Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The First Day Of Spring

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.


The response came very swiftly..I was greeted by a hard take. This fish was strong, mad and a bit surprised that the insect she bit, bit her back. A few little runs and she soon gave up. I placed my hand under the brown and lifted it to admire. Placed back in the stream and she was a memory of this day.


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.








24 comments:

  1. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fading Angler
      Thanks
      Chris, waters as these will give up a few lunkers from time to time. The little guys are truly special.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. William Shuck
      Thanks
      Bill I appreciate your comment and your following.

      Delete
  3. Alan
    If 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  4. Alan,
    This 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dougsden
      Thanks
      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".....

      Delete
  5. 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.

    Chris MaineFly207

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  6. Quaint, beauty, silence, fish on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mel-Fly Tyin Times
      Thanks
      Mel few words, but they sum it up very well.

      Delete
  7. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz
      Thanks
      Mark I think we will be snow free in a week or so unless the old man does something stupid.

      Delete
  8. 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.

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  9. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sam your right on both accounts....play ball!

      Delete
  10. Beautiful, peaceful photos.The stream and the surrounding snow covered woods, gives one a feeling of serenity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TROUT1
      Thanks
      Pete it was very nice indeed, but I'm ready to see some green.

      Delete
  11. 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..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. penbayman
      Thanks
      Mike winter does not leave the north country early.
      The view looking out on the ocean must be spectacular on clear winter days.

      Delete
  12. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Dornik
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete