There are those times when things just don't line up the way you planned it. The adult way to deal with is to accept it and move on. Such was the case last outing when I felt it was all going to be great. The weather was super, stream flows right where they should be and even a few bugs about. The only issue was the fish were not in the mood. I fished a long time, using different flies, fishing prime pools and runs, and nothing to show for it. I did have a mistake bump, which got the juice flowing again. That was short lived though and it was back to nothing again.
It was about 3 hours into the outing when I came about this pool. It had a nice riffle at the head and a long rather deep pool. It was at this time when I said I'm fishing dries only. My thought was "if I'm not catching fish I may as well not catch them on dries". I tied on a "Bomber" and sent it down the riffle and low and behold I had a brookie rise. There was no hook-up but there was finally interest. I sent the fly off again and I could see the brookie move on it, he took and soon was at hand, and just as soon he was gone. I moved through the pool and came upon a log jam with a large foam spot, you can see it in the photo. When on a small stream "foam is good" I flipped the bomber into the foam it sat there a second or two and then hell broke loose. The fish quickly put the bend into the rod. I could feel a heavy fish on the end and was trying to figure how I was going to lift him over the logs. That's when he made a move to his sanctuary of debris and was gone, with my bomber. I will be back to get it Mr. Brook Trout.
The hanging hemlock. These are places to never pass up. Just in front I observed a rising fish. I sent the bomber on a drift. The trout rose and was hooked. This time I able to bring him to hand.
It was an odd day for sure, but well worth it. A "Bomber" Brookie.
Wow, can't believe I've never heard of Fran Betters Ausable Bomber! Thanks for the post and bringing this to my attention.
ReplyDeleteRoger
BaitSoaker
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Roger the "Bomber" was one of Frans best creations. The fly floats like a cork and is highly visible. Best of all it catches fish.
Alan
ReplyDeleteJust to be on this beautiful stream would make my day---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill as many times as I fish each time seems more pleasurable.
A winter rise is always a gift. Thanks for sharing the walk Alan.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph winter rises are not a rarity but they sure are wonderful when they happen.
Indeed, just to be out on a pleasant Winter day on good looking water would be a special day for me. Those that took the dry and came too hand were quite nice. The bigger one, "Sometimes the fish win in the game of fishing".
ReplyDeleteGrandpa Mel
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Mel pleasant winter day are to be cherished, and a dry fly brookie is a big plus. Loosing a big fish sort of puts us on and equal platform.
Nice water and nice fish as usual.
ReplyDeleteKeven Frank
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Keven it was one beautiful day overall.
That's a tremendous January outing!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan not bad. I guess being given the chance to fish, and missing some fish balances. It's good that I have a sound memory, I know where he lives.
I had to chuckle being once in a while I say the same thing, if they're not hitting, I might as well fish the way I like best, and that is with the dry fly. I'm glad you connected with that dandy if only briefly. Now you know where he lives. Sounds like a great outing with a beauty brought to hand.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam if we our out there may as well enjoy it as best we can. It's like taking out a fly that's been in your box and hasn't been used in years, you tie it on and "Wham". The brookie was frosting indeed.
Regarding the picture below of your den, what a beautiful room. Sure beats where I tie flies on the work bench in my basement!
ReplyDeleteSam thanks
DeleteAlan, mark was gracious enough to give me a bomber when he visited pa. I took it home and have tied a few more for my box. I have always used a royal Wolff for a bushy dry in a dry-dropper situation, I think the bomber is going to be better from a durability and floatations situation. Can't wait to find out.the last photo of the Brookie is a dandy. Brookie taken on a dry in Jan. " priceless". Thankyou.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad that bomber is great in the combination you speak of. It's also a good smallie fly. I believe Harry Murray has a smallie fly that's similar called a "bass skater"...I love winter dry fly action.
Haha Mr. Brook Trout of the Foamy Lair is a clever fish.
ReplyDeletegios
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Yes sir. There are two reasons these fish get big...good feed, and being smart.
Appears that you had a gorgeous day to be out on the river!! The Bomber always works for you, like the SH PT for me!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
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Pete it was overall a fine day. And you are the "Master" of the soft-hackle pheasant tail.
I never thought to fish the foam. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark those places should never be overlooked.
Lot's of surprises can be had.
That looks like very inviting water Alan. No wonder the brookies are so beautiful.
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