The "Will"
It is April in the highlands of Eastern Connecticut, a little stream of water winds its
way down the gentle hill on its way to a junction and a merge into a larger river which
in turn will reach its destiny with the sea. The Spring rains have started and the stream is filling almost to its banks. It is a refreshing sight and a wonderful feeling
of hope and of satisfaction to the wild brook trout that call this stream home.
It is April in the highlands of Eastern Connecticut, a little stream of water winds its
way down the gentle hill on its way to a junction and a merge into a larger river which
in turn will reach its destiny with the sea. The Spring rains have started and the stream is filling almost to its banks. It is a refreshing sight and a wonderful feeling
of hope and of satisfaction to the wild brook trout that call this stream home.
The thoughts of the last years heat and low water conditions are but a memory to the
brook trout, for they only look to the future, a time of bounty and well being.
For in the lives of these brook trout have been tested many times, their tenacity and
bull dog toughness in times of hardship should be a model for all.
brook trout, for they only look to the future, a time of bounty and well being.
For in the lives of these brook trout have been tested many times, their tenacity and
bull dog toughness in times of hardship should be a model for all.
Now being pushed back into these tiny streams they seem to thrive. While not the largest
of salmonids they are the most beautiful. They have a "will" like nothing else on earth.
These wild creatures of the little waters are in a time of plenty, and when the days come that are harsh and almost unbearable the "Will" to survive will kick in and the brook trout will endure.
of salmonids they are the most beautiful. They have a "will" like nothing else on earth.
These wild creatures of the little waters are in a time of plenty, and when the days come that are harsh and almost unbearable the "Will" to survive will kick in and the brook trout will endure.
Alan Petrucci
Newington, Connecticut March 2017
Newington, Connecticut March 2017
Beautifully said, Alan.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I appreciate the your comment.
Great comments and so true Alan. It's that Will to Survive that attracts us to pursue those trout in a battle of wits and skill (yes my brain has been compared to a little fish's brain...). Yet, like when men and women compete in military boot camp to be the best.... in the long run we're all part of the family and have each other's backs in total respect. I wish all folks had the respect for these Brookie Warriors like folks here do - to help these trout survive and thrive.
ReplyDeleteOn second thought, please don't compare my brain with that of a small Brookie. That's condescending to the Brookies.... Jim M
Anonymous
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Jim, your comment means so much, very well put.
Your last sentence made me chuckle.
The are a beautiful fish & the trout that taught me how to both fish and fly fish. I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph so many of us have done the same...small casting reels and rods, some worms and a whole lot of memories.
Nicely said, enjoyed the post....
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn, Fly Tyer
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Doug I appreciate your comment.
Wonderful ode to the beautiful brook trout Alan.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard, maybe a song would be next step.
Amazing fish that we all love and admire for their beauty, tenacity and will. Here's hoping we get good rain fall this year to keep the streams full for them.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam he's a strong fighter. We would be blessed to enjoy a wetter and a bit cooler summer. Fingers always crossed.
I hope we don't get a repeat of last summer's low water. Any sign of the skunk cabbage yet?
ReplyDeletepenbayman
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Mike we need a break from summers like we had the last few years.
I have seen skunk cabbage sprouting.
Well said. Very, very well said!
ReplyDeleteWill
Hibernation
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Yes sir Will, lets hope for a better summer, "fish friendly".
Alan
ReplyDeleteAs small as this stream is, one would think the floods would eventually wash all away. I assume some trout stayed nailed down in a few of the deep holes during heavy flooding. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
ReplyDeleteThanks
Bill wild trout are very well suited to the waters they live in. During times of of turbulent waters they find sanctuary.
On the other hand stocked trout will more likely be displaced and find themselves sort of drowning.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty in one brook trout!!!! thanks for sharing