Well I don't really care for the hottest day of the year coming on September eighth, but that's what happened. I was up and out early to check a few streams and see if I might be able to coax a brookie or two to the fly. I Checked the flows which were pretty good and then the thermometer came out and that's when I knew there would be no trout fishing today. The reading was 66 degrees, that's my cutoff. Normally the Farmington River would be next but the DEEP is doing a survey of the stream and has cut the flows way back so they can achieve the results they have planned.
We have been in a rain deficit for some time and the last two weeks have been 100% sunshine along with hot temperatures and a bit of nasty humidity thrown in. There is some relief in the forecast for the end of the week with T-storms, and back to normal temps for September..
With the cold water action on hold I paid a visit to Hogback for some warm water fishing. The lake was very calm and from time to time I could see a fish break the surface. I could not determine what was rising but I could not pursue for I was land based. I was rigged already with my trout setup, a Spikey and a soft-hackle. Around a dozen casts and a solid strike.
After several "earth shattering" leaps and runs I brought to hand a nice little smallmouth.
I was to fish this lake for an hour or so and brought to hand about a dozen of these little scrappers. All of them a blast on the Eagleclaw 6'6" 4wt. A funny side note, they were all taken on the "Spikey"
You're making me adjusting my thinking Alan. Maybe it's time to hit some warm water. Very pretty little smallies.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard I was pretty much left with that option. Not a bad one though.
Looks like a smart adjustment Alan. It paid off with some great looking smallies and a beautiful place to spend some time!
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation
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Will I should fish that place more often. The wildlife viewing is nice also.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI am sure you got some tail walking on the surface from those smallmouth. I am surprised you didn't tie into some bluegills. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they are spunky fish. I may have had a 'gill or two, but they slipped the hook.
We're definitely in a no-trout-fishing mode here, as well. The hottest, driest period of the season. Hopefully some rain and cooling temperatures will change that soon.
ReplyDeleteRivertoprambles.wordpress.com
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Walt both rain and cooler temps are on the way.
Fun diversion there, I found a stream that I have to show you at some point though. ;)
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan, I'm waiting.
66 is my breaking point as well, which is why I stopped fishing in RI in the first week of July. The rain and cooler temps coming should have us back on the small streams in short order.
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout
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Jonathan as of last week several of the streams I fished had water temps at 60, one registered 58. But these last several days of 90 degree heat have really warmed the waters. I'm hopeful that better days are coming.
Srappers are exactly it..agressive and nasty tempered..and fun to catch on the fly..
ReplyDeletepenbayman
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Mike, I know you have some of the best fishing for smallies in the east.