"Earth Day" 2014

Earth Day 2014 what better way to celebrate than to get out and do some stream exploration. I chose to visit a few streams that I have not fished since last year. I also took along a rod that has been in storage since early Autumn.

The day was perfect, bright sunny skies, temps in the sixties, and not much wind. There were insects about but no risers. But the thought of fishing the dry was first on my mind and that's what took place. I tied a fly for this day built on the pattern of Don Gapen, later refined by Fran Betters in a mini version, and fine tuned by Mark to include a yellow wing. With that many variations how could my version be different. Well it is and I'll post the fly on a later post, but I'll tell you it's a mini-mini muddler.

The 5 foot 2 weight Cabelas TQR, and the mini-mini muddler.

This stream took a great deal of change since last I fished it. The stream path has completely changed. There were large blow downs, and massive wood jams. With that much surface change the bottom was also altered. It was like fishing a new stream, and The spots had to be located again. Such as this one, any stream with a undercut, with good flow and a nice bit of shade had to hold a trout....and it did.

As the fly worked in the current the fish swirled and took. The battle started and the TQR was tested. What was soon at my hand was a surprise, it was not a brookie but a wild brown. I can't remember catching one on this stream before, but it was welcomed.

"Trout Lilies" a true sign of Spring. Theses are my first sightings, and in full bloom.

Moving upstream the bug activity became intense. There were little flies all over, and even a rise or two. I tied on a "Bomber" and was rewarded with a nice brookie.

Some more Spring flowers. These were delicate bright white flowers of which I don't know the name.

Places like this get this anglers BP up a few notches, and for good reason. Pools, runs, pockets, a deep hole and overhead cover usually make for some interesting outcomes. I drifted the bomber and as the fly reached the shade a trout struck. The fish was on briefly but soon departed. Several more casts and again the fish struck. I don't know if it was the same one or not but it had to caught. I replaced the bomber with the mini-mini muddler and made a cast or two. As the fly drifted way towards the back of the bridge a fish hit. He put up a strong showing for himself using every bit of the pool to shake the fly. Moments later I slipped my hand under this fine fish.

A wonderful way to spend some time on this Earth Day 2014.

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