Wednesday, January 25, 2017

An Odd Day And A Bomber Brookie

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.







25 comments:

  1. Wow, can't believe I've never heard of Fran Betters Ausable Bomber! Thanks for the post and bringing this to my attention.

    Roger

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    Replies
    1. BaitSoaker
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  2. Alan
    Just to be on this beautiful stream would make my day---thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill as many times as I fish each time seems more pleasurable.

      Delete
  3. A winter rise is always a gift. Thanks for sharing the walk Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Ralph Long
      Thanks
      Ralph winter rises are not a rarity but they sure are wonderful when they happen.

      Delete
  4. 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".

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    Replies
    1. Grandpa Mel
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Keven Frank
      Thanks
      Keven it was one beautiful day overall.

      Delete
  6. That's a tremendous January outing!

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    Replies
    1. RM Lytle
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  7. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  8. Regarding the picture below of your den, what a beautiful room. Sure beats where I tie flies on the work bench in my basement!

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  9. Alan, 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.

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    Replies
    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  10. Haha Mr. Brook Trout of the Foamy Lair is a clever fish.

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    Replies
    1. gios
      Thanks
      Yes sir. There are two reasons these fish get big...good feed, and being smart.

      Delete
  11. 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!!!

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1
      Thanks
      Pete it was overall a fine day. And you are the "Master" of the soft-hackle pheasant tail.

      Delete
  12. I never thought to fish the foam. Thanks for the advice.

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    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz
      Thanks
      Mark those places should never be overlooked.
      Lot's of surprises can be had.

      Delete
  13. That looks like very inviting water Alan. No wonder the brookies are so beautiful.

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