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| winter woods, they look lifeless oh but they're not |
I've been fishing over the last week and I have encountered two different streams and two different sets of results. It is not uncommon to find vast differences in the way a stream and the trout will react in the winter. Some days they like everything presented sub surface and sometimes they will dine on the top. There are also those days when they just seem to ignore everything. On those days when a bite seemed like it would never happen I would try and figure what it was I was doing wrong, or maybe the fly was not the right color or size. Those days are now gone and I realize that I was not doing anything wrong. That old saying comes to mind, "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"...that's winter fishing.
I fished this trout stream and have taken my share of fish. One of those top 10. On this day I was not given the pleasure of taking a trout, and to make it worse not even a bite. Well if the skunk is going to pay you a visit what better time then a mid-winter day....but hold on. Downstream from this picture I had a close encounter with a fish.
As the little gray nymph bounced of the bottom a silver streak took it. It refused to surrender and fought bravely. Moments later he was at hand. The day saved by a little powerhouse.
Why? Single barbless hooks. Can you imagine that nasty piece in the mouth of a 5" brook trout.
From a mid winter day to spring...that's Connecticut. This day found some willing brookies looking at top water flies.
Riffles, have I ever mentioned how much I love fishing places like this. Diamonds my friends.
It's the riffles where you find 6 inches of water and little jewels like this.
The horse metaphor was my Freshman Latin teachers favorite saying. Loved this article. I always just thought it was me not doing the right thing in the winter. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDavid-Mary Noll
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David lots of wisdom in that old saying. It's big time guess work in the winter. I suppose you could do just as well with the first fly you tie on.
The Daredevle hanging in the tree looks like an old and forgotten instrument of torture left over from the Piscatorial Inquisition. Nastiness aside, it's a beautiful picture. Thank you for the pictures of open water, they give me hope.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike well said. Lures are fine but a single hook with the barb mashed down is preferred. The picture is kind of rustic...stay warm, it's coming.
Spot on my friend!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark I found that lure in that beautiful little stream we are so fond of. I hope no damage was done.
Oh my! That's not good at all!!!
DeleteMark I was talking to a guy who told me someone caught a good sized pickerel from the bridge in that deep culvert pool....and released it back.
DeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteQuality brook trout taken; those riffles are eye catching---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill those riffles hold a surprise or two at certain times.
We have the little creek (Cat Creek, you've seen it) and I know there are people that fish that creek with treble hook lures and drop those little native Rainbows & Browns into a frying pan. "Look I caught trout". I don't know of any way to stop them. Such a shame.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I recall that creek. I believe you had some success on it with flies.
I have no issues keeping trout to eat, but the guy who thinks he's doing the right thing by releasing his fish to fight another day. Actually he's releasing it to die.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat is the first fish? It looks like a fish we have over here - the gudgeon.
Those two brookies are beautiful (especially the first one) and have familiar look to them ;-). Is that a Klinkhammer I spot in their jaws?
That treble hook look so medieval nowadays, like Mike says an instrument of torture!
Alistair
Alistair Corbishley
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Alistair the fish is called "Fallfish". They are quite the fighter.
The fly is a Klinkhammer, to be more specific a British Klinkhammer.
Treble hooks should be outlawed.
That old spoon looks like a medieval weapon of war, but it's a fine photograph nonetheless. The silver fish looks a bit like a small chub or is an American species?
ReplyDeleteAs always a post that is a treat to see and read. Regards, John
Anonymous
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John the lure photo has a look sort of like an old horse plow. The horse plow has a purpose but the treble hook is gross.
Fallfish are like chubs.
Well done being persistent, Alan, to figure what would work. Winter fishing is hit or miss with water as cold as it is now. I am glad to see that old Daredevil spoon rusting away. Hopefully whoever tossed it hasn't returned since he hung it in the branch which looks like a while ago. Those barbed treble hooks are deadly.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam persistence is very necessary when winter fishing. If the day is not to cold and the sun is about it can be quite beautiful. And if the residents of the stream call on your offering makes it all the better.
I agree, winter trout fishing can be feast or famine. Last outing Fallfish saved the day.
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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Mike when you feel that strike it just makes your day.
Fallfish has saved many of us from the skunk