Small Stream Fishing 5-18-2014

I fished for a few hours yesterday morning, until 1 or so. The stream is located in eastern Connecticut and flows through some state land as well as a good chunk of private land. The flows were up some from recent rains but the clarity was awesome. Started fishing and at one point was 0 for 3. The thought was "one of those days" I came upon this pool and noticed a few rises toward the back. I changed to a dry fly and floated it through. Not a single take. Many times the fly floated and was refused. Several changes, and the same result. I tied on a soft hackle and sent it out on a mission. Bang that was the ticket. Several brookies hooked and a few to hand.

A soft hackle wet fooled them.

Came upon this plunge pool. It was deep and had a strong flow. It also had a very good looking undercut on the left side. An assessment was made that if there was a big fish in this stream his home would be here. I had the soft hackle on so that's what I fished. Then a dry, then a muddler, all with the same result, nothing. Looking through the fly box I saw Mickey, took him out and tied him on. He went for a dive and a swim and on one of the retrieves I saw that big fish. He swirled up behind the bright streamer and just backed away. Several more casts later and there was no response. I think on a cloudy day, or perhaps evening and that trout would be at hand.

I moved on to the section that flows through private land. The landowner was good enough to give his permission to fish through, and we respect the few requests he asked of us. Still with the Mickey Finn I managed a hookup or two and even one almost to hand.

In the deep and swirling water of this pool the streamer was hit. With the weight of the water in his favor the brookie knew how to get away....not this time.

As I placed my hand under him and lifted him up the fly popped out. I took a photo, and there was no second, for off he went back into the white waters.

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