What a month to be in New England. Every possible minute that I can be outdoors I take advantage of it. I wish all of you can experience what I have. While I know that is not possible I would like to share an outing or two with you. I will start by telling you that I'm in Connecticut, and the small stream is located in a small town, really small. I have to walk along this lovely row of colored leaves which leads to the stream. The field produces an aroma that I can't put into words. With exception of a strong breeze I can hear nothing. As I get closer to the brook I can hear it's waters moving over the rocks.
The waters of this tiny brook tumble down through a forest of color. Lot's of gold and red. The white bark of the birch stand out, and the leaf litter in and along the stream sparkle.
Within the stream are wild brook. Are they of impressive size? That is not necessary, what is impressive is their colors, and their ability to find suitable places to carry on. At this time of year their appetite is unreal...look at that caddis.
The bottom of this pool was amber, the leaves created a spectacular sight. And moving about it's waters was a gentle-soul in search of a mate.
I wish I could give you the name of this stream. I can't do that but what I'll do is say stop and think of a favorite stream of yours and you will find the stream written about today...
Love that last photo Alan! Very nice composition! This is a glorious season. I've been thinking of your "home stream" this time of year and longing for a visit before winter sets in!
ReplyDeleteMarkW
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Mark the brookies colors rival that of the foliage. I fished the "home stream" last week, they are still there.
I think I did a post on the mini hornberg...I will check the archives.
Just noticed your downwing hornberg below! I haven't fished hornbergs much but that variation looks like a winner, you should do a post on it!
ReplyDeleteMark,
Deletehttps://smallstreamreflections.blogspot.com/2015/09/flies-that-simplicity-thing-again.html
I strongly agree on not publishing stream names.
ReplyDeleteLovely in New England now. Here in the Smokies we are just starting to color up.
Jen Hen
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Jen I never give that info out, bad things will happen if I do.
I take it your in line to see a spectacular show put on by mother nature. Enjoy it.
That little brookie is certainly motivated, an over achiever for sure. May his offspring always find a home in that tiny stream.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike motivated is spot on. Those guys have been in that stream before I came into being and if left alone they will be here for along time to come. Precious they are.
Beautiful shots Alan! Most of us have a few streams that will remain unnamed. We are hoping for some much needed rain today in NW Jersey not just for fishing but to help the spawning season.
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat it is raining like heck here and they claim 3-4 inches. That should get the spawn push into full swing. I hope NJ reaps some of the rain.
Alan - We received over 2.5 inches in trout country which is great.
DeletePat that's good to hear. That will get the brookies moving to take care of business. Locally we received 2-4 inches.
DeleteLove the photo's, and the challenge to bring our own streams to life through the help of your post - thank you!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will I know we all have streams like these. I also know not everyone can be fishing them at this time. I'm glad to take the edge off and allow some peace into play.
Wow! The leaves really do match with brookies this time of year. Think of it as "brook trout camo"
ReplyDeleteMatt Harding
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Matt they blend into their streams so well. Brook trout camo indeed. Needed rain here, that should offer them more protection.
Hi Alan, Very attractive pattern but it doesn't look like any "Hornberg" I ever fished. Is that a 9671 Mustad? That barb is really intense.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John it is based on John Blunt's pattern, minus the jungle cock eyes. It is a pattern he developed for the Kennebago River in Maine. Your right, Mustad 9671
Incredible is the first thought that comes to my mind. Until I started reading your web site, Alan, I would never have imagined brook trout to be in a blue line that small. I guess one can't rule any stream out if there is water in it is my take. Those brookies find a way to make a living in the most amazing ways and places.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Sam
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My thoughts were that if the water remained cool enough brook trout could survive in a stream. Obviously they need that water to have a flow to it to replenish oxygen. In tiny streams the brook trout can be super small but in bad times it's always the small ones that survive best. Sam don't you just love brookies.
I'll say I love them. When my family moved to Massachusetts from Ohio, I heard there were trout to be caught. A worm on a spinning rod tossed into a culvert that drained a wetland gave me my first brookie. Holding it in my hand I could not believe what I was looking at.
DeleteSam although you caught that brookie, in reality that brookie hooked you for life. A wonderful effect they have on us.
DeleteHaha! You are so right, Alan. I caught a few this afternoon and I think I view them the same way as I did 50 years ago. I am always amazed and thankful they are still in our waters. Like you, whatever I catch I treat them as best I can with barbless hooks being a great asset in that regard.
DeleteSam the amazing thing about the brook trout is the fact that not only are they still here but thriving. It's true they don't reach gigantic sizes for which I can't understand. They make up for size in quantity and quality. Yesterday was a classic autumn day in New England.
DeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter the name of the stream! The fact that you chose to share this awesome place of beauty with us is enough! I agree with Sam above especially the last sentence! What is the absolute smallest rivulet that you have caught a brookie (or any other species) out of?
Ah, Connecticut in the fall!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug I have caught brookies in some very scant streams. Sometimes they are found in different sections of these small streams, moving to find suitable water. These brookies can take a fly that is quite large, which is a plus for us anglers who have an issue or two when it comes to sight.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteAmazing how colorful that little guy is. While the colors get all the fanfare I find the aroma of fall is what stirs the emotions and memories of past days afield.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe I wish they had a camera that could capture the smells of Autumn. One of my favorites is a walk in the woods and I come upon and old apple tree, the fallen apples fill the air with a fragrance that can't be described.
Alan
ReplyDeleteIn your intro you described what its like to enjoy the great outdoors, and one's love for fly fishing. You are one lucky fly fisherman!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill lucky I am, and grateful for every minute I'm out there. Beautiful times are upon us now.