There are some streams that are very difficult to figure out, and this one is just that. This is my second time fishing this lovely stream in northwest Connecticut. It has everything needed for wild brook trout from ample cover to those series of riffles, runs and long fairly deep pools. It also has those beautiful undercut banks along with a few log jams. It's a stream that runs through a pretty flat plain so the swiftness of a higher gradient stream is lacking. It's a very picturesque stream with flowers and foliage growing to the stream.
I've never witnessed any insect activity, but there has to be at certain times. The only rises were that of small river dace. The dace I saw this day were incredible, there were schools of them all over. I think a streamer fished in this stream at dusk would bring some large brook trout to hand.
I fished the stream for several hours. The usual places brought strikes and a few hookups. The brookies took a variety of patterns this day from bombers and parachutes to picket pin wet flies. I did try a streamer, a Mickey Finn but there were no takers.
Like I said I was able to bring a few to hand. Healthy robust brook trout settled into their summer colors.
I took fish from the riffle at the head of this pool as well as the tail where the foam formed near the fallen tree.
A bomber and a brookie taken in some riffles.......how often that happens.
In this beautiful stretch of water I spooked several fish, and to my surprise took a brookie in midstream in the clearest of water.
This brookie had a odd shaped head, almost snakelike. I'll probably fish here again come late summer or early fall and see if I can figure it out.
Beautiful photos of the stream and it's residents!!! Well Done Brk Trt!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete that's a stream I could visualize you fishing. But please leave the Beadhead pheasant tail soft hackles at home.
Yes, we must plan an outing with Pete and the crew. Some Sunday in mid July works for me. That stream stays ice cold year round which is nice.
DeleteI was surprised how cold it was. I took a water temp and it was 58 degrees in the sun.
DeleteBrk Trt, looks like a nice relaxing spot, as well as a great outting.........Phil
ReplyDeleteDRYFLYGUY,
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Phil that it is.
Love that place. Glad you got back up there. Careful wading is a must on that stream. There are some deep pools the further downstream you go. Don't ask me how I know. :)
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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John I located several promising pools, but they were void of takers. I took all my action from the head and tails of the faster riffles.
I've found on that stream fish can be many unexpected places. There is a a whole section of river down the road a piece I need to show you. Very different terrain.
DeleteJohn I fished downstream from the cemetery all the way down to the road almost.
Deleteoh, that 2nd shot. some days i feel like that tree - just barely hanging on! :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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Teresa I can relate to that feeling.
Simply put, "Wow, that is a gorgeous stream". Would love to have you show me that one! Alas, I will fish this stream in my imagination. Beautiful Brookies...................................
ReplyDeletePond Stalker,
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Mel, gorgeous it is. I wish I could show you it in person.
Looks like you got it figured out pretty good to me Alan. Beautiful fish!!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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It would seem that way, but there's so much water that I can't figure out.
Pretty awesome place. I think those oddities of Nature are there to keep us interested. Makes us wonder what's around the next corner.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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Mark your new fly rod would be a perfect tool here.
Some streams certainly take more than just a couple of visits to get a handle on, but it looks like you've got a pretty good start on this one already.
ReplyDeleteWalt Franklin,
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That's very true, and I'm sure I'll figure this one out someday.
Good start on the figuring out. A really beautiful stream. And I'm glad to see that photo in the header. That's a wonderful shot, worthy of being showcased.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
DeleteThanks.
I try to take photos of the fish in the water, but it seems they want to go their own way.
Alan
ReplyDeleteCongrats on taking a brookie in the wide open sun area of this stream; I would certainly have the image developed and framed with the fly reel and brook trout lying in the stream. Truly one of your best images to date!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
Sometimes they will actually pose..and stay still for a second.
Whether true or not; whenever I can't catch a fish in water that I "know" holds fish, I assume that the smaller fish have been run off by a big, smart fish. (Punctuation a bit tricky)
ReplyDeletessj,
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A good assumption.......at times.
If anyone can figure it out, it's you! (Although, truth be told, sounds like you're further along on this one than you think :) Great pics and post as always.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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You may be right Mike on the fact I may have a handle on it, but I feel there's bigger fish in that stream and I can't figure out where.
Wow, that looks like such a beautiful stream! I have never caught a brookie, but that last one does indeed look to be "different." It looks like it has an abnormally large mouth for it's size, too. It's still a beautiful fish. Thanks, for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini,
DeleteThanks.
You have never caught a brookie. I hope the opportunity come for you soon. They're a beautiful fish. One of natures jewels. That mouth was indeed strange.
I haven't caught one, yet. They are in the streams that I fish in Southwest Wisconsin (The Driftless Area), but I have yet to hook one. I've caught plenty of browns and rainbows. Hoping to mark brook trout off my species list this year!
DeleteJustin,
DeleteThat would be great.