Winters first snow. Depending on where you live in Connecticut the amount was from a coating to 18 inches. For a little state that's quite a swing. The woodlands are so beautiful, snow clinging to everything like frosting to a cake. The evergreens especially stand out adding color to the drab hardwoods. Fishing at this time of year can be a challenge. Walking through snow can really put a strain on those leg muscles. Moving along the stream presents it's own set of issues. Don't slip on the snow as you near the water, and watch for those leaf jams that are covered with snow. As far as flies go they say small nymphs are your best bet. I use them and they get the job done. I also like to fish soft-hackles and dries from time to time.
Watching a little brookie swim up from his place in the stream and swipe at the seductive feathers of a soft-hackle is one of the joys of winter fishing.
There are no days when you have a half dozen fish to hand, but that's something you should realize before heading out. Be content to bring one or two to hand.
With the right attitude going in, the rewards will be spectacular.
Without question this is not gourmet. American cheese and butter on white bread. Oh well...
Snow transforms the look of a stream doesn't it? Your Brookies are so handsome.
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill that first snow we have is the best time out. Over the winter there will be many snow events but they are not the same.
Down here in town we got snow last week, but you had to look pretty hard to find it. Up the hill where we used to live they got about 6". I'll stay in town and view it from afar.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I share the same sentiment. I like snow, to look at but that's it. And looking at it from afar is just fine.
I love the way the streams look after a snowfall. Still not much here in the Driftless but it is definitely nymphing time. And as a bonus, only the crazies are out fishing.
ReplyDeletedpnoll
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Yes sir nymphing is probably your best bet at taking winter trout...but.
Spot on about the "crazies"..
G'Day Alan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along on this beautiful winter fishing trip.
I very rarely fish in the snow here in Victoria, Australia as our trout streams are closed during the coldest part of the year-June to August. Yes, the opposite to you all in the northern hemisphere.I have fond memories of hiking and camping in the snow during the time I lived in Tasmania in the70's and 80's. The sound of my boots crunching in the snow and the magical almost silence remains with me.
That is a gourmet sanger. It is seasoned with the experience that the day provided.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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Steve I never knew that snow fell in OZ....There is a movie out called "Only the River Knows"..and the two fishers in it are fishing New Zealand. In the process of locating a stream they some how get lost. Using the sun as a guide they realize that at noon the sun is not where it is in their home of Norway and is somehow wrong.
G'Day Alan,
DeleteWe get snow during winter in the alpine areas of the southeastern states of Australia including Tasmania. It usually doesn't fall below the 500 metre level but in really cold spells we've had light snowfalls here in the Badger Creek/ Healesville area. Skiing and snowboarding is very popular.
I've fished at small alpine stocked lakes in the winter where, while it hasn't snowed, I've had my guides ice up. The tenkara rod setup is good when this happens.
I forgot to ask what type of cookies or cakes were in the photo. It's the baker in me!
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve thanks for the clarification. Icing is a big problem with conventional fly gear, tenkara is the savior.
DeleteThe cookies are an Italian recipe that has been used here for many many years.
Steve if you would like the cookie recipe I'll post it.
DeleteG'Day Alan,
DeletePlease do!
Cheers,
Steve.
PS Just realised that I put the cookie comment on the wrong post. OOps!
Steve.
Very beautiful snowy landscape Alan, I also like snow a lot and luckily here in winter we have a lot .. luck and be careful not to fall ...
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando do you ski? Many people who like lots of snow enjoy skiing, snowmobiling. To deep and the snow could be dangerous.
I remember minced ham, chicken or whatever mom had in the Fridge. It always tastes better when your outside.
ReplyDeleteKurt
Brookie61
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Kurt so true...a hot dog roasted outdoors is a fine steak.
That sandwich in that setting looks like a feast fit for King. Beautiful pictures, Alan. Thank you.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike that is the only setting for a sandwich like that. But it was so good.
Armando's drawing reminds me of the cover, of the paperback edition of Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea".
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John you talk about classics....