February the month of my birth. So to start the month off right I chose to fish a lovely little stream located in the eastern hills of Connecticut. Now the term "hills" is kind of pushing it somewhat but it's not exactly flat land. We had received several inches of snow the day before and walking to the stream was beautiful. Snow had blanketed the trees and they looked like frosting on a cake. The air was so still not even the hint of a breeze. The sun was about but the clouds seemed to win. This stream is one that does not require you to wear waders, which is something I truly enjoy. So my pack, rod and a few flies and I was set to bring in the new month.
The stream was moving very well, but it seemed to not make a sound.
It did not take long before I found a friend willing to to play.
The brook trout this day were found in the running waters at the head of the pools.
It was here that I hooked a memorable fish. The fly stopped its drift and then the trout struck. I pulled back and he was on then off..a second later he grabbed the fly again and again he was hooked. This fish took to the air several times before he slowed and was at hand.
It was truly a great start to February.
Pure white snow, clean cold water, and wild brook trout... that's the most soulful scene in existence.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
DeleteThanks
Rowan it's "brook trout forest" to the max.
Days like these are long remembered.
Alan, just beautiful. All of it. Thank God there are still places like this to go to, and that the brookies continue to inhabit these small waters.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
DeleteThanks
Sam, God created these beautiful places, and I firmly believe he will keep them safe.
I may be in your state next week. If I go I'll let you know how I did.
Amen, Alan!
DeleteGood luck fishing in my neck of the woods. I look forward to seeing the report!
I find the snow to be a winter pleasure on those quiet days where a person can just breath deep and take it all in....
ReplyDeleteYour Brook Trout that took to the air trying to shake you is a beautiful creature from winter's col waters. Thanks for sharing.
Mel-Fly Tyin' Times
DeleteThanks
Mel that quiet solitude recharges the soul and mind.
That brookie put up a awesome battle.
Another pretty stream with equally pretty brook trout. Over here in OZ, February can be our hottest and driest month of the year. The Badger Creek at the end of my garden is very low and most of the deeper pools are only a foot or so deep. I walked up the banks a few days ago but didn't see or interest any trout. They must still be there but just even more wary than usual. I saw plenty of little galaxiad minnows. These little guys punch above their weight and have a go at any fly that floats by. I'm tempted to try a tiny dry fly and see if I can hook them. There's a species of galaxiad that is called mountain trout as it resembles imported trout due to its spots and eagerness to take or at least hit an artificial fly. Not quite the same as a brook trout but it would be fun to find and catch a few.
ReplyDeleteKindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
DeleteThanks
Steve those dry weather patterns are killers. We here in the north-east have had two years in a row of some of the worst drought conditions in decades, "no more please". That little so called mountain trout would be fun, and take up the slack in brown trout angling. We have a fish in many of our streams called a fallfish. They take flies and are very strong fighters. Many times these fallfish save the day.
Peaceful, beautiful, powerful winter setting! Good Stuff. Keep fishing whenever you can my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
DeleteThanks
Pete, fish I will the good lord willing. Can't wait until we fish again.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to celebrate the birthday; I see the hackle got the workout. Beautiful images, thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
DeleteThanks
Bill the actual birthday is the 7th, but early regards are A-OK. The soft-hackle has been good as of late.
Lovely Alan as always, nice to get out where nobody has disturbed the snow and everything looks so clean, well done some cracking fishing again.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
DeleteThanks
George to only other foot prints were that of a few rabbits. Truly enjoyable.
"Surely luck was with me today, Sir,
ReplyDeleteI left my heart in the stream,
My body is weary tonight, Sir,
but I have lived the stuff of my dreams."
Edward Ringwood Hewitt
1926 Telling on the Trout
John Dornik
DeleteThanks
Beautiful words John. Ed's words fit this angler tonight.
This may just be one of my favorites. It's so nice to see a stream that isn't covered in dirty snow and trash. Happy birthday Alan. May you be a storyteller for another (insert number) years!
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
DeleteThanks
Howard a fresh snowfall covers up many sins.
I hope to continue as best I can.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYour blogs just keep getting better and better! The snow, the water, the total ambience of the day....not to mention some pretty awesome brook trout! You really are starting off 2017 with a bang!
Happy Birthday Friend! Never, never slow down!
Doug
Dougsden
DeleteThanks
Doug, I don't plan on slowing down....but?
It's been good.