciate the comment.