There are times when I think back to times when fishing was one of my most important quests in life. One of the reasons being was the notion I was going to catch a big trout in a famed river on a fly that i created. When you think about it most of us have or had the same thoughts. Many of you have probably accomplished this and many of you still have that desire to accomplish the same. For me that quest was lost or just dropped from my mind and the thought really vanished. To put a time when this happened I can't say, but for me I'm glad it happened.
The quiet solitude of a small stream has played a big part in my life. It has become more important in these last years. The availability of famed waters are close and I could be fishing one of many within a couple of hours drive. The small stream gives me precious quiet time and is a mere twenty minute drive. I can't say if a change is in your future but I hope you'll at least give the small stream a try.
Caught on a fly of my own making, not the "big" brown of my early dreams but one that has much more meaning.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI've asked myself many times what is the attraction.
I think the beauty of the small stream is the first thing that captures the small stream angler. Just like those that love the big water or the lakes or ocean it strikes a cord in us. Then the size of the fish start to lose importance. Just being there, catching some, and just knowing these wonderful creatures are still thriving completes the picture. One gets the feeling that all is well with the world.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe you speak true words. Just to add to them I would like to say to your statement.." Just being there, catching some, and just knowing these wonderful creatures are still thriving completes the picture. One gets the feeling that all is well with the world." and it is.
All waters are home, but the more secluded they get the better I like them!
ReplyDeleteMy ideal day is wet wading. Being knee deep in cold water without a soul in sight and catching fish of any size, so long as they're wild.
My outlook is that every trout is a trophy
Nathan Camp
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Nate I never wet wade intentionally but have at times tried it unintentionally. The solitude is refreshing in many ways. I agree with the trophy.
I have never been a big buck nor big fish guy. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy getting a large trout or buck, it was just never my goal. What I really enjoy about trout fishing is that while chasing trout I forget about life and its problems. It's just the stream, trout and me.
ReplyDeletedpnoll
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David that big buck stuff is for Field and Stream. Besides you can't find a good recipe for antlers.
Place yourself where you and nature are the only ones there. you'll come back a better person.
You know I have caught the "Big one" on a fly I tied, but I find more excitement in fishing a dry on a small creek and watching those little natives take it off the surface. Have I mentioned how fast those little buggers are?
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark no arguments from me on your liking. Little natives are special. Yes they are fast.
The best part for me is finding new water. Out of the way, hard to get to water. And then, finding wild brookies, or salmon. There is no better feeling than finding wild fish in the pink of health, feisty, well fed, and ready to rumble. You mark these little streams down in your book, and tell no one of their existence. Some times, after finding a new stream with willing brookies, I never go back again. It's enough to know we've met...
ReplyDeletemike,
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Mike you describe your encounters in a thoughtful way. There are times when I'll fish a stream and seem to forget about it. Not that the experience was so good but like you stated because just knowing is all that's necessary.
Well said (both the original post and the many insightful comments). I picked up a fly rod (or three) for the first time this past winter and have discovered a love for catching trout in small streams. As I have explored Connecticut, I have been struck by the beautiful wild trout that continue to survive and sometimes flourish in streams decorated by the ruins of so many old mills and dams.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn the followers here are very insightful. You get to full range of thoughts and ideas in their comments.
I'm glad you have found the rewards of small stream angling. And you are spot on of your assessment of a major issue in CT. "damn dams"...some out dated structures that have served no one. it should be a priority on their removal.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou pretty much summed it all up in the post above! Well put my friend!
Big waters have their place but, small streams are the place to be!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I also love to catch big bass on the fly, but it's the bluegill that holds a place in my heart.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI don't have the small trout steams here in Alabama, but my younger brother and I use to catch sunperch on small streams in Mississippi such as those you fish. They still whole a lot of memories for me. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill some streams here are fantastic bluegill waters. The hold bass to although they are small. Great childhood memories for you.