Yikes...look at that ice. That's how I reacted to what I saw as I glanced at a stream I had planned to fish. It had been several days of moderating temperatures both day and night and my thought was the ice that had many of these streams locked in would now be free flowing. Well I did try to fish a few open spots, dropping a nymph in the pockets but after many attempts I concluded this was not going to work. I know this stream travels a bit further and I chose to check it out further downstream. Into my Honda and I drove a half mile downstream and found a place to park. As I approached the stream I could see what appeared to be an ice free run.
Upstream, a very cold valley, just locking in that cold air.
A half mile downstream, night and day. I still had the nymph on and started fishing this likely run. It did not take long before I felt a hit. Several more casts and a hookup. As I reached for the brookie he bid me "nice knowing you" and gave me back the nymph and off he went. I continued working and got several more responses most of these coming as I lifted the fly near the surface. I know I would have taken another fish or two until the third stone on the left took my fly. The lights went on and I said these fish are looking up. I tied on a dry fly and I had one beautiful outing on the "dry".
A "wild one"...these brookies were not slamming the dry fly like they would in May instead they were sort of slurping it in.
Every little seam where there was water flowing in pretty much held a fish.
I had a nice brookie take the fly on the opposite side of the fallen log...I'll remember what not to do next time we meet.
My last brookie of the day..just as beautiful as any...then again they are all beautiful.
Beat up, and all out of proportion but working just fine.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always. Funny how mother nature works with the upper part of that stream still iced up and a short distance downstream runs pretty free and clear. Gorgeous brookies and scenery.
TROUT1
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Pete I was shocked to see such a difference. All turned out for the best.
Very interesting change in stream conditions, just shows you how the fish react and move during these circumstances... "Cool" post ...
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn,Fly Tyer
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Doug one area arctic like and the other more like home. The fish figured it out.
Out here we never get a chance to fish conditions like that. Closed season from Nov 15th (snow not here yet) to the last Saturday in April (snow gone).
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark a good chunk of our fishing areas will close at the end of the month until the 2nd Saturday in April. The streams that remain open will operate with special regulations.
Don't you love it when the fish will take dries in January! Pretty soon we should be seeing more early stone flies
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark that winter stonefly activity has been late this year...something to look forward to.
Today was quite a good dry fly day too! The brookies are happy and so are we.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan I'm glad your day with the brookies was good. My day which was yesterday was not so spectacular with the browns. I think all of the weather fluctuations have had an impact on the fish. Stable weather is getting closer.
I can only imagine fishing this beauty during warmer months, but good for you for sticking with it.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard that stream is truly one of CT's prettiest in the spring and fall. If I have a chance I'll fish...'til I get cold.
Alan
ReplyDeleteMoving water is always a winner for the trout as well as fly fisherman. Hats off for giving the ice covered part of the stream a try; glad the trout was cooperative down stream. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill, that upper stream would have fished OK so long as you don't fall, that's not worth it. I was happy to find that change downstream.
Amazing to see how the stream changed!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will it really shocked me. I could see it happening in say the next town, but only a half mile. Thanks goodness, for it saved my outing.
Alan, the lower part of the stream looks like it is in another climate altogether. Wow, what a difference from upstream. You got your money's worth out of that dry fly.
ReplyDeleteI remember one time I was fishing a Royal Wulff dry fly which was getting hits on a regular basis. It got torn up pretty badly, but it seemed the worse it looked the more the trout liked it.
Regards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam that stream really brings out that saying "day and night"
Very true on the beat up it may be the fish will hammer it.
By the way that Royal Wulff is an outstanding fly. I use the one you gave me with success.
Mark over at "Fishing Small Streams" likes that fly, not to forget "Lee Wulff".....
I'm glad to hear the Royal Wulff connected, Alan. I read once that Lee Wulff didn't need a vice to tie flies. I can't imagine how he would do that, but if true, I guess he had a method.
DeleteParachute Adams
DeleteSam check this...note the flies being tied without a vise, the short fly rod that Lee uses, and the "skater"..I fish flies like that for brookies here in CT.
https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/video-lee-wulff-and-curt-gowdy-catching-huge-labrador-brook-trout/
That is a great watch, Alan. Amazing the size of those brook trout they caught. 5 pounders seemed to be the norm and plenty of them too. I wonder if the fishing there is still as good 50 years later. I hope so.
DeleteLooks a lovely time out on the river Alan, well done :) Im hoping to get out this weekend, God willing.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George lovely once you got past ice land. Turned out quite well.
Alan, those brookies look a bit under nourished. That brings to mind your little native Christmas tree adorned for our wildlife. Those that hibernate may be the fortunate.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John, it's a wonder they have an appetite lying in such cold surroundings. Food is scarce this time of year.
Sleep can be kind if you have a warm bed.