On the official first day of Spring found myself fishing a small stream where the landscape looked more like Winter. I started my day about 10, with the sun out in force the air temps warmed up beautifully. As I walked to the stream I felt there was a new beginning coming to the woods and waters. The birds were very vocal, the trees that were dormant and had leaves still hanging on from last fall were tossing them aside preparing for the buds of a new season. The stream was open but the blanket of snow draped the edges, and caution was needed when walking close.
Several trees that fell across the stream were covered with small animal tracks, natural bridges that they no doubt prefer to use rather than the alternative. Fishing in winter can be beautiful, but it can be frustrating. March has never been a banner month for me, most times the fish are not cooperative. It's funny one day you will take trout from a particular run, and the next 3 times fishing the same place and it will be like your on a different planet.
After a couple of hours I walked upon this slow silent pool. Looking at it I thought of "wow that would make a lovely Christmas card"...I tossed out my offering and let the stream do the rest.
Winter has been hard on this stream, numerous blow downs have taken away some fine pools....but it has also created some very interesting new hide-a-ways....soon to be explored.
I was directed to some skinny water in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago that reminded me of the tales you weave here. Even this fish were similar. :)
ReplyDeleteFading Angler
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Chris, waters as these will give up a few lunkers from time to time. The little guys are truly special.
Lovely post (as per usual).
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I appreciate your comment and your following.
Alan
ReplyDeleteIf we had that kind of snow here everyone would be in panic mode!! Glad you were able to make it out. Beautiful brook---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill we thought that with the mild weather in February that winter was on the way out, then a blizzard with a foot and a half of snow proved otherwise.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThis post is awesome in so many ways! Have you ever noticed a certain pregnant stillness that envelopes these waters that you have pictured? I am glad that spring is springing forth on your turf. This is the greenest our lawn has looked in years given this time of year! I should get our mower out of hiding and service it soon.
I am still amazed at the thinness of the waters you fish and the thickness of the fish that live in them! Wonderful as always!
What fly did the brown fall to?
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug to answer your first question "I do", and I cherish it. Like I told Chris some of these streams will give up a biggie at times.
The mystery fly....a soft-hackle..."starling and flash".....
Beautiful fish and stream. Opening day here in Maine is set for April 1st. Alot of places in the northern part of the state won't be ready to fish for a bit. I may have to look at the southern part for some hold overs. I look forward to your posts and can't wait to get back on the water. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChris MaineFly207
Anonymous
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Chris I'll bet it will be early May before those northern waters open enough to actually fish.
You'll do well down south...I'll wait for a report.
Quaint, beauty, silence, fish on!
ReplyDeleteMel-Fly Tyin Times
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Mel few words, but they sum it up very well.
We have another month or so until our season opens, but I think it'll be June before the snow goes away enough to access the streams.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I think we will be snow free in a week or so unless the old man does something stupid.
Beautiful Christmas Card worthy photos, Alan, no doubt about that. March is a tough month to fish around these parts, but unlike other areas with closed season, at least we get the chance to give it a go. I'm glad you connected with that wild brown.
ReplyDeleteI fished for a bit last evening myself after work, connecting with one trout, and enjoyed every minute of being out fly fishing. It sure is cold and windy today, but this will pass soon with warmer weather not too far in the future.
Best Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam being able to fish and having places with so much beauty is all that's required.
That's great,Sam being able to fish after work and connecting on a trout is a good feeling. I have been trying to fish a few western MA streams, now if I could only get nature to help me. I think last March was a bit milder.
Connecting with a trout with one's own tied fly never fails to bring happiness. Same as my baseball days, squaring up the baseball for a line drive or better never gets old.
ReplyDeleteSam your right on both accounts....play ball!
DeleteBeautiful, peaceful photos.The stream and the surrounding snow covered woods, gives one a feeling of serenity!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1
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Pete it was very nice indeed, but I'm ready to see some green.
Early spring here in New England is a big tease for sure..11 degrees this morning here on the coast of Maine Alan..hard ice on ponds and lakes and the brooks and streams are mostly closed in..
ReplyDeletepenbayman
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Mike winter does not leave the north country early.
The view looking out on the ocean must be spectacular on clear winter days.
Hi Alan, Winter is not all so bad. It gives us plenty of months with "R"s. Got some local Guilford CT oysters yesterday. Gonna fry some up tonight. Not the healthiest cooking but the most tasty (in my view). Soft hackles rule!
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John, there's and old saying "oysters "r" in season.
I've had oysters in a seafood chowder and I've had them fried and the best way is fried. One way of eating them I will never try is raw.
You have given me the menu for tonight...white clam sauce, with spaghetti, garlic bread, and a root beer.