Out and about...a lovely small stream, a beautiful day and some very sweet blackberries to highlight what was an exceptional day. I must confess, every day is exceptional and treasured. The berries are not quite there as far as being totally ripe, lots of "on the turn" berries which means I have some time to collect some for pancakes. Something else I'd like to pass along is the fact I have never had a year where I've seen so much wildlife. Birds, snakes, box turtles, deer, and a few bears. Toads and frogs along with lots of bees have made being out there very enjoyable.
The streams are still holding, and though we could use some rain I'm happy with conditions. Water temps have been 60-62, and a few of them in the 58 degree range. The brookies have been hanging in the faster water at least while I have been fishing, and they do not miss the fly as it drifts near them.
A small Royal Coachman wet fly fooled this jewel.
I have been fishing this old stick. A Cabela's TQR 5' 2wt...it's a great rod for the small stream and can handle what ever comes it's way. I featured the TQR in my book "Thin Blue Lines"
This photo shows so much of what a small stream offers...wood, which is good, a shallow riffle with a deeper section of water. It has shadows, and seems. But most of all it holds trout. An ant floating by was slammed.
That's some fish to be holding in a place like that. I believe that brookie is a pretty old fellow. Maybe one more spawning season left in him.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI still remember the blackberry cobbler my Mom use to make, loaded with a scoop of ice cream. Those are some really healthy brook trout you're landing with what I consider the fly rod I would use to fish there.
I see guys all the time on the Sipsey fishing 6 and 7 weight fly rods, too much over kill; match the size trout you are pursuing with the correct weight fly rod and you will enjoy the outing much better! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that dish mom made sounds delicious.
Guy's can use any rod they like. But using that heavy stuff is not needed in most waters especially here in the east.
I still remember when a 6wt was a trout rod, the lightest Fewick Glass rod you could buy in the 70s was a 5wt
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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Yes sir you are so right. Those old glass 5-6wt's were not like what is available to us today. We lived with those heavy-weights but not today...I for one am happy.
Buy the was Alan if you want a really nice Brook Trout decal for your vehicle check out pescadoronthefly.com.com I have the 10" one on the back window of my truck they also have a 5" one
ReplyDeletethank you, I'll check them out.
DeleteGreat looking decals. The price of 7.99 isn't bad either.
DeleteDon't make the mistake I made they can go inside or outside the glass I stuck it on the out side and will have to replace soon
DeleteThat big brookie is a beautiful fish; may his children still find good clean water long after he's gone. Mmmmmm, berry season!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike that fellow has been in that stream for a few years and lots of his off spring are swimming in there now. Maybe one more spawn.
Alan,is the book you mentioned available somewhere?
ReplyDeleteResman549
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I only have a few left. If there were interest in them I might go ahead and see if I could get some published.
Beautiful brookies and glad to hear the brooks are running cold.
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat the streams are cold, but we could use some rain to help boost the volume...fingers crossed.
Alan,been casting my 2wt also. It was a smokin' ebay grab. Brand new G-Lommis 6'9" Pro 4 X for $190. I've been throwing a DT 3WT Airflo on it. Can't wait to start seeing some searuns. I've been seeing blue-herron, otter, mink, falcon, along with the daily eagles, and deer. I don't fish tiny water like you yet, but that 6'9" rod has been a good creek rod for sliding under hanging limbs and bushes. Nice fish by the way. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Harding
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Matt that's a great price, a quality fly rod.
Anticipation on future fishing is always sure to keep us on in that "ready" mode...good days are ahead for you buddy.
Alan, that brook trout is something else. He has been making a living in that stream for a good while, one that survived the drought we had a couple of years ago. That trout has done plenty good. An amazing fish.
ReplyDeleteSam