Sunday Kirk and I got together to fish a couple of small streams. Kirk is due to have some surgery on his foot and that surgery will not allow him to wade these little waters for about a month. We met at stream 1 about 7-8 am and after a game plan we started fishing. I started with an ant and Kirk with a muddler. After about a half hour I had nothing and Kirk managed 3 good brook trout. We moved downstream and I settled in a lovely pool that had trout rising and Kirk went further down. I started fishing the ant and no takers..they were still rising. Several fly changes...and no takers, several more fly selections...and no takers, but they were still rising. Frustration was taking hold and I could not figure it out. Selective brook trout in a small stream..how could this be. I finally tied on my smallest offering a size 18 Jassid...second drift and wham fish on-off that was the battle. Several more drifts and hookup, nice fight and a brookie-selective brookie to hand. I figured it out and another to hand. Then looking at the fly or what was left to it and that was the end of that series of success.
I worked downstream to find my way to where Kirk was fishing, all the while not doing well as far as catching is concerned. Kirk was close and said he had several more brook trout seduced by the muddler. The decision to head to stream 2 was made and I was happy...new water maybe better luck.
This wild one fooled by the Jassid.
We stopped for a spell to enjoy a cup of coffee, this store has a coffee blend that is tops. I also battled to bring from memory of a maple syrup place in St. Johnsbury VT that I wanted Kirk to visit....."Kirk the name of the syrup store is "Maple Grove Farms" check it out it's wonderful".
We arrived at stream 2 to find it in great shape. We fished it and had some luck, mostly Kirk that is. We both agreed that this stream has the most beautiful brookies in Connecticut. An hour or so and Kirk had to leave, and I had to stay and fish.
In the small pools and runs of this stream my day was made. This wild male brook trout slammed a fly, danced and darted trying to get free. He finally gained his freedom after a photo or two.
Frustration was a bad memory, flies will work, and brook trout will come to hand.
Those fish certainly are some of the prettiest I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan that stream produces some wonderful natives.
That brookie from stream 2 is stunning, Alan. I have never seen one with so many golden spots like that. What a beautiful picture of it.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam it was well spotted. Can't wait to see him come this fall.
A nice sized one to boot, I meant to add. What a treasure that stream is.
ReplyDeleteSam he was decent size, but that stream has given up a few like that before.
DeleteI was thinking of you and your streams when I finally got into a group of Minnesota Driftless brook trout over the weekend. Yours are better dressed. ;)
ReplyDeleteFading Angler
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Chris thanks for thinking of me. I'll check out your brookies.
Man, what gorgeous fish for sure. Seems you have caught some really big fish this spring. Hopefully that's a positive sign of the health of the ecosystems you are fishing!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will all of us, Mark, Pete, Kirk, Rowan and myself commented on the amount of small young brook trout we have seen in the small streams we fish. Some of those little guys are now coming of age.
Alan, my friend, that is some beautiful Brookies you did land. Those colors are just striking too me! Quick question on Kirk's fishing..... Did he fish the Muddler as a Dry or as a Streamer??
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Mel
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Mel he was fishing it as a streamer-wet fly, but has fished it dry also. He does well with it.
You have some beauties there Alan!!! Photos of the streams are awesome too!!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
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Pete the streams were in nice shape. Certain areas had substantial rain on Saturday.
Another fine day in Brook Trout country.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Your so right Mark. I hope it never ends.
the fresh water looks cooling to me from hot/humid texas.
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa the water temp was a nice cool 54 degrees.
Hot I can tolerate, humid I despise.
Great trout fishing is wonderful to admire great fishing season
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando this season has been a good one so far. I hope it continues.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI know Kirk will feel frustrated for that month not being able to fish, but he will have your great post to keep him up to date. I took a look at the Jassid through Google, awesome pattern. When you get the time can you show us an image of your version of this pattern? thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that inactivity for a month will be an issue for him. Between reading blogs, and looking for that true bargain should keep him busy. I'll post the Jassid.
Bill,
Deletehttp://smallstreamreflections.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-jassid-famous-fly.html