A stream flowing through a valley in southeast Connecticut. It's origin is a swampy bog that is almost impenetrable, believe me I know from experience. The streams waters flow cold and clear with lots of undercuts and root clumps all perfect brook trout habitat. It is a series of short runs and many plunge pools. On this one day as I worked my way downstream I found a beautiful pool. It had a swift flow into it and it's depth was more then average. The bottom was leaf covered and I could not determine if there was a rocky bottom or a mud one. I gazed into the pool and tried my best to see if I could see any brookies, if there were any they were well hidden. I placed myself in position to make a cast/drift into the pool. Experience has taught me to use a large dry fly, and if there were trout in the pool the strike would come very fast. So I let go and the fly landed about mid pool. The strike came fast and the fish was on.
Moments later I had in hand a gorgeous wild brookie. He had lived up to all that they are known for. After I had released the brookie I noticed what appeared to be a walking stick leaning near a tree. Did someone else fish this pool did he have success or was it a kind soul just walking along the stream?
Alan, very interesting fly, what do you call that?Also, thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteDave H
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Dave I guess you could call it a skater. I tie them using a coq de leon feather which is quite large. I wrap the feather quite tightly and they are tied on a 14 hook. Sometimes I'll wrap some grizley hackle along the shank and then tie the coq de leon.
Dark bottomless pools, impenetrable bogs running through a rocky valley, a mysterious and perhaps ancient walking stick abandoned... sounds like a good start to a Washington Irving story. You keep catching fish with that fly and I keep threatening to tie some. Maybe this winter.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike now that you put it that way I would agree. Tie it and try it....do you have coq de leon? Cause I can spare some.
It always amazes me the "things" you find fishing. I've found nets, saws, camping chairs, and even a brand new package of paper plates.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark a package of paper plates, man that's odd. I think the most common thing I find are hats.
On two separate occasions I have found spinning rods complete with reels lying on the stream bottom.
DeleteDean F
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Dean wow two, it's a shame that someone would forget to retrieve a rod and reel.
Alan
ReplyDeletePrecision casting for sure got the attention of this brookie. I wonder if there is a spring at the bottom of this pool? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill there is a good possibility that a spring is feeding water into that pool. As far as casting goes I think it was a lucky shot.
Beautiful especimen of brook trout Alan, ...it really is a gem....
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando a handsome fellow for sure.
The wonderful conditions for freestone streams continue, Alan, with a couple more inches of rain today. Brookies could not ask for better conditions for spawning this fall after the ample rain we have been blessed with. Beautiful already, once fall sets in their colors are dazzling. Interesting that someone left their walking stick behind. Maybe the person left it for others to use from it.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Sam
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Sam there are going to be some fine days on the stream this fall. I'm sure they had a reason for leaving it there. Maybe they saw me hobbling around there before{ha}
That sounds like a great stream! The skater looks like a fun fly too.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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You would love fishing it in the streams you access.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteYet another classic post from your "experiences" as Dave H said above! You need to write more books Alan! The stream, the trout, and the fly are stunning! Again, you are so blessed to be where you are! Connecticut is a bit of brook trout heaven for sure!
All the best to you friend as you continue on in this magical season! Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I have always said that I am blessed to be living where I am. To have streams and wild trout so close is a true gift. I am looking forward to my time during the glorious season in brook trout forest.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteGreat looking wild brookie. Thanks for sharing.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe I see it's working for you.