This is my second post on our recent trip to SNP. This day featured rain, fog ,and some sun, elements that were not a deterrent to our full day of enjoyment in this pristine place. We walked familiar trails and a few new ones. The beauty of the woods when wet is hard to describe, hopefully what I can't find words for you'll see in the photos here.
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| Photo Jeanette Petrucci |
The clarity of the water is beyond comprehension. Though so clear the brook trout blend in.
You see these springs flowing out of the rocks..cold water.
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| Photo Jeanette Petrucci |
One of the pools that was very good to me.
I was able to get this one to take a streamer.
An enchanting place....we stopped here for a little lunch.
There were parts of this stream that could have been fished easier with waders. Access to the stream was tough in hiking boots, but where there is a will there will be rewards.
And this is the reward. This fellow was dressed in formal fall attire.
In this pool I observed several brook trout. They were holding in several locations. The fly was presented and the fish scattered, to where I don't know. I waited for several minutes and they did not reappear. I gave it some more time and soon I saw one, than two and three move back into there previous positions. I cast the fly and saw the trout move....hook set and fish on.
What was soon at hand was the most beautiful wild brook trout I have taken this year. His colors were magnificent. Look at his belly, that black line between the white and orange. Crisp markings on his fins..... red dots, blue halos, and that steel gray of his gill plate. What a gorgeous specimen created by nature.
We now toast to Shenandoah...may it always remain just as we last saw it.
Beautiful fish and location. A few more weeks of saltwater fishing and I'll be raring to go find some fall brookies.
ReplyDeleteRKM
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Kirk you have to put this place on your list....
Brk Trt, WOW!! What a setting to take such beautiful brook trout jewels. I could be wrong, but it looks like you were using your Cabela's fiberglass rod? NICE!!
ReplyDeleteDRYFLYGUY
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I used both the Cabelas 5'9" 3wt, and a Cane and Silk 5' 2wt...both glass and they performed beautifully.
gosh, the color in those fish! and beautiful falls. and i waved hello to you, thanks to jeanette. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl
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Theresa so many waterfalls.....I'll thank her.
Simply outstanding Brk Trt!! The photos say it all!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
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Pete a beautiful place to visit...and fish.
Thanks, Alan and Jeanette for taking me a long on your trip via your beautiful photos of the scenery and fall colored brook trout. That has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth and I hope it always remains that way. Regards, Sam
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam it's so hard to convey the actual beauty of this place. One must experience it first hand. Thankfully it's protected.
I am happy to report we got some rain in southern New England from the Matthew storm. The eastern part of Mass and Connecticut got most of it, but all is appreciated at this point. Enjoy your trip and safe travels home. Regards, Sam
DeleteSam, the streams took a good filling with the storm....OK now let's keep it going.
DeleteThat last one is the quintessential southern speck. Such a lovely fish!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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We met a few anglers on the trails and that's what one called them "specks".
Wow. Just wow. Beautiful trout, stream, and park. Seems like a great time
ReplyDeleteTrout fisherman
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It was a trip to remember. Can't wait to go back.
Alan, one word described what I just read...enchanting.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard that sums it up very well.
Excellent photos in part 2 just as they were in part 1. The colors on those Brookies are amazing. No wonder I love the Brook Trout the best.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark they are truly beautiful creatures.
Thanks for letting us tag along on your journey. Maybe someday I'll be back in brook trout waters and can see these things for myself.
ReplyDeleteJay Guarneri
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Jay I enjoyed bringing it to you. I hope you do get back and experience wild brook trout angling.
Absolutely magnificent Alan and Jeanette!
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of your best posts (Both one and two) ever!! The fish are particularly gorgeous as they seem to be a true reflection of their surroundings! This has given me a new found respect for the park and it's many treasures!
Thank you both for sharing this special trip with all of us!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug it has to be one of the finest places to fish for wild brook trout. You can find solitude and you can find people. Like I said before I wish I lived closer.
I like the orange dot just behind the last two red dots on that last brookie. Looks like a great trip. I enjoy fishing the park when we go down to visit my mom in Tenn. Such a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout
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John it looks like a target. SNP is a gem. Maybe next time we'll venture further south.
Alan - Glad to see you were enjoying all the park has to offer! Some of the most beautiful brook trout I've had the pleasure of seeing come from that Park! We owe a debt of thanks to those who had the foresight to preserve this area and those that labored hard during the depression to create such a lovely national park!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark SNP is one of the east's great destinations.
Thanks to the CCC.
Health..!
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Yes sir.
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for letting us all come along.
DeleteCheers,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
DeleteThanks, it's my pleasure.