On Thursday we had a major rain event. The ground was snow covered, and the temps soared to the sixties. I estimate 3 plus inches at my house, with reports of 4-5 inches elsewhere in the state. I knew that fishing was going to be a challenge but I went just the same. As you can see the stream was swollen with semi colored water. Where it ran over the rocks and riffles it was cleaner but real swift.
The air temps were in the mid to upper thirties with bright sunshine and combined it offered a pretty good feel to a late January day. I started fishing a streamer and I managed to get several takes but no hook-ups. It was funny how the brookies would rise up from the bottom to take a streamer near the surface. A couple of choices came to mind. Maybe a weighted woolly bugger, which would bring the fly down closer to the fish, or a big stimulator seeing how the fish had no problem coming to the surface of something to eat. I didn't have a bugger but did have a stimulator. So on went the #10 stimulator. I fished it for a spell and not a single rise.
I selected a soft-hackle wet fly and fished this gentle looking spot. Cast, strip, and lift. The third time I saw the fish move on the fly but it backed away. I repeated the effort a few more times and he went for it and took it.
My goodness what a strong fight that lady put forth. I don't know if you can see her pectoral fins but from there size this brookie has been in the gym. When released she disappeared into the stream. I would love to say I caught a few more but that was not the case.
I got home around 2pm and waiting for me was this...so hot, so home-made and so good.
Lovely little fly, Alan. The brookie does look a bit muscle bound, but that's a good thing. It actually rained for a bit all the way up here, too. Love to see you fishing in late January!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike it looks like they have recovered form the rigors of the spawn. When the temps are near 40 and there is no wind you'll find me out.
great read Alan, I just wish the rains would come here too as we are struggling still with rivers at summer levels.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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Those drought conditions can be nasty. We suffered through a few years of low rainfall years some time back. Hope you have a rainy spring.
Alan
ReplyDeleteHeavy rains usually turns warm water species off to the bite. I have been numerous times after heavy rains and the bite was ever so slow. I imagine the trout are getting use to their new surroundings. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill in stream conditions heavy rain can turn on trout. There is lots of feed being washed in including worms. The problem is finding those soft pockets where the trout will hold. Wild trout survive....
That soup looks like my wife's, so so good.
ReplyDeleteA friend and I hit the river Thursday. It was supposed to be mid thirties but ended up high forties and sunny. The drive in to one spot was solid mud & ruts. The last few trips the fish have been clustered tight in small shallow spots you'd never guess would hold a fish. Lots of snow flies hatching and on the banks.
bill piatek
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Bill not the best of driving conditions, but fish we will.
A key is finding where they like to hold, and they're not always where you think.
I swear, Alan -- you could catch a trout in a Maytag ;=)
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Wow that's a compliment. A lot has to do with luck, especially this time of year.
Alan, You should give classes on stealth. No matter how cautious we are there are a few we spook. Maybe cotton balls on the bottom of our boots?
DeleteKurt
Brookie61
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Kurt there are times when I'm a stumbling idiot. I think if i could be a bit more quiet my success would increase.
I'm going to try to make the show next weekend.
Hoping to see you. Be well!
DeleteKurt
Well done connecting in high flow, Alan. That brookie is a real chunk, especially for this time of year after spawning not long ago. I bet that hot bowl of soup sure hit the spot once you got home.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam the next couple of days should be better, trout settled down and the flow more in line with comfortable angling. Now if I could get out?
Hot soup does fill the bill.
You are a courageous soldier Alan for the cause of small stream adventure....and well fed too! All pictures look delicious! Especially the last one! Yum!!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I'll gladly fight for the small stream and there beautiful inhabitants. A soldier needs his strength and chicken soup is a start.
Alan, That looks like an all round good day in every respect. Lovely weather, fresh air, a trout, exercise and a quality feed for you! Regards, John
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
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John you pretty much summed it up. Most times a day like that has a flaw but not that one.