Yesterday we took a drive in search of a small stream I had been given a heads up about by a fellow brook trout fancier. After twisting and turning among several bridge closed signs I finally found what I was seeking. At first I was somewhat discouraged at some the signs posted but soon what was a good stretch of open waters. Part of the stream was a very popular place for the locals to cool off, even there I spotted a few flying shadows in the stream.
We continued to explore this beautiful stream. I don't think there has been another angler here since well I can't tell if there ever was another angler here. But what was here was a very clear gravel bottomed tree lined and cool stream with wild brook trout darting about.
It is so hard to put into words what I saw. I take photos in hopes of showing what beauty there is in these little waters.
I had a fly rod with me and tried my luck at some of the stream residents. To say they were cautious in some of the clear water that was present, is an understatement. I know I spooked more than I saw, but I managed to prick a few and had the absolute pleasure of bringing one to hand.
New England wild jewel. These char are not selective, and when the fly is floated through a shady pool it's taken. I also found something interesting. A little trickle of running water that was flowing through some beautiful deep green grass. I felt it might be a spring that flow like it was throughout the year. I took out the thermometer and dropped it into the 3 inch depth of the spring. The reading read 50 degrees. I checked it further up and the same 50 degrees registered. This spring feeds the little brook I fished.
We saw several apple trees lining the stream. As usual the best looking ones were high up and not within our reach. I managed to pick some and took a bite. Man it was "Tart". I took a few home and had planned on baking them.
Streamside fresh picked wild apples. Some brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts baked for 30 minutes and just as sweet and delicious as can be.
Stunning intimate little stream. I wish I had places with waterfalls near me. A real gem you have here.
ReplyDelete...and that apple....oh my sweet goodness!!!! Will you be sharing this recipe? I sure hope you do.
Justin Carfagnini
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Justin it's pretty simple. Core apples and remove seeds. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon to your likeness. I use more cinnamon than brown sugar. Add chopped walnuts, and a bit of butter on top, add about 3/4ths cup water in baking dish, Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 35 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the apples. Serve warm with juices from pan on top, and ice cream on the side.
mmmm. and those streams are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa both get an "I agree"
Alan, thank you again - every time I view your blog I'm left positive the world is indeed an amazing and inspiring place, but also, of fantastic comfort food I need to break into. I haven't had a baked apple in years... so the kiddo's are getting some for desert tonight. A whole bunch of Ginger Gold's are fresh from the orchard and waiting for our bellies!
ReplyDeleteThat stream is a beauty - glad you got to explore it.
Will
Hibernation
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Will the kids will love 'um. And after you all can go fishing.
Did anyone ever tell you that you've got the perfect setup there? Beautiful waters, Beautiful brookies, apples.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard the apples drew your jaws up so tight you could not eat them. With some kindness and brown sugar....oh man.
ReplyDeleteAnother Gem for Sure AL!!
TROUTI
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Pete wait 'til you see the photo of the wild brown that was in that stream.
Now that is some stunning water! Why is it you have to go and make me hungry all the time though?
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Sorry Rowan. Remember when you suggested hot dog with natural casings and caramelized onions.
What a gorgeous stream! It is flowing quite nicely especially since we haven't had rain in about a month. I love the picture of that first pool it looks money...did you get anything out of it? That is certainly a special stream to be fed by 50 degree water in the dead of summer, and I'm glad you were able to pick up some steamside snacks as well.
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout
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Jonathan that first pool is in an area favored by lots of hikers and the fish were very skittish. I did not fish it but will perhaps later in the year. That little trickle of water has a source. If I see the landowner I'll ask if I can investigate it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWow, apples on a small stream now that is a plus. Is that a soft hackle or wet fly? It seems it has more hackle than most you tie. Have you tried this pattern on the Farmington? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the fly is a soft hackle dry fly. It is tied with dry fly hackle and partridge hackle. I have fished it on the Farmington and it's OK, but works better on small streams. Smallmouths seem to like it also.