It was more like October than late December as I walked to the stream. Well that might be a slight exaggeration but it sure felt good. Leaving to go fishing somewhat later than normal, meaning 10 am or so means that the waters and air have a chance to rebound after the nigh lows. It's not scientific but some experience has told me that a couple of degrees will determine whether a trout will actively seek food or just sit tight. This day proved that to be correct.
I had several strikes as well as a few hookups in just the first few pools I fished. I observed fish following the fly and striking it just at the surface.
Simply beautiful fishing conditions. Water levels at their prime. This stream is special at this time of year. It is more open with the foliage being non-existent.
This fellow looked like he had some unfinished business he was dealing with.
Such places like you are seeing here are to be fished at all costs. You must place a fly close to that soft spot near the log. It is here where to water flows gently and it's a lovely place for a trout to lie. Now I will tell you I did loose a fly here, but it was worth it.
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| A CT. small stream wild brown |
I put on a dry fly for better sight on my part, as well as better control. As the little fly neared the log I witnessed a dark creature rise and take the fly. I did not realize the weight or strength of the trout. He was a battler and he tested all of my skills to get him under control. It took some time but he eventually conceded defeat. When at hand it was then that I realized just how big this fish was, and how strong. As I released him back into the stream I wondered just how remarkable a trout he was. To get to that size in such a stream was so unbelievable.....something else I experienced first hand that day. Trout will take a small dry fly in winter.
Brk Trt, great post as usual, and some fish that are real dandy's. With you stating you lost a fly in that log pool, it brought up a thought I'd like to ask you a question on. Long story short, where do/did you purchase your YLI silk thread? I looked at two stores Joann fabric and Micheal's & I'm coming up blank.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your yearly new years day outing post.......Phil
DRYFLYGUY
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Phil, I ordered it online. The company is great, fast service. They have gotten a few colors back in stock and I'll be ordering them soon. YLI is a fantastic product.
I'm going to try something different for the NYD eats.
Phil here's the online company
Deletehttps://www.roserushbrooke.com/yli-100wt-silk-thread-200/yli-100wt-silk-thread-200.html
Brk Trt, thanks for the assistance....Phil
DeleteI have gotten some from JoAnns on line. Have not found it in stores. Nice at about $4 a spool.
DeleteUnknown
DeleteThanks. I did not know there was another source for the silk.
Wow, those two fish are gorgeous; their colors are still so bright.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I think there is still spawning activity going on in that stream. I've got to keep an eye out for tiger fry there.
Beautiful post Alan. It's hit the fan here in central NM. Blizzard today and tomorrow with record cold. Time to hit the tying bench.
ReplyDeletebill piatek
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Bill deep snow along with bitter cold is not the weather to float a fly....good idea stay inside and tie.
I do appreciate the coloration on both the Brookies and the Browns you show us. Another great adventure.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark although the brown is not native it sure has my respect.
Allen,
ReplyDeleteIn my mind the Brook trout wins the prize as the most beautiful fish that swims. But I find myself staring long at that outstanding brown.
Thus proving that the brookies margin of victory can be razor thin.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Yes the brookie is a beautiful creature, second to none. But a wild brown has it's place in my heart.
The brookies that compete with that brown are one tough group.
Beautiful brook trout, Alan, and that brown is a real bruiser. I bet that was fun to bring that one in. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that big one lives there year around or came upstream to spawn in headwaters. In any case, that is some fish.
Best, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam it was a thrill wrestling that guy in, a real tuffy.
That brown is a resident of that stream. It's a fairly long stream that also flows through a good chunk of private land. I walked it once a long time ago but never fished the upper areas.
Alan, truly an amazing brown trout out of that small stream. That rascal has been living there for a good while. Absolutely beautiful colors with the red spots. Congrats on bringing that one to hand.
DeleteSam I think that brown has dined on a few brookies over the years. It doesn't seem to have impacted the brookies very much.
DeleteSuch lovely colours
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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This time of year brings out the best.
Gorgeous Trout! That Brown must of been a pleasant surprise for sure. I found in small streams and shallow water <2' they are looking up as well as down.
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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Michael I have taken some nice browns in that stream before. They are not usually that big. Good point on the 2inch depth.
Wow! Not to discount the brookie, but the butter belly brown is remarkable for that water. I would have never imagined... I guess that's why you need to fish that water.
ReplyDeleteMichael Agneta
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Mike you never know. I guess it dosen't matter the size of the stream. I think the food source determines their size.
Alan - those are two amazingly beautiful and strong wild fish! It's nice to see a few years after the summers of drought that there are healthy fish in that little gem of a stream
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark that stream bounced back nicely. It has many small young trout in it which is a good sign for the future.
Alan
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable trout lying in such tight waters; what weight fly rod was you using? It seems the heavy rains you guys have been getting have awakened the bigger trout! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I was using my St. Croix Avid 6'ft 3wt. High water will move trout around and most times it's for the good.
What you do, Alan, is pure wizardry.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill my wife says it's "crazy" luck.
Absolutely fantastic, beautiful, beautiful fish and beautiful photographs. Love it. Regards, John
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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John your comments are so appreciated.
Lovely looking stream and trout,Alan. Both trout look like they've been grazing in a good paddock! It's pretty amazing the size that fish can achieve in a small stream. Can you recall that 14 inch brown trout that I caught some years ago from the Grace Burn here in Victoria, Australia? He was a beautiful and solid brown trout. Haven't caught him since. I hope he is still lurking in the Burn. Or at least his offspring.
ReplyDeleteKindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve there was ample food to satisfy for sure. These small streams will give up a biggie once in awhile but it's not often. So when you do catch one it's never forgotten. I'm certain some of his genes are in the Grace.