Pristine, calm, quiet, soul relaxing, all of these words apply to a scene like this. A small meandering woodland stream. Places like these should be protected as much as possible for they are much to fragile to be taken advantage of. I do not object to people fishing places like this, for most who do seek a place like this is likely of the same mindset as me, and no harm to it or it's inhabitants shall take place. To others who would see this would have other ideas and could do devastating damage to this tranquil place. Places like this are not named or highlighted in any form that would be recognizable by others. An old saying comes to mind "loose lips sink ships" and that applies to a small stream as well as a larger river. Most anglers that read this blog would never cause any harm to that stream, but there are others that read this blog who do not feel the same way. Find a beautiful stream, fish it, release your fish and care for the land. Doing this will insure you'll be able to come back and find it as you left it.
Another "buddy"...next to the brookie this guy here brings me so much enjoyment. Man these guys will eat any offered fly and will punish your rod. They are so beautiful and photogenic. The big plus is that they bring me back to the boy I was so many years ago.
YLI silk. Three new colors...I love this thread. While my supply of Pearsall's is stable I find myself using more of the YLI than Pearsall's. "Blackberry, Magenta and Light Purple"
"Snipe and Purple"...a North Country classic.....This one is actually a "Woodcock and Purple" for I do not have the Snipe...should work though.
With winters chill here now, it's great to warm up with your favorite "bowl of red"...Chili man Chili....
There is , of course, another side to the "secrecy" position. I suggest "Red Brook" in MA. Is there a more fragile eco-system? Yet the fine people responsible for this fine work did not keep it a secret. They shared it with fellow enthusiasts. Are they wrong? Is it being destroyed? I made a big pot roast yesterday (3 lb bottom round). I love the leftovers. Best.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John Red Brook is now a better protected stream than it was when it's restoration started. It's highly talked about as well as numerous articles written about it have provided funds from individuals as well as many corporations. These funds have put a dent in the nasties that can plague this brook. While Red Brook was able to bring these companies and individuals together it wouls be unlikely that they would be able to do the same for every stream...that's why it's best to keep your stream safe.
John, that pot roast sounds delicious.
DeleteI like a boneless chuck for a pot roast. And the leftovers are always super.
Wise words about the fragile nature of small streams, Alan. As for chili, bring it on. I would add a dollop of sour cream on top of that bowl and maybe some shredded cheddar to boot. Yum!
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill two toppings that go so well with chili. I prefer cheddar.
Last night was one of those chili kinds of nights in NorCal and eat chili we did. Getting right nippy at night out here and hopefully some rain by next Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark chili seems to warm us up in many ways. Yeah warmer weather is now a memory and soon the heavy winter will make it's presence felt.
I have yet to tie with the YLI but as my hoarded supply of Pearsall's is increasingly used for "gift" flies, I'm going to have break down and order some. My local doesn't carry it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a trip to the Catskill's for me in the spring. Have to work on my in-the-film SH flies.
Chili looks great.
spike
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Spike once you try the YLI you'll forget the Pearsall's. I get it online from Rushbrooke Strand. You'll love the Catskills...birth place of dry fly fishing in America.
That chili looks so good Alan. Is that shaved parmesan on top? We just finished a pot the wife made and it was great.
ReplyDeleteI need to do more targeting panfish next year.
bill piatek
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Bill the topping is cheddar. Panfish on the fly is as sporting as one can get. I know your going to like it.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteLove your pictures. We have some snow on the ground in northern Ohio. This is what gets me through the winter. Liked your woodcock and purple fly. I wonder why
John Humphrey
Anonymous
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John I think I know why you like that woodcock and purple fly. Great feathers my friend.
Spot burning usually isn't a worry up here; there are so many spots and so few people to fish them. Your Purple and Snipe is wonderful simplicity. I've got a couple of Woodcock in the freezer that need to find their way onto some hooks. Chili! Winter arrived with a vengeance a month ago and it seems we've always got a big pot of it going now. Plenty of snow on the ground, it's making deer hunting difficult.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike those woodcock in the freezer will put brookies in hand next spring. Chili is a staple here in small stream land. We're still trying to get the time off for a PA deer hunt, fingers crossed.
I love the way that you keep your streams under the radar, Alan. The way it should be. My brother Dave told me a few years ago about some one who published a book identifying certain streams in the area where he lives.
ReplyDeleteSomehow he ran into and recoginized the author at an Orvis store at some point and let him know in no uncertain terms that his book was of no help to those of us who like to preserve special streams.
Parachute Adams
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Sam I agree with your brother calling out the author. Most of us put in a great deal of effort for the chance to fish a small part of what we hope will be a secret. If an individual wishes to disclose the place to someone he trusts will have the same ideals then so be it.
Same as when I hunted ruffed grouse, Alan. I had a good number of little gems that I kept close to the vest.
DeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post featuring two of my favorites....sunfish and chili!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug I never knew you loved fishing for sunfish. And now I learn that chili is a favorite to. I must reform you.
Alan
ReplyDeleteNow days there isn't enough places to fish for all who want to wet a line, so with that said protect your favorite stream with lockjaw and stream preservation. The most colorful warmwater fish has to be the sunfish!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I love your term "lockjaw"...
The sunfish is a beauty for sure.
Well, the Mississippi froze over last night, so it's time to make a batch of chili. Tomorrow morning it will be time to check out a new stream.
ReplyDeleteDavid-Mary Noll
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David a frozen river is a great incentive to make a pot of chili. With the lack of foliage the blue lines a easily visible. Hope you find one.
A beautiful time of the year is winding down for sure! Fall alwyas seems too short. We will have snow for Thanksgiving... Happy Turkey Day!
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily snow will be here also for Thanksgiving, a bit to early for me but I'll accept it because that turkey will smooth it out.