Sunday, June 27, 2021

Looking for moose....

Yesterday we took off in search of moose. Connecticut has a resident population of these giants as well as migrants from Massachusetts. The area selected was located in northwest CT. on a very large tract of state land. This was chosen because of recent sightings of moose as well as my previous knowledge of seeing many places here with moose sign, tracks and antler rubs in the Fall while hunting. In years past this tract was a grouse hot spot but over the years that has been lost. Woodcock can be found here and I still do hunt them. There are several ponds of varying sizes in the tract which is a good draw for moose. The bogs and small streams also help. The woods are of mixed hardwoods and evergreens and are pretty thick. We found a few trails that were cut and followed them looking for any possible evidence  of moose.
 

 

After a couple of hours and no sightings we headed for a large meadow/bog that looked promising. It is really hard to spot a moose along the edges. Unless they are moving they will blend in. The one encouraging sign was the fact that a large animal had recently walked through the bog. I did not see any tracks of a moose but the area leading in was dry. So not having seen a moose I decided to fish one of the ponds and see just what a soft hackle can persuade a fish to take.
 

It did not take long. A feisty colorful sunfish took the fly. This was repeated many times.
 

In the mix were a few small bass. These guys will make a 3wt glass rod work.
 

Grilled lamb. This is a favorite of mine. I take the simple route when grilling these and here it is. Use shoulder lamb chops. Place them on a hot grill and cook them to where they are just pink in color. Remove from heat and rub with fresh garlic. Then salt and black pepper them and feast away.
 

I like grilled lamb with ripped iceberg lettuce. Some fresh squeezed lemon juice or olive oil, salt and pepper. Simple and easy.
 

 

23 comments:

  1. Looks like good eating Alan. I haven't had lamb since I was a kid.
    Need to get that CGR out when the weather cools.

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    1. billp
      Thanks
      Bill lamb is so tasty. The CGR is probably the best 69.00 I've ever spent in fly fishing.

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    2. What leader are you using on your CGR? I've got a 4 1/2 ft braided mono on mine now.

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    3. bill I use a 3ft furled leader. I buy them from Feathercraft.

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  2. Moose are remarkably elusive in these parts. Given the apparent existing population you'd think sightings would be routine.

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    1. RM Lytle
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      The last one I saw in CT was on Rt. 8 in Colebrook.

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  3. Brk Trt, grilled shoulder lamb chops are one of mine and my family favorites. I do eat them all ways of temperature, though I prefer mine on the well done side. I know, I know, I'm creating a lamb lovers sin, but its just my preference. I too use garlic , though I use it when I'm cooking them. Good Stuff!!....Phil

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    1. DRYFLYGUY
      Thanks
      Phil I must admit cooking them pink is more because of wanting to eat them sooner than actually timing them to perfection. They are delicious.

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  4. Lamb has got to be one of my favorites. Lamb chops, Lamb shanks, all good. Just in case you really neeeeed to see a Moose, can always go out on YouTube. Plenty of Moose sightings there.

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    1. Mark Kautz
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      Mark lamb shanks now there's a delicacy. I guess you can find most anything on youtube.

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  5. Alan
    When you mentioned the pond at the beginning of your post, I wondered if you fished it? That sunfish is so colorful. You were using the best wt. fly rod to get the ultimate play from both fish. Delicious looking dish---thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
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      Bill that pond is also home to brook trout. I have never caught one but have heard of them being taken. There are plenty of bluegills bass and perch in there to keep one busy.

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  6. Hi Alan

    Lamb is a favourite in our house, the kids like lamb leg steaks but me an the missus love a 'Barnsley Chop' from across the saddle.

    This sunfish are gorgeous. When I was at Uni, I had a part-time job in an aquatics store where we had sunfish (we had them labelled as Pumkinseed Bass) in the cold water section for years. Nobody would buy them but we in the shop grew to love their cheeky characters!

    Take care and stay safe

    Alistair

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    1. Anonymous
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      Alistair I'm familiar with the leg slices but the saddle cut I'm not sure of. Perhaps it's called something else here. Loin chops?

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    2. Hi Alan

      Yes that's it - a 'Barnsley Chop' is two of those in one piece! Deliciuos with a hint of garlic and some fresh rosemary.

      Take care & stay safe

      Alistair

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  7. Great colors on the pumpkinseed! I have seen moose in MA but not yet in CT.

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    1. Shawn
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      Shawn they are colorful. Yes MA does have a good population, but like bears they are wanderers.

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  8. You don't usually find moose. They find you! Be careful out there. They are one big animal. They have scared me a couple of times as they ran across the river next to me. Just jumped out of the bushes!

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    1. The River Damsel
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      Emily I to have had some close encounters with moose while in Maine. I had one stare me down one fall while fishing a stream. 800 lbs of love sick moose is not something you want to be near.

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  9. Alan,
    You are warming my heart with the pictures of the sunfish and the bass and you are making me hungry with the lamb and your salad too! Dreadfully simple (I mean that as a most sincere compliment!) yet, so delicious! I like the olive oil (my mom used to mix in cider vinegar and just a touch of sugar...Wow!) and the salt and pepper! That is mighty fine eating going on at your house!
    I have been reading your other post too! As always, so delightful! They are a part of my daily routine along with a cup of coffee!
    Dougsden

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    1. Dougsden
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      Doug it's been hot here so I tend to leave the brookies be. But those wonderful warmwater battlers are fair game. Mom's were always great at making food taste the best.

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