My last outing, I believe it was Thursday was one of those real frosty mornings. The overnight temps dropped significantly and there was a tin coating of ice on the pond in front of our condo unit. So I prepared myself and was ready for the crisp day ahead. Walking to the stream signs of "Jack Frost" were all around. The sun glancing off the trees and landscape gave a Christmas touch to the woods. As I reached the water I was in a mind set that I would see a layer of ice that would form at the edges, well it was not there. I looked for those ice crystals that form from splashing water on the branches that lie in the water and they were not there either. So perhaps it did not effect the water temps at all and maybe it would be a fine dry fly day. I had other thoughts.
I chose instead to fish "spiders" and to fish them in the riffles. Riffles are my favorite areas to fish, most times they are productive and with the right fly I have had some outstanding days.
Boy can Mr. Frost paint.
The head of a fast riffle. A strike can come here as well as in the middle and the tail.
The fish took the spider at the head as it was brought back and then allowed to drift back.
The water here is shallow and it is clear. There is a place where a brookie will hold. It did and in a flash he struck the fly...
Small stream wild brook trout are "masters" of their habitat. They can almost disappear in scant water, amazing creatures for sure.
What a nice pause...hot coffee streamside. Another wonderful day in brook trout forest.
Beautiful fish and wonderful photos...
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn, Fly Tyer
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Doug I appreciate your comment.
Alan, Love the pics! You have great eye.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph it helps when your subject is so beautiful.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. The colors on the brook trout compliment the fall foliage!
TROUT1
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Pete those colors are sure dwindling fast. It was awful cold this morning.
10-4 on the wonderful day in Brook Trout Forest.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark, love the Broderick Crawford, it's been a long time.
Beautiful photos, Alan. Thanks for taking us along on your frosty outing.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam it's my pleasure.
Absolutely beautiful Alan.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard that was the day this little cold snap started. I can't wait to see the stream today.
Alan, wonderful photos as usual of brook trout forest. I think most people would have passed on water being that shallow,but again you prove that's where they like to lay. On a different note ,talked to mike on sat. Ordered a glass rod from him. What a wonderful man to deal with, to say I'm excited is an understatement. Thankyou for your help in this matter.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad those brookies are not in places as shown a 100% of the time, but damn close.
I'm happy you were able to connect with Mike. The rod will please you beyond expectations. You must tell us about it when you recieve it.
Alan, another great blog entry & photographs
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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My pleasure mate.
Alan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images, looks like the leaves will be gone after that heavy frost. Amazing how those trout can conceal themselves in that depth of water. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that hard freeze should spell the end, sad to see it go.
The trout in these streams amaze me. Their ability to hide and feed in such places with scant water is hard to believe. Special for sure.