Clean cold highly oxygenated water is an absolute if we are to have a vibrant healthy wild brook trout fishery. The photo shows just what I mean. This stream located in Connecticut flows pure through wonderful hemlock and oak forest, along it's course it tumbles through a steep valley over some impressive boulders. It has been like this for decades and may it remain so for decades to come.
Kirk and I last Tuesday did some exploration. Four streams were chosen and we checked them all. We met at a stream we both are familiar with, choosing this for it was a good place for both of us, and we were than able to take just one vehicle. I walked up to the stream and cast a fly, one that had been tied on from my last outing. On the second cast I felt a jarring hit. The fish felt strong and he suddenly leaped and leaped again.
In a few moments I had an awesome wild one at hand. As I was removing the hook the brookie started to give up part of his morning breakfast. I was stunned at the amount of food that came out. Hundreds of small nymphs and larva. You can tell by the great condition of the fish that he knew how to find the food and that the streams health is such that it provides such nourishment.
On to the new streams. Of the four we checked this one was the most appealing. It is such a pretty stream and has those nooks and crannies that brook trout love. We did not catch a fish in this stream but come April I will give it a thorough checking out.
lovely water clarity and makes spotting fish exciting, lovely looking fish too Alan well done mate .
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George clear water also gives the fish an advantage, but I wonder how the herons and kingfishers manage to do so well.
Beautiful looking stream, sometimes it's just nice to try somewhere new. Nice looking brookie as well.
ReplyDeleteChris MaineFly207
Anonymous
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Chris trying new streams will no doubt take the boredom away. Winter is a good time to locate them and see just where they flow. Spring will be the true test though.
I'd bet that when you put that Brookie back, he kept right on eating.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I would not bet against you on that statement.
Thanks for the great read and photos on this miserably cold winter's day! That brook trout is a trophy for a small stream in these parts, and certainly looks like it eats well.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam I was in shock when I stepped outside, you talk about weather changes. I took out Sylvester Nemes book and I'm going to tie up a few of flies in his book. Good day for it. He was in great condition.
Good day for tying indeed, Alan. I tied up a few of the sulphur soft hackles. They didn't look as good as yours, but I think they will get interest. I bought a partridge skin not long ago and there were some nice white hackles along the edges. Also tied up a couple emerger patterns I saw on Youtube.
DeleteSam
Sam it's going to get a bit warmer over the next days, it's a good sign.
DeletePartridge has a multitude of valuable feathers. I love those brown ones along the back, great caddis feathers.
Lovely water and a strong, pretty Brook Trout. A-0k with me any time.
ReplyDeleteMel-Fly Tyin Times
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Mel I think that stream will give up some nice brookies. Can't wait until April.
Pretty Stream. Rather solid, well fed brook trout!! Very nice.
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
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Pete You are familiar with the stream where that brook trout was taken. The other one needs further sampling.
A bit of trivia for you Alan. Largest wild brookie (verified by scale samples at the state lab)ever taken in CT was landed by a youngster, fishing with plugs for bass, in the Menunketesuk R. in Clinton. My theory the brookie dropped down into salt water and returned as a fat "piglet". I know you are interested in "salters", as am I.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John I was not aware of that. Looking at the state DEEP stream survey of that stream shows one wild brook trout turning up. While that alone proves nothing you have to look at the possibilities of how that fish made it to the sound, and it's access is not very good. There are several other streams in CT that provide access to the sound and they hold better populations of wild brook trout. I would not name these streams on this blog, but if you e-mail me....
That's a really interesting anecdote! I've sailed on the outflow of that river. Rumor has it that a compact square section yellow fly, on a 2/0, with a red head, works wonders there for bass, just inland of the singing bridge ;-)
DeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteLike every post that you put up on this blog, it is interesting and always great eye candy especially the well fed brookie you have pictured!
I am still fascinated with your states abundance of clear, clean, flowing waters which shelter and sustain these living gems! Is it the same situation in neighboring states such Mass. to the north of you? When you look at the map and then take away the state boundary lines, it reveals about the same geography. Regardless, it is a gorgeous region and I am thrilled that you have the opportunities to explore the different streams and still waters that surround you! You are blessed indeed! We are definitely interested in the results of your "April Survey"!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug western Mass is a place I frequent, there are some beautiful freestone stream throughout. I'm going to expand it this year to the eastern part of the state....perhaps I should finish with CT. first.
Alan, I'm really enjoying your exploration of these beautiful streams and their inhabitants. Makes me realize my own possibilities.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard as long as I can walk, all be it slow now I'll continue to fiddle about....go for it buddy.
What a lovely creature...
ReplyDeletepenbayman
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Mike indeed, as well as a well fed creature.
Alan
ReplyDeletePretty little stream, do you ever take a brook in the fast runs? Thanks for sharing