Saturday, November 6, 2021

"bread and butter" brookies

My friends there are some beautiful colors out there. I'm certain this may be the last weekend for mother natures fall show. So if you have the opportunity please get out and enjoy it. 

There is a saying I like to use when referring to the type trout I seek. Most of you know what they are but don't know how I categorize them. I like to call those little jewels I catch "bread and butter" brookies. The streams I fish are not plentiful when it comes to feeding brookies. These little guys squeak out a life somehow and provide the most wonderful days afield and stream. While I get very lucky at times and manage to catch a 10 or 12 inch brookie most of what I catch are in that 4 to 7 inch range. I never grow tired of catching these small jewels and it's a good thing. At times one can compare life's dealings with the dealings of wild brook trout. They are a big part of the life I enjoy.
 

 

There are no prolific hatches taking place on a stream like this. But the unpretentious wild brookie cares not. He will adapt and survive.
 

This is a "bread and butter" brookie. He is a staple of a healthy small stream.
 

To the "bread and butter" wild brookie all that moves through the water is to be eaten.
 

 

16 comments:

  1. Well said... I enjoy the same kind of "Small Stream Enviroments". When I happen to catch that 3 to 4 inch Brookie, I know that those fish are stream breed and that just brings me joy. Thank you for shairing and take care. Sincerely Hollen Groff

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    1. Hollen M Groff
      Thanks
      Hollen that brookies ability to attain a size 0f 3-4" in the little stream is a remarkable feat. And a true testament of it's "all cost's to survive" within them.
      Keep on enjoying them my friend.

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  2. Hi Alan,

    Thanks for sharing those autumn (fall) colours, they are wonderful.......

    The trees over here are mid-way through their transition and there are some really bold yellows and oranges around. I have a few Japanese Maples in my garden which are putting on their autumn dress (butter yellow, pinks and scarlets) and are enhancing the local natives show.

    Out on the streams I (and several club members) have caught good numbers of out of season Brownies whilst targeting the Grayling, they have got some really pronounced markings on show. Not to be outdone, the Grayling themselves are in fine condition - bright silver, speckled with black flecks and with beautifully marked dorsal fins.

    It truly is a colourful season!

    Take care and stay safe

    Alistair

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    1. Alistair
      Thanks
      Alistair some of the remaining tress with leaves on them are simply striking, I see over there they are still in color.
      Great news on the condition of both browns and grayling.

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  3. Our leaves are long gone now. We've had our first snow and the grays of winter are settling in. The snow didn't stick, but we've been warned...

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    1. mike
      Thanks
      Mike it was pretty skimpy out there today. Water was cold, slight breeze and the brookies had lockjaw. I hope the snow holds off but I'm not betting.

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  4. Finding those bread and butter wild brookies in a new stream is always exciting even if the size is small. I was happy to add a new stream to my collection yesterday based on the capture of such a fish. The cold mornings are becoming a challenge. It's easier to get out early in the day but the fish prefer some warmth.

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    1. Shawn
      Thanks
      Shawn they are a staple in those thin blue lines and they never disappoint. I'm happy your still doing recon naked trees can aid you and this is a good time to put some leg work in. The next couple of days should be warmer.

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  5. I have only caught a handful of 12 inch wild brookies in my favorite waters which to me is monumental. The typical brookie is one of your bread and butter trout and I will go out of my way and be thrilled to have a day with those jewels! Looking forward to being back in the saddle next Spring.

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    1. NJpatbee
      Thanks
      Pat the "big" brookie is rare, but to me that's OK. I can see you have the same feelings about "bread and butter" brookies. I sure am rooting for you....

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  6. I love those little jewels too, Alan. It amazes me how tough they are finding a way to make a living in those little streams they live in. I have to believe they are the ultimate opportunists making the most of terrestrial insects that fall or land in the water. We have a swimming pool and it amazes me sometimes how many insects get stranded in it. I often wonder if a good many insects fall into small streams also.

    Best, Sam

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    1. Sam
      Thanks
      Sam you follow with the same wonderment of others when it comes to those miracle creatures we call small stream brookies. Your point is true they are opportunists, and have honed their skills. Terrestrials are a big part of their food source. Yesterday there was a gigantic midge hatch going off about 12-1 pm. Tiny swarms of insects. Now the brookies were feeding on the emergers nymphs, scant size but nutrition none the less.

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  7. Alan,
    Another "jewel" of a post for us to enjoy! I am glad you touch on so many different and interesting subjects pertaining to your beautiful blue lines! It's what keeps me coming back for more! Simplicity....what a great theme to live by!
    Keep up the great work friend!
    Doug in the Den

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    1. Dougsden
      Thanks
      Doug in the den, you are the master flymph tyer in the great state of Ohio. Your comments carry a lot of weight here.

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  8. Alan
    The Tiny Ten is the perfect match for those Bread and Butter Brookies---thanks for sharing

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    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      Bill yes it is. And in certain streams I'll put it into action.

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