This past weekend was perfect here in the northeast. Weather was about as good as it gets this time of year. The steams of southwest Mass. are in top shape and hold some very pretty and very hungry brook trout. This one particular stream was very iced up about a month ago but as you can see that's changed. Although the brookies were hungry they preferred their food be taken sub-surface. Dark bodied soft-hackles and streamers got these fish going wild.
This colorful fellow was hiding in that back eddy near the bank.
"Trout Lilly" first sighting this spring.
Love those streamers, in the spring and well just about every season.
If your in the area of East Hartford CT this Wednesday the 10th, I'll be tying "streamers for little waters" and soft-hackles. The Connecticut Fly Fisherman's fly tyers roundtable will be held at Veterans Memorial Clubhouse. It starts at 7pm. You can find out directions at their website.
Hemlock....looking great.
Looks awesome Alan! That water just looks so beautiful, and that cut bank eddie off the far side of the current... NICE! I'm a streamers first sort of small stream guy, it's neat to hear of your success with them and good luck with your talk/presentation.
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will it seems that most streams are experiencing perfect flows now. Streamers are always a consideration especially in small water. The fly tyers roundtable is a favorite of mine. Every year I meet old buddies and usually make a few new ones.
Another fine day on the creek. That Trout Lily is really interesting. I've never seen one nor did I even know they existed. Made my day.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark when you find trout lillies you can rest assured you'll find trout close by. A spring flower indeed.
As usual your days on the stream are a joy to follow. Thanks for the picture of the Hemlock, they don't exist up here and I miss them; they always remind me of trout.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I see you guys are still getting snow, I give you credit for maintaining sanity.
The hemlock took a bad beating in most areas, but we have survivors.
cracking again Alan, may I ask what trout lilly is?
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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A trout lilly is a spring flower. A yellow flower that blooms from a plant with leaves that look like the green body of brook trout.
Beautiful brookies, Alan. No matter what state, if they are around you will find them.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam most of my stream exploration is in the books. I may fish a stretch of a newly found stream once and awhile, I now leave that to the younger guys. Most of the streams I fish I'm familiar with what's in them.
Now I'm thinking of one stream in NW CT, that I have never fished...
No matter where NW Connecticut or otherwise, you will find them.
DeleteSam finding them in this case is not the problem, hiking the rough terrain is. But perhaps one nice day in May I'll try it.
DeleteThe Hemlocks....Ah! We are so blessed to have them in our forests and even a few growing right up to the edge of some of our smaller freestone streams. Their beauty is indescribable! The connection between the hemlocks and brook trout is still a sweet mystery! I am glad that you mention it frequently!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug the hemlock does so much for the streams and the streams do so much for the fish that live in them. Funny how so many things in our lives rely on each other for life. One day a certain group of people will figure that out.
The story of the hemlock and the brook trout can be found in writings of southern brook trout anglers. A good research project for some snowy day in January..
Alan - The next time you are in MA, you will have to let me know! I love seeing the trout lilies, it isn't spring until I see them and I haven't seen one yet.
ReplyDeleteMarkW
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Mark we drove down to Bears Den in Taunton...should have paid a visit to Red Brook. Come May we will visit a couple of Cape streams and fish together.
The trout lillies appeared as I fell off the bank.
Alan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful clear stream you was fishing and it looks like the brook trout are in good shape after the tough winter you guys have had. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the trout are strong. They tail walk and keep a bend in the little rods...and it's going to get better.
The brookies seem to always have color there.
ReplyDeleteFeather Chucker
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January February the brookies were on the pale side. March seems to have brought back some color.
Doug is right ... brookies and hemlocks seem to just go together. Good to see you back in mid-season from, Alan.
ReplyDeleteBill Shuck
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Bill they do indeed. I have to do a little googling to find out more about the this match-up.