In this second installment of seeking some rather awesome brown trout from a small stream I found myself in familiar surroundings. The upper part of the stream flows over stone with some rather flat areas with the favored slack and wood obstructed sections that brown trout love. This outing featured some what lower flows and clear water. The browns were holding in some pretty skinny water. The reason I knew this is because I spooked many of them. I have to work on my stealth, "note made"... This spring I have noticed very few outings where trout have been actively feeding on the surface and I have not found a reason for that. Many times I've seen insects on the water and they seem to go untouched. You have probably noticed not many "bombers" in the lips of the trout I've featured, I'll figure it out.
On this dat I did see an abundance of these guys in the bushes along the stream. I knew they would get someones attention at some point. The soft-hackle came off and the sparse muddler went on.
It did not take long for the fly to bring one to strike. This brown really tested the little bamboo rod.
This section of the stream flows through some nasty areas. The mud along the banks is tough walking. I stepped into some stuff that almost reached my knees. Experience has shown that the pools here hold nice fish. Several casts brought no response. I walked upstream a bit and crossed over to the other side. I was in a better position to fish the pool now and I made the presentation. The second cast and the brown moved on the fly but missed. Three more casts and he went for it again....the fight was on.
What a fight it was. Thankfully everything held and soon I had this brute at hand. The strength of this brown can be seen in his head. What a day....more to come.
Really beautiful fish Alan. I got out Thursday. A little Brown and stocker 'bows. They gave me a heck of a fight on the fixed line Tenkara rod in the current.
ReplyDeletebillp
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Nice outing Bill and with a Tenkara set. It sure feels good when times are right.
Wow Alan, those are some impressive brownies! Definitely worth the extra effort and perseverance through the woods.
ReplyDeleteAlistair
Alistair
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Alistair the effort made in that area of that stream will produce a few more I'm sure. I think the trout will be moving out of there though and headed upstream to cooler water and easier casting.
Alan
ReplyDeleteHave you had a better year than this fishing for native browns. All the trout I seen on most of your outing this year seem to be bigger and healthier than in previous years.
Just wondering if the excess rain and more insect present has made a difference? Whatever the reason; it has been a banner fly fishing year for you so far. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill the overall health of the streams in the last two years have really paid off. Cold water with good flows, and good food sources make for some large fish. I hope the trend continues.
Echoing what Bill said, you haven't shown us any skinny fish this season; everything you've brought to hand looks fat and healthy. Great pics, Alan.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike as I mentioned to Bill it's the overall stream conditions. I fish two little streams and the brookies are there in good numbers but they a stunted...stream just won't let them grow. I still love them.
Solid Gold! Love those red spots too. Like the others said, nice fish. They're probably not eating on top because there's plenty of food below.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Harding
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Matt spots that are really pronounced. As far as food below your going to enjoy next post in the brown trout series..
Beautifully colored and spotted browns, Alan. As the fellows said above, the plumpness of the trout versus previous years is indeed noticeable.
ReplyDeleteSam
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Sam a big difference overall in the condition of small stream trout. I'm loving it.
Beautiful looking browns, Alan. A brown trout in it's full spawning colours is a thing of great beauty, just like the one in that photo I sent you some years ago.
ReplyDeleteI've had experiences of sinking into silty mud along the edges of streams. Thoughts of being swallowed up by quicksand comes to mind until you finally stop sinking!
Went pond fishing for stocker rainbows yesterday. Caught and released four small fellows. Looking forward to the streams reopening in September.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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I remember that photo, I still have it somewhere. Quicksand memories of the old Tarzan movies. Stockers can take the edge off until better days are upon you.