Saturday was the opening of Connecticut's inland fishing season. This meant that all the little streams, those tiny threads of sparkling water that most pass on by were open to fish again. I met Mark to fish one of these little gems. The stream had not been fished by us since mid January. Kirk soon followed, having to work for a while before he joined us. The weather was about as good as it gets this time of year, the stream was a bit low considering the rains of the week past.
We split up and selected various parts of the stream where in many previous outings have proven productive. I fished for some time before I took my first strike. It came at an undercut and it came hard. But there was no hookup. This proved to be the norm for me until I was able to finely able to hook one in mid stream.
My first fish of the day took a soft hackle wet fly. The brookie was a pretty as the last one I took here in January.
As the day passed on we took a break and enjoyed coffee and muffins, with some talk of how we were going to fish the rest of our time. We then moved upstream. Kirk had to leave, but Mark and I forged on. The stream gave me the opportunity to bring a few more to hand.
This one also showed a liking for the soft hackle. But I could see that a dry fly would be in the mix soon.
Time was getting on and soon the decision was made to leave. It was a great day on this stream, the rewards plenty. As I left I thought I have about 20 minutes of fishing time before I was to be home. I decided to stop at another brook to take a few casts. This stream is just down the road from where we had fished. I tied on a dry fly, just dubbing and hackle and sent it bouncing in the current. Suddenly the trout rose and took a swipe at the fly. I pulled to set the hook but was to late. As I pulled the fly to me with the thought of another cast the trout hit the fly again. This time the fly found pay dirt.
A wonderful ending to a great day. The dry fly season is here.
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Beautiful! That last one is looking very chunky.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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Not many meals got by him.
A fine way to end the day!! The last Brookie is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete it sure was a wonderful opening for sure.
Gorgeous fish from gorgeous waters. We are so lucky to have this kind of resource nearby. Dry flies rule!
ReplyDeleteGerry,
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And Gerry we also know where to look for such resources. And dry flies do rule.
Nice job Alan on that one last cast! It always amazes me how many times that last one pay off! I saw a few rises in the afternoon as well as bugs in the air. It will only better from here on out!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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Sort of that last at bat. I agree that as the days go on it will indeed get better.
Nice Alan cant beat fishing the dries, the last brookie, has been stuffing his face by the looks of things.!
ReplyDeleteCol,
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That he has my friend.
The season is upon us...that long winter wait is finally over!!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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Thank the lord for both.
My blogging friend, those are some beautifully colored Brook Trout. Kudos to you for sticking with it and opening the Dry Fly season for all to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMel(Pond Stalker)
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Once they start to look to the surface true enjoyment begins.
Us too. General Trout season starts Saturday. All the little creeks will be open again.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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You have got to like that buddy.
I just can't say enough about the pleasures and beauty of the water and the fish. Nothing beats small streams and small brookies!
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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For sure Howard.
That's a great opening day!! Beautiful fish!
ReplyDeleteMicheal Currry,
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It truly was Mike. Did you get out?
Our NY opener was 4/1 and I did get out for a bit but today after work I got my first few on a dry for the season...I will say that there is nothing like it!
DeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend the day fishing in some beautiful streams and landing colorful brooks. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Those small streams can really open your mind.
Looks like you guys had a nice opening to your season. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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That we did friend. The winter nasties are all gone.
Good call finishing your day on another brook Alan, that's a handsome trout.
ReplyDeletebrian,
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It seemed to work out just right...this time.
Nice to see that the brookies likes soft hackle flies and even rises to dry flies. Lovely colored trout!
DeleteLovely looking fish and sounds like a great day.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wooldridge,
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The outing was wonderful.
Just call me John my good man.
DeleteIt's a great feeling knowing that the time has finally come. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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So very true Walt. And now to enjoy.