Yesterday after reading several posts by Howard at "Windknots and Tangled Lines" and Rowan at "Connecticut Fly Angler" I decided to hit a lake and try to catch a few warm-water fish. I'm familiar with the lake and usually do well here. Armed with one fly box and my trusty CGR 3wt I drove into the parking area around 9. The sky was clear and the air temp was very comfortable. The lake was at capacity and the water clear. A breeze was also in the mix but not much of a problem. As I walked in to where I was to fish I could see a few canoes, and kayaks out on the water, don't know if they were fishing or just enjoying the day.
As I reached my little spot I got this feeling that I made a mistake, that I forgot something...well I did my fly box with my streamers. Being about 50 miles from home I was not about to head back and get them so I said use what you have. The selection of flies I had in the one box I carried was more than enough, in fact I could have done well with only 3 flies for that's all I needed this day.
Smallmouths of this size were taken this day. They are jumpers and gave my 3wt a workout.
These rock bass were all over the flies I presented. The fly hit the water and was allowed to stay for a moment, then I twitched it and they pounced on it.
What it looks like wet. When pulsed in the water the hackles come alive.
Here alongside this boulder I was able to hook three of the most beautiful brook trout ever. They were determined not to be taken and all three escaped the camera, but not my eyes. They were wild fish 3-4 inches long.
Many of these were willing to take the fly.
Simple and very effective.
One of the better bluegills today, awesome on the glass rod.
Saw this flying just above the tree tops.
That is a very nice day!!! Some of those bluegills look like dinner plates!! Way to go Brk Trt. Nice photo of the plane. They were probably checking you out!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
DeleteThanks
Pete those gill's fight real well on the 3wt. That plane was doing some advanced scouting on??????
wow, beautiful variety of fish!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
DeleteThanks
Theresa I need a day like that.
Looks like a very relaxing time on a beautiful day. Smallmouth bass are an absolute blast on the fly rod.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
DeleteThanks
Sam it was a fine day and never ending action. Those smallies can really dance.
They sure do, Alan. I will never forget saving up money to buy a Sears Ted Williams approved fly rod and catching a good sized smallmouth on it with a popper. I wish I still had that fly rod.
DeleteSam...Ted Williams fly rod, I wish you and myself had one.
DeleteGlad I helped inspire you to get out on a lake Alan. And a pretty one to boot. After I got found last weekend I did manage to get out on a local pond with tons of real small bluegill. That one you got is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a dandy bluegill. A lot of fun to catch on a fly rod I bet.
DeleteHoward Levett
DeleteThanks
Howard I felt like Bill Trussell. The master at catching BIG bluegills.
Alan, as much I love my trout fishing, the little kid in me cannot resist fishing bluegills in the spring,lots of fun exspecially on a glass rod. Nice touch with the soft hackles, I think they catch fish no matter the species. That last gill is a monster, I know that was fun on the c. G. R. Thanks for the show.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
DeleteThanks
Brad bluegills and perch were a staple for us kids. That time of life was special.
That fish was a blast on that rod.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou sure hit the spot with me and this last post! This is my world, Bluegills on soft-hackles and wets of all sorts (and yes, the occasional dry fly!) and Smallmouth Bass on patterns too numerous to mention! I particularly like fooling big Bluegill at all levels. They are not as easy as one might think! The last one you showed is a dandy. This is spring fishing at it's finest! I am still fascinated with the brookies that you show on your favorite waters! Perhaps someday? I am glad that you have both the warm water species and trout at your disposal! This is just fantastic!
Flying in Ohio,
Doug
Dougsden
DeleteThanks
Doug I knew you would enjoy this post being from the land of warm water angling. Your soft-hackles, and flymphs are just the ticket for these fish. Doug just down the road from that lake is the Farmington River, a wild and scenic trout wonder.
What a great assortment of fish! Looks like great water...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
DeleteThanks
Ralph that's a place I love come those dog days of summer. Not only is the fishing good but what a place to have your morning coffee.
Well, Alan, now I am totally envious. What a fine sample of your warm water fish in this post. As you know, I love my Bluegill fishing with an occasional Bass thrown in for the fun of it. I am going to work on improving my soft hackle patterns a bit. I really like yours.........
ReplyDeleteP.S. I just ordered a few days ago, a Cabela's CGR 4 wt. However, it is on back order. Can't wait to get it and get after my local fish!
Grandpa Mel
DeleteThanks
Mel you and Bell both are masters at this type of fishing. Those bluegills are rod benders.
You are going to love that rod Mel...
Nice assortment of fish Alan! I did the same thing the other day. Who knew big largemouth would consistently smash a small wet.
ReplyDeletethedeadfisher
DeleteThanks
John panfish readily take soft-hackles, but smallies, and now you say largemouth take them. Good stuff.
Alan
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is gorgeous---glad you were able to make contact with some beautiful warm water species. thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
DeleteThanks
Bill it was enjoyable.
I love those rock bass and bluegills! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
DeleteThanks
Rowan they're like candy canes on a Christmas tree.
here in my area we do not have Bluegill ... it's good to eat? Loks like great day.
ReplyDeletesurprised that no one commented what type of airplane that is.. that is a military transport plane, the C-130 "Hercules," which has been flying since the 1950s.
ReplyDeleteyou may ask, why is he commenting on a post from years ago? when I need a momentary "escape" at work, I select a date on your blog at random and wander around for a bit..
Thank you,
Art U.