Yesterday was the first day out since the nor'easter we had on Monday. The sun was out and the air temperature was near 40 which is quite nice for this time of year. The issue today was going to be the snow one of which was a place to park. I did manage to find a cozy opening where my Honda was out of trouble. The next issue was going to be getting to the stream. The snow was deep I estimate it to be 12-14". It was soft and fluffy and I was able to move along without any real problems. There was one set of human boot prints as I got closer to the stream. I guess it was a hiker and not a fisherman.
I had taken my Tiny Ten today for I was anxious to try out my new line which is a Clearstream Uni Thread furled leader. This one is a 7' in a light yellow color. The color would allow me to see it better on the stream, which it did. I stepped into the stream and made my first cast. It was great to see the line move through the water. I fished and fished. I changed flies and changed flies. And I cast and I cast. And the one constant was nothing. Not even a bump. A snag on a rock gave me a rush but that was not what I was seeking. What did these fish want?
I may have answered that question as I observed these little bugs walking on the snow. I guess it's size to be a 20...forget about it....
Time to take a break and figure something out going forward.
The strategy was to tie on a fly and just fish it.
That was done and about a half hour later I got a strike. He was on momentarily but soon slipped the hook. Maybe ten minutes later as the fly moved along a bank I saw the flash and take of a brook trout.
What a jewel. "Were it worth it" hell yes.
The stream in brook trout forest was tough today but it did yield one of it's special creatures.
Beautiful brookie. Your hand must be cold!
ReplyDeleteRKM
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Kirk it was. I carry gloves now and as soon as the pic is taken I dry my hand and put on the glove. Knees are bad and the cold gets into them with no mercy.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure just being outside on a nice 40 degree day in February was good for the soul. Catching a fish, and a nice one at that, sure makes the day.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe it actually felt good being out there. The sun has a nice warming effect on the body. The brookie was the reward.
Going out today but I won't be taking as tasty of a break as you did. Does that braid ice up?
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill the cheese was on the aged side and man was it strong.
The braided line was fine. No ice build up, probably because of the air temps. Below 30 it might be an issue.
What a beautiful, plump brook trout, Alan. Your persistence paid off! The snack you brought looks mighty good. I bet it surely tasted good as you took a break from fishing.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Sam
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Sam this time of year it more about getting out there. I don't usually count the fish I catch but in the winter one is considered a windfall. 43 days 'til spring.
I am not a fish counter either, Alan. If I catch ONE this time of year I am satisfied. Good picture of that stone fly on the snow. It always amazes me that insects still hatch this time of year, water as cold as it is. My last time out a couple of weeks ago there were a few caddis flying around.
DeleteSam I was once told that those winter stone flies will not hatch until the air temps are cold enough. Another strange thing I've noticed is that you don't see them everywhere along the streams, they crawl in just certain areas. I've not seen caddis but would love to see a few fluttering about. Good day today maybe Sam's a fishin...
DeleteFish of a thousand casts. Sounds like Steelhead. When I fished Ice House Lake at ice out, I'd often thought about snow shoes rather than hiking through two or three feet of snow.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark both steelhead and Atlantic salmon. Your right snowshoes would serve me a great deal. I have had them on a buy list for several years.
That brookie was spectacular! So fat for February. The fly, too, is eye catching. Glad you persevered!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike most of the brookies this winter have been healthy, a testament to their streams.
G'Day Alan,
ReplyDeleteSome days trout will throw themselves at just about any fly you tie on. Other days they'll turn their noses up to everything you chuck at them. The fly you eventually scored with obviously triggered something in that nice brookies little brain.
That yellow line would be easier to see on the water. I fish a camo line with my 8 foot tenkara rod and it can be damn hard to see with my three score and five year old eyes. I might start using a pink line that I bought from "Dad and Em's" a few years ago. I dont think they are operating any more. Streamside furled leaders are extremely good and reasonably priced. I bought three leaders from them last year--two in brown with bright orange tips- 6 and 8 feet and an all brown 8 footer.
I've arranged to have tomorrow--Sunday--off work. Weather looks potentially good so I'm planning a days fishing at a few slightly farther off streams. My reward for working through the Christmas/school holiday madness!
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve
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I had a olive colored line that was a problem for me, could not see it very well. Dad and Em's sounds like a store I'd like to visit. Local and friendly. Get out there and fish mate...I'll be waiting for the report.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteThat brookie is an absolute stunner, well worth the effort and wait.......
The rivers here in Yorkshire are still to full to fish. Keep your posts coming, while I wait for a break in the weather.
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair he sure was a gem. I know it's tough not being able to fish but the rain is a good thing to deal with as opposed to drought.
Great stuff Alan. Quality not quantity and that was a beautiful fish. The Salami looks good too. Stay safe, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John that saying applies pretty much to all things in life. The salami cured in small batches makes a difference.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI would say the trip was worth it to land a quality brookie, especailly using the Tiny Ten!! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill it's always a win whenever there's fishing involved. The brookie was a BIG plus. The Tiny Ten was stellar.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed fishing the "edges" of weather. Snow (and it's accompanying low pressure systems), rain events such as summer thunder storms, etc. You are quite a trooper for getting out there in deep snow with bad knees! The snowshoes mentioned above may be your salvation from a bad fall! Think about it friend!
A great thread above Alan and a gorgeous brookie for your efforts!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug you and the others who suggest snowshoes are correct. There is some serious thought to make a purchase. Fellows like that are what makes my day, and night and what ever else... snow all day and still at it.
When there isn't a bite, I go red. Hey... That snack would have made my day ok. Ha. I'm such a snacker. Good for you getting out in the deep snow.
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Hello Emily...snacks are a specialty of yours. I have seen some of those cookies you make and I would walk through a foot of snow to have a few.
Awwwe... You're too kind. I do have a bad habit of baking though... Lol
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