Monday was here and I had planned to check out a new stream that I had my eye on for some time. The only problem was something needed to be done at home first and it would be later on in the day before I could get out there to explore. Sometimes things happen and what you thought would hamper an outing seem to turn out to be OK. What I'm saying is what I had to do Monday was actually put off until Tuesday. Well I headed for the new stream and was excited to see if my thoughts about it were accurate. When I found the access point there was an issue. Many areas were heavily posted. I drove all around looking for a place to park and get in. I did find a spot to park but then it involved walking through what looked like a swampy briar filled piece of terrain. I was not ready to explore this area with snow on the ground so I chose to let it be until I had better conditions.
So I drove to stream #2...which was in great condition. There was snow on the ground but I was familiar with the area, and I now have a good relationship with the landowners and walking through a yard or two is OK. You know what's nice is that they even stop and ask me how I'm doing.
The stream was clear as could be. I observed several brookies holding in the shallows, and they never spooked. What else I noticed were fish rising quite frequently. Glancing about I noticed winter stones crawling all over and midges hatching at will. With all that activity I tied on a dry fly and proceeded to have one fine outing.
These guys were aggressive. They hit the fly over and over until they were hooked.
Unbelievable water clarity.
Yes this is February, and that is a Neversink Skater, and that is a beautiful wild jewel.
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| A Neversink Skater variant. I have to get the right hackle though |
Oh my, those photos!
ReplyDeleteBill/Tully
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Bill a good photo says so much..I have wonderful subjects.
Ditto Bill - what images!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will I appreciate it.
All of the above and then some...........
ReplyDeleteMel-Fly Tyin Times
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Mel you are indeed kind.
Beautiful..... looks like a great outing.
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn, Fly Tyer
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Doug for a change of plans it sure turned out great.
Great photos as always! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBob W
Bob W
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Bob it's my pleasure, glad you enjoy them.
lovely mate and looks like you had a good time :)
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George I sure did.
Hi Alan, what camera do you use for the close up shots?
ReplyDeleteAnd what is the pattern for the Skater?
Grannom
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I use a Nikon L820.
The skater pattern I use is a variant of Ed Hewett's Neversink Skater. I use genetic hackle and coq de leon hackle...you can find the pattern on the internet.
Alan
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys are still in winter's grip; glad the dries got the brook trout's attention. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill there's still snow but the temps have been in the 50's, and the trout were looking up.
"Sign, Sign, everywhere a sign"...Arlo Guthrie. That is what has happened to my old grouse coverts, or houses built.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is you will find a way to get into stream #1, and I am glad #2 produced for you. Beautiful pictures.
Parachute Adams
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Hey Sam have you been to Alice's Restaurant in Stockbridge...Jeanette and I visited there a few years ago. I'll figure out stream #1 just as soon as the snow cover is gone.
No doubt in my mind you will figure out stream #1. No, Bev and I haven't been to Alice's Restaurant, but we plan to travel together more, once I retire.
DeleteAbove I said that the Sign song was Arlo Guthrie, but in fact it was done by a Canadian group called 5 Man Electric Band.
Sam we all have a senior moment from time to time.
DeleteI am at the top of my class when it comes to them.
Retirement is good.
I look forward to when I can fish and hunt to my heart's content. I ran into a class mate from high school today on the Swift River and he is thinking the same. Hopefully we can both stay healthy and fish for many years to come.
DeleteSam I hope your day on the Swift was enjoyable. And may your retirement plans come true.
DeleteThese skaters definitely are effective. Great action shots, Alan!
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily there are those times when a big fly will wake them up. Sometimes the fish just hold and pose for me.
One can run out of adjectives describing your photos!! Simply gorgeous!
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Pete I love my subjects.
That clear and golden water is really something. We're having such a warm spell in MA, I need to get out and fish soon.
ReplyDeleteTROUTANDFLY
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Warm here too. If you have the chance get out and fish. Winter will be back.
Those pictures of the brookies and the water clarity are exceptional!
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
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Chris I have a photo of a brookie taken in the water and you would swear it was on dry land.
THE COLORS! Only nature can't create them. Thanks for sharing Alan.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph your an artist and you know that it's almost impossible to recreate such color.
I think you really outdid yourself this time, Alan. You must know I'm a big fan of catskill patterns. Ed Hewitt had a camp, on the Neversink R. until the state of NY built a dam and created the Neversink Reservoir. His old camp is now under fifty ft of water. "Let's do the time warp again".
DeleteJohn Dornik
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John I did not know you were a fan of Catskill flies. I was aware of Hewetts love of the Neversink. The upper Neversink is beautiful, classic brook trout waters, another love of Hewett. Must have been something in those times.
Alan, I wish I had the talent to recreate the actual colors. You come close.....but only close. :)
ReplyDeleteRalph sometimes close will do.
DeleteGot to love those cold water brookies. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard I do..and cold water is key.