Thursday morning broke with one of the coolest temps of the summer. My thermometer said 58 but the temp in the part of the state I was to fish in was a lot different. It was a morning when I broke out the flannel shirt to help take away the chill, woods and water helping to reverse what the flannel's mission was...I need coffee.
The stream I was fishing offered a bit of everything as far as terrain, there was that rocky freestone mountain type and a more gentile meadow type of flow. Areas like the one pictured above had these lovely quiet pools with boulders and lots of high grass.
In these pools were some very hungry brookies. Most of these little pools held a couple of fish but the disturbance of hooking one put the remaining fish in hiding.
In looking at this photo when I put it on the computer I noticed just how perfect this wild native was. So beautifully proportioned.
A Hummingbird getting some energy from a Cardinal flower, a high speed lens would have helped.
As you can see the fly that was working was a caddis, a big caddis.
A bend in the stream, foam on the water, a slight woody tangle and a good flow of water....you think there might be a fish there?
There was and on the second attempt at the fly a hookup.
What a great small stream combination....Cane and Silk glass rod, Battenkill reel, and a killer caddis.
Very nice Alan! It certainly was a wonderful day to enjoy
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark it was great out there.....small stream magic.
Beautiful photos of both terrain and brook trout. A great way to start my day, Alan, seeing the pictures of your surroundings yesterday morning. The cooler weather feels very good, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam there was a bit of crispness to the air, and it did feel wonderful. They say we're back in the heat next week.
What a great way to start a Friday morning, Alan. Thank you. Temps up here are starting to dip into the 40's at night and we've had some rain so the fall fishing is looking up!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I love those 40's at night. It sure provides for cooler streams. We may head up there come September.
Alan, the sixth and eighth picture are beautiful, a virtual neon sign hanging those pools and runs saying 'fish me'. Fabulous. regards, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John in time we learn to read the water and it makes us better anglers. There is a code out there.
Beautiful streams and beautiful fish. Doesn't get much better.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark days like that are hard to beat.
I love trying though.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteGorgeous stream, fish and flowers - what more can I say..........
Alistair
Anonymous
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Alistair there is not much to add except I want to do it again soon.
Totally jealous. We had out first teaser fall day here today. It won't last though. Forecast for Sunday is in the 90's with humidity again. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank
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Kevin we have the same forecast....hazy hot and humid.
The good thing they're running out of summer.
Beautiful, just beautiful.... love the stream and those fish look very healthy..... That big EKC looks like a "Happy Meal" to those trout... fun.
ReplyDeleteDoug Korn
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All things can't get better for this time of year. Man they love that caddis.
Incredible Alan! I am speechless....imagine that!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug, speechless oh my....
Alan, I love your taste in rods and flies. I know the caddis is my # 1 when it comes to brook trout fishing, very versatile fly. Those are beautiful brook trout. They sure like to show off. Lol. Thankyou
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad the caddis is a fly that they can't pass up. I will sometimes fish it wet.
I love show offs....
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteFirst post, but I've been following and admiring your blog for over a year. I'm a retired bum living in Worthington, Mass, where I am close to some lovely native brookie streams. Around here it seems like even the smallest trickles support these little survivors. I also fish the three branches of the Westfield, but more and more I'm drawn to fishing for our stream-bred natives. Like you, I use scaled-down tackle - a 7' bamboo Sharpes 3wt and a sweet 7.5' bamboo 3wt from Bill King at Ten Tapers, each of which cost less than a mid-priced graphite rod.
Here's my question: Any advice on what to use for photographing our beautiful fish and beautiful streams? My I-phone is clumsy to use (plus I'm clumsy using it!), and I've dunked it a couple of times. Luckily it still works...
I'll never have your eye or skill as a photographer, but I'd be grateful for any advice you could share about cameras, etc. If you've already discussed this an earlier post, please refer me to it. All I'm looking to do is to paste my amateur photos into my fishing log (which I keep on the computer) to better remember locations and fish.
Thanks for your efforts and your artistry, Alan. You're an inspiration!
John Strucker
John Strucker
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John your a retired bum, I'm sure there are a few here that are much the same.
I use a Nikon L820 it's a point and shoot camera. I carry it with a strap and I keep it on my neck most all the time even when I photograph a fish. I keep the fish in the water while I turn camera on and set the lens for distance. Then I'll wet my hand and lift the fish out of the water and allow it to rest in my hand. Most times if you don't squeeze them they will lie there pretty still.
Alan, my friend, this is perhaps the first perfect post I've ever seen anywhere. I so admire your ability to paint a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard I try...sometimes I'm out there and looking like a stumbling clod.....sometimes it just comes together.
Alan
ReplyDeleteA brook trout with a belly full of big caddis if it was real; might not want to eat again for a few days. Love the all the images, so realistic. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they make hay when they can. The time will come when the pickings will be very meek.
It was a good day all around.
It's becoming that glorious time of year!
ReplyDeleteBrookie61
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Kurt that's for sure. My favorite season.
Alan, thanks for your advice about cameras. I look forward to more of your great shots as we move into fall.
DeleteBest wishes to you and all our fellow-small-stream addicts,
John
Thanks John
Deletelovely way to take you into the weekend. Great work Alan and as always great pictures.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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It's great to be able to help put a little positive into ones day.
Beautiful brookies and stream, Alan. What hook size was that big caddis fly? Downstream presentation, as usual? I will be trying that method when I'm back on the streams next weekend, most likely with wet flies. The season reopens a day earlier than I thought--that makes it only five more sleeps!.
ReplyDeleteKindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve the BA caddis is tied on a Mustad 38941 size 12. The hook is a streamer or perhaps a long nymph hook. I think any similar hook will work. I also tie them in size10. Downstream methods are fine....go get um.
I like that combination, that cane and silk glass rod, and batemkill reel, yes sir
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando it's the perfect combo for small streams.