Red Brook, Salters Sept 2014 part 1

Just got back from three beautiful days on Cape Cod. The weather was gorgeous, sunny days with temps in the 60's and the nights were oh so refreshingly cool. As we were driving we noticed the leaves starting to show some color, in fact in the town of Foxboro it almost looked like mid October. As we closed in on Buzzards Bay the foliage was not the same. While there was a splash of color here and there it was quite a bit behind areas further west and north.

Cape Cod is a Mecca for salt water anglers and this is the season of early migration of striped bass and bluefish. The bays and the seacoast draw anglers in search of these big fellows. Well this angler is drawn to another semi salt water fish, one that lives in the salty bay and is also at home in the small fresh water stream known as Red Brook. I found the stream in pristine condition. The tide had been going out for some time and the first run-pool I fished was in tide water. Several casts were made, the streamer fly working perfectly. On one of the swings the fly was absolutely smashed. A second later the fish was on and what a fish it was. I finally got control and as I brought the fish close I was shocked at what was there. Looking into the water I saw a perfect specimen of a wild salter brook trout. A heavy fish of about 14 inches. His color was showing signs of a male at this time of year. Jeanette who was standing on the bridge watching, commented that's a nice one. I placed the net into the water to lift the fish out when he suddenly broke for open water. I thought the streamer was still in his lip but it was not. This was a great way to start your day even if your catch eluded you.

Moving upstream the brook took on the look of a spring creek. Bright clear water with lots of watercress and other vegetation. The water temps were a constant 48-50 degrees. I saw no signs of insect activity, which is not uncommon for me...I never see insects here, but none the less I know there are brook trout here.

Though it may look like a weedy jungle there are clear cut channels of water. These channels are where you want to work your streamer. The brook trout hold in the undercuts and under the the vegetation and will strike with swift authority when it darts by. Many hits and many hookups happen but it's tough bringing one to hand.

A true gift. Wild salter brook trout. The Mickey Finn was to much to let pass. This guy was taken from the pool pictured above, under the tree branch to the right in the photo. The stream depth here is thigh deep and over the days gave up some nice trout.

I had one or two brookies take a blaze orange wet fly. They like those colors.

The fly box. I could have brought four patterns with me and had more than enough. Streamers are key.

I fished mornings and late afternoon with the latter being best as far as hits are concerned.

More Red Brook in part two.