In the movie a River Runs Through It I can recall Paul responding to his brother Norman when asked to go with him to Chicago, he replied "I'll never leave Montana brother"....the next group of photos and sparse prose will show you why "I'll never leave Connecticut"
Paul knew what he had, and I know what I have. On a day like this in late January on a piece of public land I was given all that an outdoors man as well as an avid angler of the wild stream can take in. It was one of better days without question. The air was warm, a brisk breeze from time to time and brilliant sunshine. The waters where the riffles flowed were like diamonds sparkling to a point where I was partially blinded. Along the stream were canyons where water flowed into deep crevasses and beneath fallen trees. It was in these places where wild brook trout hold...and the right balance of fly, drift, and patience paid off.
Wild jewels...color beyond belief...proof they do exist.
Not a lot of reason to leave.
Icy remnants remained. Spectacular beauty.
This guy broke water several times, trying desperately to toss the fly. When finally at hand he spit the fly. I managed a photo as he looked back at me as if to say "I won"
All that one could ask for...and close to home.
Impressive, then again I can say the same for everyone of these miracles of nature.
A wonderful day in brook trout forest.
Alan, we all know at some point where we belong. Seems like you are right at home.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph while I like to travel to other states and sample their fishing, I still love my native state.
Alan
ReplyDeleteOh, how this post resonates with me; I learned a valuable lesson when my wife and I moved to Tennessee----I will spend the rest of my fishing days enjoying my home waters in and around Jasper, Alabama; as you will landing those colorful brook trout taken from some of the most beautiful streams I've ever seen in your home state of Connecticut. We are truly blessed---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that move seemed the right thing to do at the time, but home is home and you know where that is.
We are blessed my friend.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Indeed, these are living jewels and I am so glad to know that you had the opportunity to get out and enjoy this splendid day a-stream! I still cannot believe how small the waters are in your home state....but how bountiful and beautiful they are!
Please keep us fed!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug the weather yesterday was hard to overlook, take advantage for winter is a cruel old man.
Some of these little streams can produce a "biggie" from time to time. It's sure is fun exploring them.
Beautiful day on the water Alan... We are blessed to have these great places to fish... I like my home waters here in NY, but come summer I'm back out in Montana....
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn, Fly Tyer
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Doug it's great that you can call both places home.
You can satisfy the urge to switch back and still feel familiar with your surroundings.
Alan
ReplyDeleteJust an outstanding post!! Great photography of the gorgeous brook trout and brook trout forest!!
TROUT1
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Pete it felt good walking about. Dry flies did not do it that day which is odd because that stream gives up fish on them most times. But who's complaining.
You are a fortunate man, Alan, to have places like this close to you. Thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I'm so grateful to have these places to fish and to have the health to enjoy them.
I love very much the sharing part.
What a beautiful stream, Alan, preserved forever I trust on this piece of public land.
ReplyDeleteJust back from Chicago myself, I would never trade where we live, you in Connecticut and me in Western Mass, for that city or any city for that matter. No chance.
Best,
Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam the stream and the surrounding forest will be as it is, and that's forever.
We do live in one hell of a beautiful area.
I understand. I live in and fish the the Driftless Area of Minnesota and Wisconsin. I visit many other states to fish but this is home. Great article. You put words and pictures to out thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDavid-Mary Noll
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David I'm sure there are many who feel the same. We love our home lands and waters. By doing this we can show others why these lands and waters should be protected and free.
Excellent Alan, well done mate
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George thanks for chipping in, appreciated.
Life is good when you're comfortable with your surroundings.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark indeed. No place like home.
Alan, I know many people who fish many areas of this great land but I have to tell you I truly appreciate what I have at home. Your post is wonderful. I love when you invite us to share what adventures you have. It gives all of us a different perspective of your brook trout Forrest. Thankyou.
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Brad Basehore
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Brad I for one love other areas of our nation, I have fished many. But that home cooking is so wonderful.
Ahhh... Patience! The number one prerequisite to be a good fisherman. Beautiful little brookies...
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily there are times when it wears thin, but as you well know the fish have to win to.
Those mini guys can light up a day.
Alan - Nice to see you were able to enjoy the almost spring weather this past week. Did you really see the skunk cabbage starting to poke through the ground? I will miss all the fishing opportunities CT has to offer when we need to move later in the year.
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark skunk cabbage was sprouting, wow it's in for a shock.
At least you'll be close enough for a day-off outing once in a while. We'll save you a spot NYD for sure.
Home is a wonderful thing and brings contentment and comfort, as you point out. That said, you need to make the trek to Montana if you haven't. It will permanently change your fly fishing view point.
ReplyDeleteGeorge S
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George one day perhaps I'll get out there. I won't question Montana is a fishing giant. But my intimate little streams are my passion.
Most people do not realize that NJ has some good populations of wild brook trout in the NW portion of the State where I live. I have fished some big name waters throughout the Northeast and some out West but 90% of my fishing time is spent chasing these wild jewels. I can fully understand your appreciation of your home waters and their beautiful trout. As our State fish, beginning in 2018 all brook trout in NW Jersey are now managed under catch and release regulations.
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat I have a general idea of where your located. I hunt Pa. and have fished in NE Pa.
We have in CT class 1 wild trout streams which are managed as C&R with artificials only and single barbless hooks. Many small streams flow through private lands. I have been fortunate to gain access to many of them.
We have the same issue in NJ with the majority of small wild trout streams being on private lands. NJ Fish and Wildlife has negotiated access which has offered some relief. Fortunately there are many small trout waters on public lands that most anglers ignore.
ReplyDeletePat it's good that cooperation like that between landowner and state exist...such a benefit to the angler.
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