This spring has been a fantastic one for me. My small streams have been at peak, and fishing is the best in a good many years. There are probably many reasons for this and I'll say one of the main factors is the amount of rainfall in the last two plus years. It seems that each time out I manage to find beautiful fish, and these fish are good size especially for the streams size. On this outing I found willing brookies throughout the entire stream. The sizes were from mini to 10 plus inches. These fish were healthy and spunky.
A typical holding area for brookies. A nice strong flow in and several soft spots for rest. A spot of shade and some sunken wood and you have the makings for a trout rise.
On the second cast this fellow rose to the Bomber.
This pool was incredible, three trout were feeding in it's currents. One of the three was probably the most beautiful brook trout I've taken. He came back for the Bomber several times until he was hooked.
As I held this wonder I could not believe how striking he was. He had every size dot of multiple colors. A beautiful peach colored flank with a dark green back. The blue halos accented the red dots and the vermiculations were like I've never seen before. A true wild jewel.
A "Bomber" crash landed in the hemlocks...a tough workhorse.
This dam was blown out years ago, and for the better I might add. But there is a pool created below and it is always to be fished.
Brook trout diversity from the same stream. This guy was all muscle and used everyone of them to avoid capture. He is still swimming in the dam pool.
So glad you are enjoying this spring! It's been a wet one but as you mentioned it is keeping the small streams full and probably bringing a lot of food into the streams as well.
ReplyDeleteMarkW
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Mark it has been a true joy fishing this spring. Full streams and hungry brookies.
Alan
ReplyDeleteSurface action on fly patterns is the ultimate in fly fishing, especially on streams like you fish there. Unbelievable color markings on that special brook trout you landed. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill it is the ultimate in fly fishing seeing a fish slam your dry fly. That brookie was unique.
That is one outstanding looking brookie as are the rest of the ones you show. My home brookie waters are probably 200 miles from yours and I have found some great conditioned brookies also. I will be back "home" in about 2 weeks and cannot wait - meanwhile, please keep your adventures coming!
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat do you fish NJ and PA? I think I remember you talking about PA on another forum.
We will be waiting your report from back home.
I have regularly fished NJ and PA since I used to live in NJ but a stone's throw from PA - I spent a lot of my early years in the Catskills also. I am heading back to Sussex County in NW Jersey to some familiar waters with an emphasis on the wild brookies.
DeleteNothing drab about those fish; you're right, they're jewels. Beautiful stream, have you shown us this one before? Loved the picture of the bomber in the hemlock.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike last fall I had a banner day on that same stream https://smallstreamreflections.blogspot.com/2018/10/streamers-brook-trout-and-sore-kneesone.html
Those hemlocks have eaten a few of my bombers over the years.this one I got back.
Got to say, creeks like that are perfect.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I am at home in places like that.
The trouts are wonderful. What great news is good rains, water is life. Enjoy that stream.
ReplyDeleteMario GC
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Mario I believe it's the rains of past that have created the fishery I enjoy today.
Bombers, brook trout, beautiful stream what could a man ask for. That's as good as it gets ,Alan. The wonderful part is you truly appreciate all of it. Thanks for the journey..
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad it really can't be better. I do love and appreciate every minute of it.
One hell of a year indeed, Alan! The big beautiful brookies just keep coming for you. Do you think they are running bigger than in past years? There must be a lot of food getting washed in your streams with all the rain I imagine.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam the streams keep producing well fed brookies, and I contribute that to lots of water. I would guess most of their bellies are full of worms right now.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThe Bomber below is stunning! And, the one stuck in the hemlocks is pretty neat too! This entire thread is so fine...probably the finest you have ever produced. I'm pretty sure that I have reviewed them all! Again, I am amazed at the beauty and uniqueness of these creatures! And, the rediculously small waters (albeit wonderfully beautiful!) in which they not only survive but thrive! I want to live where you live!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug so far this year it has been perfect. When I am able to fish it seems everything I do is right. Rain has been ample and I think it really turns on the trout having lots of water to move in. Doug we would love to have you.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteThose are some impressive wild jewels there and the stream looks superb as well.
Glad to hear your spring has started with plenty of rain but I still wish some would travel across the Atlantic!
Have your natives been offered any 'Yorkshire Bombers' yet?
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Alistair
Alistair
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I wish I could coax the rain clouds to cross the pond, for I would do it a heartbeat. Yes they have been introduced, they like them...stay tuned.
Alan, Pics are awesome. I would agree with your assessment.
ReplyDeleteRalphsFlyBox
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Ralph it's good to see a great comeback...water, water, water!