I'm still old school when it comes to finding places to fish. I pull out the paper maps and start checking those blue lines especially the ones that do not have a paved road to access them. One very important fact when it comes to the description of the roads which are a bit exaggerated a bit. Several maps show those broken lines which when you check the map legend state the road is unimproved. What it should say is that it's impossible to move forward without a helicopter. These unimproved roads some of which have gullies and ruts that can destroy your car. And then there are those old barbed wire fences that have been over grown with ground foliage. I have taken many a nasty spill on these fences, luckily I was not cut open. Many times I'll drive into these areas until I feel uncomfortable, I'll then park the car and walk to the area I want to fish.
We have and are still getting much needed rains. All day yesterday and through the day today rain will continue. This will likely cause movement of spawning trout which has been on hold for awhile.
A streamer photo that I ran across. I don't know much about it with exception of a Coq de Leon feather used in the wing.
Sometimes I like to see some of my photos in black and white. The way they looked so many years ago.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou are truly the last of the "old school" trailblazers! The info in the map in your head is equally impressive! No doubt, you have had much practical experience in both finding and fishing many of these secret waters! Bravo Alan!
Black and white photos are unique in their own special way! The ones I have seen from your archives are equally as impressive as your color treasures! Keep up the good work! All of us are enjoying the fruits of your labors!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug lots of experience, most good but some not so good. I really must start to write some of those experiences in the book. I don't want to let that brain "fog" hamper my effort. Certain photos just look great in B&W... Staying with it.
I love topo maps. I find the act of searching out the water to be as much as fishing it. The book at the bottom of the page, One Man's River, is a wonderful read. I enjoyed the b&w pic, perhaps you could do a few more?
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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Yes sir finding those places can be rewarding. And when you happen on one of them that has a brookie or two it just makes it better. That book was given to me and I read from it most everyday. There is a lot of words that apply to all of us within it's pages. I'll fumble through my photos and see what I can come up with.
I've come across a few of those roads myself. As you said, you can only go so far and then you have to hoof it. Alan, do it carefully.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I am so careful at this point in life. Injuries now take a long time to heal.
Hello Alan, I rarely comment and yet I read your of adventures weekly, often several times per week. Keep doing what you do, it is important.
ReplyDeleteGrannom
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Keep on reading, and that once in awhile comment is OK.
Glad you enjoy it.
Your posts always brighten my morning along with my first up of coffee. Our season is winding down and closes this coming Tuesday. Luckily though, Iowa is only 2 hours away, and is open year round. This week I had the highlight of my fishing life, a tiger trout.
ReplyDeletedpnoll
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Well that's nice to hear, good coffee and SSR's.
A wild tiger is a rare catch. You are in a special club now. One of the fiercest fighting fish I have ever caught.
Congrats.
Alan
ReplyDeleteFinding that untouched stream that very few have fished is a bonus.
I noticed you mentioned feeling uncomfortable when driving into new areas where you are going to fish. Have you ever encountered any unfriendly sorts when you've out by yourself? Now days it pays to careful when fishing or hiking alone. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill some of those finds have turned out to be a bust, but the trip finding them is always nice.
I can honestly say that I have not run into any unsavory individuals out there. The uncomfortable feeling is when the road get to be unfriendly.
Alan.
ReplyDeleteI live in Savoy and there are plenty of beautiful streams with brook trout. The joy of finding a new one is hard to beat. Its hard to tell from the photo but your circle looks to be on one of my favorites. Love topo maps as well. Good luck and thanks for sharing
Unknown
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I never fished that area. I have fished streams in the Charlemont area which I won't name on the blog. But they are little gems and I love them. I also fish the Sandisfield area.