I had plans to fish three streams on this day and that mission was accomplished. As I've said many times these outings are more about an outdoor experience then it is about catching fish, and this outing was classic. When I walked down the path to reach stream #1 of the day I found it flowing beautifully. Just hearing it tumble over the rocks gave me a good feeling. As I got to where I would make my first cast I was a little bit shocked. Beavers had made a dam and it totally changed the streams flow, not to mention the mess around the stream which including the loss of a considerable amount of trees. These guys had made a total of three dams along a quarter mile of stream. There has to be something done...after the first of the year I'll contact the land trust to see if they are aware of the damage going on and if they have a plan on correcting it. Well I fished the stream some and had no luck at all.
I drove to the second stream and found it looking sweet. I reached the first run and tossed in the fly, result nothing. I fished the entire length of that stream with out a bump. No panic on my end for I knew the trout were there for I spooked many. For some reason they were just not feeding.
Finally in this lovely pool I was able to get a fish to take.
A 2 hour brookie....well worth the wait.
On my way to fish the third stream I pass by a small general store. This place has one of lifes pleasures in the form of coffee. The coffee is roasted and blended locally and brewed perfectly. It was delicious "black and hot".
Stream 3, it's actually the same stream as #1 just further up. In this area the stream flows softly and it's pools are long with slight riffles in between. This section has given up some big brookies in the past, but today they were all sleeping. I worked very hard and with a variety of flies but I could not get a take.
Not far from where I was to climb up out of the stream to call it a day I managed to get this fellow to take a dry. I was happy for that brookie may have been my last of 2016.
As Steve Coulton over at "currentseams" stated in his latest post "they had lockjaw today"......
"And Moma in her kerchief and I in my cap, had just settled in for a long Winter's nap....."
ReplyDeleteTime for a rest?
John Dornik
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John where did I hear that phrase before....2017, no time to rest. Happy New Year
Sounds like a good outing... Something about local coffee, from a local store. It tastes better for sure. If you guys got snow like we did here in N.Central MA - it will be a while before you fish a stream in such clear conditions again... Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will I see how you guys got pounded. That snow will come into good use though. I really love Dunkin coffee but a good change in taste is a pleasure. A great 2017 to you and yours.
This summer did some damage to stream #3. I've visited it a number of times and there simply are not as many large fish as there were last year.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan your right...but the smaller ones are still swimming. See you NYD
If that was the last one for 2016, what a beautiful way to go out. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMichael Agneta
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Mike I agree. A great 2017 to you and yours Mike.
Our streams (Idaho) have beaver in them as well. The Fish and Game want them there for stream health, but every year the stream channel changes are a surprise. On one of my local streams the best stretch of water was completely submerged by beaver ponds. Sort of a bummer. I prefer running water over ponds.
ReplyDeleteDavis Family
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I'm not a fan of those ponds either. They are really destructive to both the stream as well as the trees along the banks. But on the other hand beavers and brook trout have been living together for a lot of years. Happy New Year.
Lockjaw or not, that was certainly a great day to be on the water. I set and stared at the picture of Stream #3, and for a moment, dreamed I casting my fly upon the water.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the last one of the year, maybe.....
Grandpa Mel
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Mel that is a sweet spot on that stream. It's gentle flow and very low banks make access comfortable, and also that area around the tree is a brookie hangout. A great 2017 to you and family.
Beautiful streams and brook trout as well as great freshly brewed coffee. Who could ask for anything more? Maybe just a Polish paczek donut. Life is good!
ReplyDeleteCheers and Happy New Year,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve oh those Polish donuts, resolution only one a week in 2017. Life is indeed good. A great 2017 Steve to you and yours.
A successful day on the stream Brk Trt. A fine way to end the year and may we be as successful on NYD!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
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Pete I have faith in your ability to get on the board NYD. A Happy New Year to you and yours.
Here's to a cool, wet 2017!!
ReplyDeleteKen
Millers River Flyfisher
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Ken I'll second that thought...resolution to fish the Swift in 2017.
A heckuva way to ring in the new year! Beautiful fish! You have some great water to walk. My best for 2017.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph I'm fortunate to be in and area where I can walk some beautiful parts of the natural world. A wonderful and healthy 2017 to you and yours.
Alan, hope you have a happy new year. I hope you didn't drive off with that fly rod on the car,I would have to come to Connecticut to help you find it. Beautiful water and a great way to end the yr. thankyou for an entire year of wonderful photos and beautiful brook trout,it's been great.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I know driving off without putting it in the car happens all to often, I just hope I never do.
It was a good year all around, and lots of hope for 2017. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Thanks for always bring out the positive Alan. Happy New Year to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard as you well know there is to much negative going on out there. If enough of us keep pushing positive vibes perhaps we can change things. A great 2017 to you and yours.
Perfection at its best Alan. Have a good New Year and tight lines for 2017
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George I do hope your 2017 proves to be just as you want. Happy New Year.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous streams and colorful brookies, what a way to end the year---Happy New Year Alan!!!
Bill Trussell
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Bill a great ending to a wonderful year. Happy New Year Bil and family.
Now that's my idea of wintertime happiness, Alan.
ReplyDeleteFading Angler
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Chris it was a great way to end the year.
A Happy New Year Chris.