Friday, August 18, 2017

A Small Stream Outing...And One "P.O."ed Brook Trout

I got a late start on Wednesday and found myself arriving at the stream around nine. The morning was on the humid side with the sun doing its part to make it feel worse. But what the heck I was fishing, there were brook trout to be caught and I had a few hours to spend on a beautiful freestone stream. The water flows were stable and the shade was a blessing. Today would a day of fishing those little pockets of deeper water, areas of broken water, and undercuts.



It was in places as this where the brookies came up for the dry fly.


I know he's little but look at the overwhelming beauty of this wild fish.


The 16th of August and a water temp of 56 degrees, amazing my friends.


Places like this log fall are ideal for brook trout. You will usually have one shot at presenting and making a hookup, and that is exactly what happened.


The fly hit the water and he rose and grabbed it in a split second. A nice fish for this little stream.


I worked my way along the stream. Never bypass anything that looks like it may hold a trout.


Such was the case with this beautiful brook trout. I fished  the run pictured above and from behind one of those stones came this fellow. He grabbed the fly and proceeded to run. The fish was strong and took to the air once in an attempt to throw the hook. In the twist and turns of the battle I could see his orange flanks, and I hoped he would be at my hand soon. It all worked out and as I lifted this magnificent jewel up I was astonished at his beauty and tenacity. A quick photo and back in. The trout was no doubt "pissed off" for when he hit the water he sort of flipped his tail at me in the same way as one would flip the "bird"....well done, and thank you friend.











18 comments:

  1. Some very nice fish from a small stream in August my friend Well done! It's so nice to see the thermometer south of 60 degrees in August, it's been a while since we've seen that!

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    1. Mark Wittman
      Thanks
      Mark I was surprised by the amount of fish that were willing to go for the dry. Almost every likely spot held a fish. If things stay as they are we have a great fall season coming.

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  2. Great story, Alan, and beautiful brook trout to boot. I had to laugh out loud at the one that flipped you the fin as it re-entered the water. Sounds like he was indeed po'd! Great to see the water temps below 60 in August!

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    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam when he did that tail flip all I could think of was the "bird", and man did he take off.
      Best summer in years.

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  3. Alan
    First, I agree with Mark and Parachute Adams, good to see the water flowing and temps in the fifties. Brookies are gorgeous as always. Hopefully today's rain will keep the coffers full.

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    Replies
    1. TROUT1
      Thanks
      Pete I'm hoping for a good inch of rain, at least in some areas of the state.

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  4. Nice write up. I love the look of those little trout; a shame we don't have them in the UK.

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    Replies
    1. Andrew W
      Thanks
      Andrew small in size but large in beauty.
      I wish you had the opportunity to fish for these.

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  5. Alan, It's amazes me how well the streams bounced back after last years drought. 56-58 degrees!! Those little gems are the toughest survivors around as Mother Nature finds a way.

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    1. Brookie61
      Thanks
      Kurt, good to hear from you.
      I still can't get over how strong these natives are. If they were football players we would win the super bowl.

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  6. Alan, you fish the most interesting waters. I'm amazed that one can actually pull a fish out from among the tangles.

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    Replies
    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      Howard they still intrigue me. Under low water conditions those tangles are where the trout will be found.

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  7. Wonderful gifts come in small packages Alan..

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    1. penbayman
      Thanks
      Mike they sure do.
      There's nothing sweeter than a wild Maine blueberry.

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  8. Alan
    Amazing that size brook trout in areas of water that shallow; I would suspect the only reason its there is extremely cold water and of course abundance of food.Beautiful colors on all you landed--thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks Bill, that stream last year at this time was a mere puddle. The trout will survive and grow with some friendly flows and food.

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