Yesterday I fished another stream that I haven't fished in sometime, actually this section I have never fished. It's somewhat different in the fact it is not a high gradient stream which I normally fish but a stream that features many long slow pools some of these pools are quite deep. It has riffles in between the pools and lots of woody debris to make it a challenge. The weather was spectacular, with morning temps in the mid 40's sun shine filtering through the colored trees just gave you that nice feeling. The first pool I came upon I dropped the thermometer in the water and the reading was 50.
This was to be a learning day for sure. I have not fished a stream like this before and getting a trout to take a fly was not easy until I finally figured it out.
I fished this pool with a dry fly because it seemed the best way to catch a fish. With a slow current I could see the fly as well as avoid hangups. Not any interest so off came the dry and on went the soft hackle. I cast the fly and watched it slowly sink, with almost no current it did not have much effect. I changed several flies but the result was the same. Thinking, digging into the back of my cob webbed mind I recall a conversation with a Maine pond fisherman who told me something about fishing still water. His advice was cast your fly, let it sink to the bottom and leave it there a few moments then twitch it. I tried his method and the pool came to life. The thought behind this is a brookie will observe the fly sitting there and not do anything, but once you give it life it will be hit.
My first brook trout from this stream. This male was in super condition.
This pool was a hot spot with several hookups and even a few to hand. The area near the log jam was quite deep and it also had a beautiful undercut to go along with the deep water.
A wild jewel. This male featured a hooked snout and was like a bulldog.
This stream was difficult, and I know there are many more trout here. Perhaps on a cloudy day it will be different and I hope I will be there on such a day.
ReplyDeletePerfect Al!!! Another great post. Spectacular colors in the woods and on the brookies!!!!
TROUTI
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Pete it can't get any better. These days are numbered.
Looks like an awesome adventure. My gosh, the yellow's and ginger's in those pic's... What a beautiful place to fish! Heck, that's just a great spot to be!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will the yellows are brilliant this year. Fishing can be put on hold for awhile in such places.
That type of fishing is a true challenge for sure. Clear water with almost no movement puts those fish on high alert to every little change in their environment. Looks to me like you figured them out pretty well, beautiful shots as always!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher
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Jeff that stream sure tests the anglers ability to "hide and seek".
Alan
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried dropping the fly to the bottom and letting it just sit there, with a little movement, There are some places on our tailrace where there is very little current, this technique might work there as well. That hot spot pool is awesome, how did you fish that area? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill it worked for that gent in Maine and it worked for me that day.
That pool had a slight current that worked toward the wood jam. I cast straight at the log jam and the fly began to sink. I waited a few seconds until I thought the fly was on the bottom and then twitched and dragged it towards me. I continued this method until the pool was covered.
Beautiful pictures same as always, Alan. Great tip that Maine guide gave you with regard to the fly in slow water. I will certainly give that a try on a few local pools I have in mind.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam it's one of those bits of info that gets put into the mind, then one day it's called on and does you well.
Try it I think you may like the result.