Yesterday was the opening of "trout" season in Connecticut. And a few really dedicated fly fishers hooked up again to a tradition started years ago. We chose a stream where we were to be free from the crowds, there were no "white buckets", worm containers, or "Bud Light" cans....just the natural world. Mark and I fished a section of stream named the "Family Secret"...the weather was gorgeous, bugs about but the fish were not active. It took some time before I hooked a fish, a fallfish, a native silver rocket. Man can they battle.
I moved downstream to a set of riffles that flow into a pool with a over hanging hemlock, "Pete's Hemlock"...and I would like to say that I caught a trout there but it actually was taken in the riffle just above the hemlock.
My first jewel of the day. Strong and vibrant he took a rather large fly on the surface.
The opening day crew. Pete, Mark, Matt, and myself. We enjoyed coffee and muffins, thanks to Mark. Food tastes so good near a stream.
We then moved to another little stream and continued to fish. I stayed with that rather large fly and coaxed another brookie from a likely spot.
A Connecticut Native...healthy and well fed.
We sort of got separated while fishing and when I returned to the car I noticed that Pete and Mark's vehicles were gone. A note on my windshield said I was going to fish up to the "ledges", signed by Mark. I guess Pete had gone home. I was planning on leaving so I said so long, I hope they heard me. As I was packing my gear away a fellow drove alongside and asked about the fishing. I replied that it was wonderful. We talked for a spell and he was gracious and told me of a place where I might find a few brookies. I was going home but given the info this nice man gave me I just had to check it out. I found the dirt road he told me of and noticed a gate that was opened. The sign said no trespassing. I parked just inside the gate and walked along the dirt road. I then heard the sound of a very heavy truck, I looked up the hill and there was a large dump truck heading my way. He was upon me and stopped. He said "hi", have a nice day and drove off. Well no fuss so I moved on. I saw the brook the man told me about and gazing into it I saw some very impressive brook trout. No flies were cast, but I'll be back.
Oh that large dry fly...a "Hornberg"....Thanks guys for a great start to a new season.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWe had a beautiful day weather wise. Thanks for sharing the waters and time wit Matt and I. It was great to get out and fish with you guys for a few hours. I felt rejuvenated. Thanks you for the special gift you gave me. Will be put to good use soon. See you on the stream again, soon I hope.
TROUT1
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Pete I was so happy to see you. We picked a good day, 35 degrees colder today. There will be other days when we can enjoy each others company.
Alan
ReplyDeleteYou make us all feel we are right there with you while fishing the many beautiful streams you have access to there. Great you guys had a successful opening day, thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I try to bring everyone along when I'm on the stream. An enjoyable day for sure.
Off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark it was spectacular...nor'easter today.
That's a motley crew you've got there... ;-) I'm sure you all had a great opening day.... Nothing like good fishing buddies. Carry on!
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn
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Doug that was only part of it, a few of them had other commitments and couldn't make it.
Good time was had by all.
Thanks for sharing the day with us, Alan; those opening day traditions are wonderful things. Our "Family Secret" will still be iced over for awhile longer but every day it gets a little closer.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike they are fond memories for sure.
Snow this morning then 2 inches of rain...slow fishing, but not as bad as your conditions. Be positive friend.
Alan, Absolutely cracking well done, its nice to keep opening day traditions going, well done to all and as normal your photographs are superb.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George as we grow, "get older" these meetings carry so much more. I know all of us appreciate them.
Wonderful pictures and a great outing report! Happy Opener!
ReplyDeletespike
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Spike oh the enjoyment. Love it.
Alan - Another great day together to begin the season! So gald Pete and Matt were able to make it and sorry that Kirk couldn't.
ReplyDeletePete and I were trying hard to find a fish downstream a little but when we headed back we couldn't find you although from the pictures I think we were close. I did find a handful of beautiful brookies upstream
Mark Wittman
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Mark I truly enjoyed myself and I know the others did to. A beautiful day all around.
I fished that little stretch to the little trail bridge then I saw you had left.All good.
What a great way to spend "opening day" in Connecticut, Alan. You know, I don't begrudge anyone from keeping trout caught with worms on stocked waters if they bought a license, but for pete sakes why do so many leave that litter behind afterwards?
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I hope the waters you fish remain undiscovered by that crowd and they remain pristine such as you display in your photos.
Best, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam I agree with you, if it's legal then have fun. What's odd is the fact that they can carry a full bottle in when it's heavy. Then when the drink is finished and the bottle is lighted they can't carry it out.
Those two areas are protected, and all who venture there are of the same mindset.
Absolutely lovely and we have weather to match in Norfolk today. There are some lovely looking lies in that stream. It must look fantastic when the Spring really get a grip on the trees. Has all the snow threat gone? Many thanks, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John I'm glad your weather is doing the right thing.
When all comes together that stream really has it all.
Snowed here last night and right now it's pouring rain.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a superb opening day - good weather, clear streams and healthy looking trout as well. I hope you fished that Hornberg wet (or at least damp!). We are set for fair weather for the next 5 days or so, so I will be out this weekend - I might even tie on some soft hackles.
AlistairAlan,
Looks like you had a superb opening day - good weather, clear streams and healthy looking trout as well. I hope you fished that Hornberg wet (or at least damp!). We are set for fair weather for the next 5 days or so, so I will be out this weekend - I might even tie on some soft hackles.
Alistair
Anonymous
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Alistair the beauty of the Hornberg is that it can be fished two ways, wet and dry. It's a killer when allowed to sink at the end of a drift, rod tip lifted up and "pow"...get out my friend and enjoy.
Great day with "compatico's" and a new adventure!
ReplyDeletepenbayman
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Mike it was welcomed after the long winter.
Looks like it was a great opening day. Dont come across the Hornberg fly here in OZ. I do like its versatility. Might have to buy some from a US fly shop.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve the Hornberg is a fly that I have fished for years. It represents many things from large insects as well as small baitfish. Try it you'll like it.
Alan , love the use of a traditinal fly like the hornberg on the first day. It's nice to use those old reliables. Looks like the crew had a memorable day. Thankyou.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad when in a position like we were in on Saturday with unstable weather for a few days before, a fly like the trusty Hornberg seemed like a good choice.
It was a great time.
Looks like a bunch of outlaws to me. ;) Glad to hear that you had a good opening day!
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