Yesterday morning broke to a light rain shower. The day was to be cloudy with a sprinkle or two, typical early May weather. I planned to meet Kirk at a stream and fish for a few hours and perhaps coax a fish or two to take a fly. This time of year the woods are brimming with color. Flowers are bursting forth colors. The wet air just seems to highlight to color.
The stream in places just sort of meanders at a slow pace with a somewhat stronger riffle in places. Most flies at times will work here, and what you select is as good as another.
This streams contains another Connecticut native, one that is quite the battler when hooked. The fallfish, this male in his spawning attire took a soft-hackle. These fish fight like salmon. The dart, run and leap and on my 4"10" 3wt really impress.
Very pretty...soon they will be "wader wreckers".....defenders of brook trout waters.
Such places can produce wonderful surprises.
"Beautiful"...on a cloudy dam morning he was hungry.
What the hell is that. I found this pattern on the net somewhere. I think it's a Danish sea-trout fly. I've been wanting to try it locally and I did yesterday....more time is needed.
All turned out well, a few fish caught, a cup of coffee and a oatmeal raisin cookie enjoyed...life is indeed good.
Alan - glad to see you and Kirk were able to get out together! Things are starting to "green-up" quickly aren't they? It's amazing how quickly the underbrush is growing these days. What a fine looking brook trout!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark it was incredible out there. Life springing forth everywhere. That stream has some large brook trout. You know it because you scare them before you can cast to them.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colors in the woods now, the flowers and the brook trout!
TROUT1
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Pete it's getting better each day. Do you know the stream?
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe hook color on this pattern adds to the attractor mode--the fallfish reminds me of the southern shiner we see here in a lot of our streams, beautiful colors!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they were some large Eagle Claw hooks I had, I think I'll bring them down a size or two.
Fallfish are called shiners here too, also chubs. They're fun to catch.
Another exceptional wild brookie. Thanks for sharing it, Alan. As for the wild violets, they really do look pretty in the woods, but they are taking over my lawn and are nearly impossible to get rid of. :=(
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill he was a biggie.
In my daily walk I notice several lawns with the same problem as yours. They can enhance a lawn if planted in the right place.
As always, a real pleasure Alan. The Fallfish does look like our chub. At the moment we have 84 degrees and not a cloud in the sky for the third day running in West Norfolk. There are some wonderful looking runs in that stream. Have you tried the John Storey yet? All the best, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John yes they are look-a-likes. Warming up across the pond.
I have fished the John Storey on quite a few outings. I will do a post on it soon, you'll like it I'm sure.
lovely fish alan and another species I didn't know existed, everyday a school day, well done :)
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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It's pretty common on the east coast, not sure about the rest of the country.
I'm sure you have a similar fish that's close to the fallfish.
Hi Alan, Is there a trout fly among those leaves in your last photo? If there is I cant find it.I fished the upper pond at Chatfield Hollow this morning and had the place to myself. I fished catskill dry flies using the British method of only casting to rises. Very relaxing. I caught three trout in about an hour. All browns and stockies, of course. Very nice healthy, chubby fish which were all released.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John there's no fly in the the leaves, your vision is fine. Sounds like you had an enjoyable couple of hours. I fished the ponds as a kid but not since. Some nice walking trails in the park along with a stream or two.
Beautiful pics. The Fallfish is a looker.
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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Mike that fallfish was in it's best attire.
If I ever catch one that looks as handsome as yours I would be tempted to take a few detailed pics and have a mount made; after I returned it back to the stream.
DeleteAll I can say is WOW! as I look at the size of that native brook trout. A genuine trophy indeed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of spring setting into New England. Speaking of spring, Alan, my wife and I found a few morel mushrooms under an old apple tree on Sunday. Be on the lookout in your travels as they are so delicious fried up.
Best, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam he was a rod bender for sure. I have to concentrate and make an effort to find some morel's.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful and very enjoyable expose on a most beautiful stretch of water! It seems as if life is taking a huge bound forward in your area!
Beautiful woods and waters for sure!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug spring is showing more and more with each day. We were out today on a lake and the sights were incredible.
I always enjoy learning about things in your neck of the woods. I've never heard of a Failfish and of course the fish and scenery is beautiful as always.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard the falfish is like a giant shiner....fun to catch.
Between Spring Gobbler and fishing, This time of year is a great time to be outside visually. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph what ever gets us out there, it's well worth it.