Yesterday I took a walk and brought along my fly rod to what i call my home waters. It's a classic small stream that's pretty close to home. I've been fishing this stream for a lot of years and could probably tell you everywhere a trout holds. This is the first time back since early April. I was excited to see my stream flowing nicely. The stream has changed like they usually do, with branches and other natural debris. All this is expected but does it have to fall in the prime locations..oh well.
Ant patterns were all that was needed this day. They were taken readily.
Truly wild and truly beautiful.
The mountain laurel is in bloom and the hillsides look like there's snow on them.
There are some deep undercuts along the banks. Flies drifted to close get hammered.
And this brown did some serious hammering...side note I hooked him on the first drift, lost him while bring it in...two casts later hooked him again...I guess the ant tasted good.
Everywhere you look you see lush green foliage.
Great little pool, hooked several here.
Absolutely beautiful, Alan, both the fish and the photos. You inspired me to hit a similar brook not far from where I live in Massachusetts. It is a tough descent down the bank which was easily done in my youth, but I have to give it a go. Regards, Sam
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam I can really relate to that, getting places along the streams is somewhat of a challenge now. I take it real slow in such places.
Very nice Brk Trt!! That first Brookie looks like it is well fed!! Beautiful photos of the mountain laurel.
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
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Pete when I fished that stream last the fish did not look that good. They must have a good food source.
Love the laurel.
true beauty.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa each time out looks better than the last.
It's amazing, and excellent to have a good stream so close to home. Enjoy it! Love to see the Laurel. I was surprised yesterday, to see that the laurel here on the powerline cuts is in bloom, but in the woods, it's not. Perhaps the shade?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us Alan!
Will
Hibernation
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Will it's so nice being able to fish without driving an hour to get to the stream. You maybe right saying the shade is holding back the blooms.
Beautiful, what more needs to be said.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark that's about right.
Lovely post Alan! How lush everything looks, just a few months ago everything was barren and gray! Seasons! What an amazing concept!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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The last time you and I fished that stream was opening day...nice to see the changes.
Echoing others here, truly a beautiful setting and beautiful trout close too home. Win-Win situation, I think! I need to get on small streams somewhere. The Big Thompson River is blown out near my home.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Mel
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If there's one available near you I think a small stream is the ticket....no pressure on the angler.
Once again you've redefined what a small stream looks like...and I really like it. Love those little gems.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard this one could use an influx of rain. Still running cold though.
Alan as much as you frequent these area streams it must be very pleasurable to see the streams going thru these seasonal transformations. The first trout is not having any trouble finding food, wow what a belly that fish has. Thanks for the trip.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad it's great to see the changes in the streams. Normal seasonal changes as well as those hurricanes, and severe wind and ice storms have done major modifications. But the trout survive and actually thrive.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteWait a minute while I pick my lower jaw up off the floor! Absolutely stunning photo's from your home waters! I want to live where you live....or at least close by!
I am so jealous and impressed at the same time,
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug wish you were closer and have the pleasure of fishing these streams. Today a soft-hackle fooled several browns.
Once again spectacular shots. Love the water you fish!
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph they are pretty little streams.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThis place is a true paradise; the wild Ferns and Mountain Laurels and of course the stream make it special. Oh, the brook trout ant bad either!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill you phrased it well...
Gorgeous fish! Our mountain laurel has all but finished for the year, at least in the lower elevations. The rhododendron is coming on now.
ReplyDeleteDavid Knapp
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Dave those blooms don't stay long enough for me. Spring is short.