Good morning folks. It's finally starting to dry out around here after another soaker. I heard some places got nearly 2"...I wonder what the streams look like now, maybe I'll check a few out today. Well Friday was a beautiful day, seasonable weather with lots of sun and a simple wind that could be handled easily. I selected a nice woodland stream to visit one that would give me pleasure even if the fish would not bite. I love seeing new growth in the forest, especially health hemlocks. There were lots of these little trees. A nice touch of color to offset the winter "browns".....
The stream looks a bit skinny here, but it tends to get deeper in spots. It has like all of out CT. streams changed with the high water events we've had in 2018. The brookies are there though and when your close to one with a fly they will strike.
A little jewel. The fish to have taken on their winter colors. Still pretty my friends.
With the heavy rains washing debris into the stream bottlenecks like this will occur. Places like this are fish magnets and if there are any sizeable fish in the stream they will find such places and keep them to themselves. Places like this are also fly takers. The branches you see are only half of what you can't see, but your fly will. I cast a fly into the area just beyond the red circled piece of wood. It floated a short distance and the trout rose, took and was hooked. A hefty fish was felt, the glass rod bent and I worked to get the fish away from that woody mess that I knew he was headed into. I managed to keep him away for awhile but my line snagged the red circled branch. I tried to free the line but couldn't so I took a few steps that would enable me to free it with my hand. Watch that second stem. The debris jam broke and I found my self up to my thighs in water. I managed to free myself only getting a little wet and I found that the fish was still on.
When I finally got it together I lifted this beautiful male brook trout. I took his picture and let him go into the cold water...a big smile came next.
Alan
ReplyDeleteBoth brook trout look really healthy; the heavy rains brings a lot of food for the trout to consume. Just wondering how well the trout whole in some of the areas in the stream during high water current flows?
I know when both generators are running below the dam at Smith Lake the current is tremendous. In fact most of the trout that is released at the dam are washed miles down the tailrace during generations. The difference in the streams where you fish is a constance supply of trout coming from up stream. With tailrace trout the supply of trout for a particular tailrace stops at the release point, until another batch is released.
I envy all you guys that have the luxury of fishing those wild streams for native trout. Great post thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill wild trout react differently to high water flows. Being stream born they will seek out pockets of safe water where the flow does not harm them. Stocked fish in most cases have never had the issue of high waters thus they just go with the flow and are found miles away from where they were stocked. In some cases high flows benefit wild trout as it enables them to move and seek new water in the stream that may have not been available to them in times of low water.
Wow, what a brook trout! Alan, I am glad you were able to untangle your line to bring that one in. The power in that wild one must have been amazing. I'm glad you didn't get too wet when the brush dam broke.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam I was shocked that the fish stayed hooked. The rod I was using is a bit softer in the tip section and it really was put to the test, which it passed for sure. A little bit of discomfort, thankfully it was not real cold.
Another good day in the Northeast.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark so true in many respects.
Those are beautiful fish, Alan. That's another great looking fly as well.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike they're lovely any time but this time of year they are so sweet. The fly is a fish taker, simple with exception of the dubbing.
Those little streams are just beautiful. I know a couple in Wales that I've ignored before but not next time. Now it's morning terrier walking time. Regards, John
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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John the stream may be small and the trout likewise, but the reward is great.
Have a lovely walk.
Business as usual for you, Alan. I would dearly love to spend a day with you just to watch you work your magic in those little blue lines.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I would enjoy your company for sure.
Beautiful fish, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRivermol
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The brookie is one of natures finest creations. The small streams in which he lives are also special.
Dearest Dam Buster Alan,
ReplyDeleteThankfully, you were not flattened by this adventure! You were strong and could withstand the deluge! Who knew that a small stream outing could turn out to be a big time event? We are glad that you safe and able to venture out again to farther horizons!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I have encountered such leaf-log jams in the past. Most times I avoid a wetting but there were times I was not so lucky. The good thing is it was not that cold and the walk back to the car not that far.
Nice fish seem to come from places like that.
Awesome Alan, simply awesome!
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