I have been fishing for most of my life. As a young boy it was all new and I would run and fish as much water as I could fit in the time that I was out. As time progressed there came the time for more gear, endless magazines on the subject of fly fishing and that desire to fish fast and cover all the water possible. Then I discovered the small stream and it was here that I learned to see and how to fish.
The small stream caused me to slow down, to check it all out but at a pace where it showed me what I had missed in those early years and the never ending vigor of youth. I was not a speed demon when I would walk along a blue line, sometimes taking far to much time fishing a run or plunge pool. I enjoyed this slow pace.
It has been a year or so where that slow pace has changed to an even slower one. The issues of boulders and high banks have gotten bigger and higher. This has made me a better angler for now every fish is a absolute stunning trophy. It's a statement that is hard to make for a person who has lived a beautiful life along the streams...but it is so true.
Perhaps I would have missed this in my fast youthful days. Now I stop and gaze upon it and wonder what the person who put it there was thinking.
Boulder laden stream. I'll find a flat spot and have at it. Three flies, a half hour, and several types of presentations....
and then the reward. A wild brown. Born in the stream to fend for himself. There are no feeding times here, only times when food presents itself. How about two thumbs up for this guy.
A featherwing streamer tied to represent a brown trout in his first year of life.
I have to agree with you here my good man, there is something to be said for the slowing down and seeing the small things that age and weary bones brings. I take far more pleasure in the minutiae these days that as I youth I would have missed totally or just disregarded as being irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteJohn
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John missing the little things may be because we did not see them or perhaps we saw them but being fast paced they never registered in our minds. The slow pace opens eyes, and I'm glad you now find joy in those little things.
GREAT post Alan! I'm slowing down too and age will do that to you.
ReplyDeletebillp
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Bill even though the mind say's go the body sometimes says slow down. Now I listen to the body. We still climb just not as high.
I've learned tons from your blog about fishing small streams. Just wish I could get out and do it.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I'm glad that SSR's has provided both teaching and a spackle of entertainment to you. Over all I think blogs provide a better source of information then do other mediums.
You have spoken for me. Well said sir.
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean after seeing the photos you sent me I knew you would be right alongside.
Alan, definitely two thumbs up for all your posts.
ReplyDeleteDave H
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Dave that's pretty high praise, and I truly appreciate it.
That's a pretty stream. I hope that you were able to take advantage of the warm weather today.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn I was out and it was beautiful. It felt warmer then the temps stated. Only one brookie to hand but I'll accept that.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteThere is something special about the close quarters fishing on a small stream. I do enjoy my trips to Teesdale to fish the river Tees and her big pools and runs, but I do prefer the intermacy of the little river Leven (other small Yorkshire streams are available). You are right that we notice more of our surroundings but I find the pace of fishing is just as quick as on the big river (perhaps that's just my style?).
It is looking more likely to be Swiss Air Force F/A18's than Yorkshire Grayling on Monday......
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair I would love to fish those small Yorkshire streams. I have enjoyed photos of them and would like to see a "Bomber" floated in one of the riffles. Your pace is just that and if it works so stay with it. I know I would like to hear of the Swiss Air Force.
Couldnt have put it better
ReplyDeleteBecks and Brown Trout
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I just knew there were more of us out there...you fish some lovely streams.
An excellent post, as usual. The only way to feel that you have gotten the most out of life is to slow down and take it all in and notice the small things. Time with loved ones, that perfect little brookie from a thin blue line, sitting beside a beautiful waterfall, hiking to a magnificent view over a valley...these are the kind of things that give meaning to our lives. It's too bad many people get caught up in the rat race and never get to really live and enjoy life to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteChris "Kiwi" Kuhlow
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Chris...that perfect little brookie from a thin blue line, sitting beside a beautiful waterfall, hiking to a magnificent view over a valley....so right. Slowing down is so important especially in these times.
"And though boundaries necessarily exclude, this exclusion brings with it a clarifying power. What lies with the borders is enlarged because the whole sense of proportion changes. As you adjust to a scaled down world, undifferentiated impressions separate into distinct details, small things seem larger, what first passed without notice becomes perceptible. Sounds are amplified. the eyes see more acutely, the imagination leaps with greater ease because the distances are shorter. There is a magnifying power to localness that conducts us inward to the animate heart of things". Ted Leeson Jerusalem Creek
ReplyDeleteseth campbell
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Seth I thank you for posting this and I thank Ted Leeson for writing it.
Thank you for your post as well Alan, you continue to inspire. I thought it fit right into the discussion. Habits of Rivers and Jerusalem Creek are both highly recommended reads.
ReplyDeleteseth campbell
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I'll look into those titles...it's a long winter and a good book is as good as it gets on those long winter nights.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. We all have to slow down at some point. I used to feel bad about not being what I used to be, but after a while I came to accept it. I still have dreams about hitting solid line drives with a Louisville Slugger. Sometimes I wake myself up thinking I am at bat. Good memories and I am glad I have them.
Now here we are with the reality that we are up there in years, but at least we can still fish on our own terms. And while doing it, we have the ability to take a break and enjoy our surroundings. I realize I have to wade in easy zones now, but I am OK with it knowing I have a chance to feel a pull on my line. Getting skunked doesn't bother me any more if that pull doesn't happen.
Once home after fishing I feel satisfied after just being out. My wife waiting for me asking me if I had any luck. I think she understands that if I say I got skunked I still feel I had good luck.
Best, Sam
Sam
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A smashing line drive in the gap....well done Sam.
You make a good point about the skunk. It used to be an issue years ago but no longer. Time on a stream is well spent and a fish to hand is a reward that is not necessary.
Thank you Alan for all your inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the name of the streamer?
Regards,
Richard
Rich
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Rich I call it BT's brown trout. Funny though I have never fished it.
This is what happens friend Alan .... our hobby shows us day by day that the more contact and knowledge you have about trout, the more we admire it and the more we appreciate it, ... so with the passage of time it forces us to be more observers, ... that's how I see it ...
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando you see it very well. Your insight is spot on.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe streamer and the brook trout are a perfect match!! thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they do go well.
Achalabrookies
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Humberto I think we as fly fishers all come to realize this in our lives. I know it has made me a better person for it.
Humberto sorry about the mix-up in your reply.
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