For those who love small streams, wild trout, and life...in their simplest form
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
It was good to be back on the stream again.
I start with this wonderful bright yellow flower, for it shows just how nice it felt to fish a stream again. I said to myself the hand feels good enough, so give it a shot. Six a.m. found me along the the road that leads to the water. The mountains on both sides were just starting to filter in the days first rays of sun, and there was a low bank of mist where the stream rushes through the boulders. There was a slight chill in the air that made me reach for the long sleeve outdoor shirt.
As I strung up the fly rod of choice today I had hopes of a day to just take in what ever the woods and waters would offer, and not be to worried about what fly or how I was to fare with the residents of the stream. I was happy to see the stream was in great condition. Its waters flowing very nicely and water temps at 62.
The stream offered both quiet sections and rough water.
In water as such is where I encountered my first hookup. The brookie struck a bomber and figured where to go to deposit it in an underwater snag. Several more attempts, along with a change in the type of fly brought a to hand.
Pretty little guy. There were to be many more like him this day.
This stream is not easily fished, some of those boulders required agility to climb over. The steep banks were also a problem at times. The forest was mostly hemlock with a few oaks. I also made note of two feeder brooks that were still pumping water. I will explore these at another time.
In the pool right at the tail as the wet fly moved to the surface I noticed a good size swirl just behind the fly. On a repeated cast the fish struck and the battle was on.
Moments later I reached in and lifted this strong lady. Her fins were large and her tail wide and very powerful. She knew this streams currents and how to use them to her advantage. I placed her in the water and she was gone in a heartbeat.
An old friend joined me on this great day. Thanks.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Alan: glad you are feeling better and back on the water. Love the colors on that brownie!
ReplyDeleteKierran Broatch,
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It was only two weeks but it seemed a lot longer.
She had some nice spots also but did not come through in the photo.
Good to see you are back out there Alan.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
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Like I mentioned to Kierran it was only two weeks but I thought it was winter shack time.
Alan
ReplyDeleteOne beautiful healthy trout for a small stream. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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And she got that way from the many dace I saw in that stream.
Wow, small stream, big fish. Way to go Alan.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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Like I told Bill there's lots of meat in the stream.
Glad to hear you are back on the water. Wonderful looking stream with a nice healthy flow for this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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It was a good feeling buddy. The flows in that stream get lots of help from Massachusetts.
Brk Trt, what a dandy of a wild brown in your 2nd to the last photo. Its nice & refreshing to see & hear that your back on your beloved streams.............Phil
ReplyDeleteDRYFLYGUY,
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I was going crazy not being able to fish, Phil. That trip was perfect therapy.
TexWisGirl,
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Teresa beautiful and refreshing.
A nice group of photos. Glad you're back in business, Alan!
ReplyDeleteWalt Franklin,
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I am too buddy.
Alan, my friend, really great to see you feeling well enough to be on the water and back at your favorite activity. Sure a nice chunky fish for that small stream..................
ReplyDeleteJust a heads up, while you were away, I did the Dot.Com thing with my blog. So now I am here (http://pondstalkerblog.com). Didn't want to lose contact with you. Would you please update my link on your blogroll. Thanks again, Alan.
Mel Moore,
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I'll take care of those changes for sure.
Absolutely breathtaking pictures and it seems like a perfect day. Glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteAtlas,
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A perfect day for sure, especially with the ability to use two hands.
Welcome back. What a lunker!
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Nice fish for that stream indeed.
Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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It feels great.
Glad you got back out there again Alan! beautiful fish. i'm sure you had missed it.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
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I missed it very much. It's addictive for sure.
Al!! Good to see you are out and about again!! Perfect way to get back into the swing of things!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete it sure felt good. I need more free time.
It's good to see you back out on the stream again Alan. That is a beautiful brown trout , considering the size of that water she had to be one of if not the biggest fish around.
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
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She really surprised me.
Glad you're back, and nice outing. I am eagerly awaiting some smaller stream time in a couple weeks once my schedule frees up a bit. The hike into small water and what it holds is always a pleasure
ReplyDeleteRichard Strolis,
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As we enter the Autumn season there's nothing quite like a small stream with eager brook trout in their Autumn attire.