Fishing these small Connecticut streams over the years have given up a few surprises for me. I have taken some pretty good sized brook trout and just when I was in a comfort zone as far as the size of the fish I have been catching I was shaken from that zone with a real rod bender. The stream was clear, the flow perfect. I started working my fly down through the run. First drift was in the middle, no takes. Then it was the right side where I had a fish rise and miss the fly. Then I drifted the fly on the left and as it floated near the bush tangle in the water I saw the fish chase and grab the fly. I did not see him again until he was almost at hand. The fish did his best to take me into the tangles, then he ran up and down. I was able to gain control and soon he gave up the fight.
As I brought him to my hand I was quite impressed with the size of him. He was truly the biggest brook trout I have ever taken from this stream. He was incredibly dark with lots of yellow spots. Photo taken and off he went. I just know I will encounter him again. Wishful thinking friends.
This is the average size of brookie from this stream. A prize on any day.
As I continued my trek upstream I was given a second surprise.
A very healthy brown took the dry fly. Over the years I have taken browns from time to time here. The browns have not had an effect on the brook trout.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteWOW.....!!!! That is an impressive Brookie for that size stream. The other fish are almost as impressive for their markings as well.
Hopefully I will connect with some similarly impressive fish tomorrow.
Thanks
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair that bigger brookie was very dark, a bit odd for that stream.
Have a great time tomorrow.
That Brookie is a real beauty. Well done.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark as I mentioned to Alistair he was an odd one for that stream. Nice fight for sure.
Amazing fish all around on a cool outing. Amazing how green up is starting to commence!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will I'm loving the spring change. So many wild flowers blooming along the stream, and those ferns are so brilliant....all good.
Wow, Wow, Wow! Not to take anything away from the other brookie and brown trout, but that first one is a beast! That brook trout is a trophy out of that small stream. Any chance that fish has had access to salt water with ample food supply to gain that size? Very impressed with that brook trout.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam that brookie has access to a pond and may migrate there in winter. There is ample food in there. Or maybe he has a taste for smaller brookies.
Maybe he is achieving revenge--eating baby pickerel through the winter.
DeleteMaybe smaller browns too, Alan. That brook trout has been feeding well to get to that size. What a beauty.
ReplyDeleteSam, I agree that he like fish. That stream also has a good population of dace.
DeleteAlan, that's a true trophy. It's always amazing what can show up when you least expect it. Good flows of water definitely help with some of the quality fish that are showing up . Hopefully it will continue..
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad we have showers in the forecast almost all week and I'm loving it. The bigger guys seem to come out in times of high water.
Alan, that brook trout is a beautiful gem but that brown trout comes a pretty close second. Lovely colours on both.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along with you.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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Steve I've always said that our naturalized citizen the brown trout is a handsome formidable and durable addition to our fisheries.
What great pictures to wake up to on a cold rainy morning! None of those fish look like they're missing many meals. The big Brookie must have been a hoot to haul in.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike it's going to rain here again. I don't mind it for it's going to help later. The cold I'll leave to you hardy northern Maine fellows.
The big guy did test the rod.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWow, a nice brook trout, glad to know the browns have no effect on the brook trout. Was you using your bamboo fly rod? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the brookies still dominate in that stream. I used the 5' glass rod this time. I like to keep all of the rods in shape.
Wow, what a brookie! That would make my season. In the couple of times I have been out I have noticed a number of larger brook trout - perhaps the good flows we have had for over a year?
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat the streams here have had the benefit of multiple years of ample rainfall. This has been the reason for the increase in brook trout numbers, that's an opinion.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI know I have said this many times.....It still just fascinates me that such submarines can live, no, thrive quite well in such skinny waters! The first one is a real beaut and the other two are gorgeous as well! You have a real knack for locating and bringing to hand such awesome fish! There is something good and noble about the way you fish! Experience, yes! Instinct, more so! Thank you for taking us along on these adventures! Here's to a great 2019!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug wild trout can find a way to get it done. I know I'm always impressed when I catch a trout where I never have caught one before. Instinct is indeed part of how I get it done, with a bit of luck as always.