Over the years I have fished for and have caught some pretty impressive brook trout. Impressive in the fact of their absolute beauty and their size. While I'm not bragging and please don't take it that way but it is a truth. Looking back over the photos of years past and trying to find what maybe the most beautiful brook trout ever to grace my hand and eyes was quite an undertaking. As I have said many times that their is more to small stream fishing than just bringing a fish to hand. It is with that though that I was able to bring to you what I consider the most beautiful brook trout I have ever taken.
Last year I found a bunch of feathers. They were on the ground and so I picked them up and tucked them away. These feathers were lovey, and nicely marked. They were also quite soft and would make for a nice fly.
The fly that was created was a simple one. It incorporated an orange silk body, the hackle and a bit of sparkle dubbing for the head.
The little stream that the fly was first cast upon. A lovey bottom of medium cobble. Shade in places,green grass and some yellow wild flowers. The fly was cast downstream and worked back. This was repeated several times until it was taken.
The brookie that took the fly was a strong tough fellow. He was in excellent condition. As my hand slid under his body and lifted it out of the water I could not believe the beauty that was before me. A moment later it swam off and I had a hard time putting the camera away. I just kept on looking at that picture of the brookie.
I have since framed a collage photo of the feathers, fly, stream and brookie.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a Brookie in person. However, I can only imagine how those colors "pop" when held just right in natural sunlight. Thank you for sharing such outstanding photos with us.
John V.
John V.
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John I have been told by others that the colors of the brook trout really become subdued when lifted out of the water. That maybe so but I love them both.
It is always gratifying to catch a native species in water seldom visited by others. It is equally gratifying when using a fly you tied yourself. But it rises to the ultimate gratification when you incorporate a natural material collected from a previous outing. For you it was the treasure of finding the feathers and envisioning a fly pattern to use them. By catching and releasing a native brook trout using a fly with a local feather, you have successfully tied the loop knot of Mother Nature. That is the truest satisfaction of fishing small streams. You find it in your brook trout streams. For me, it is West slope cutthroat in North Idaho. Those feathers were laying on the ground for a purpose. And, you found it.
ReplyDeleteBill Love
Anonymous
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Bill it seemed like that week before in which the feathers were found and the fly crafted culminating the catching of what I consider the most beautiful brookie I have ever taken was for a reason. You fight for your native west slope cutthroat, they need you.
Beautiful brookie. Actually, I have never caught one that was not a beauty!
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat I agree, they are all beautiful. But this one stands out for me.
Alan, there is just something special about a brook trout, and the places they live. Thanks for sharing,... Dave
ReplyDeleteDave H
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Dave they are a unique creature, and the places they choose to live are dwindling...sad.
When a reporter asked Tom Brady which Super Bowl victory was his favorite he famously replied, “The next one”. Beautiful Brook Trout Alan!
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean 'ole Tom got that right.
'Tis a beauty.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I appreciate the comment.
Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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Stephen they are truly a special fish in so many ways.
Alan
ReplyDeleteTo me, what makes this brook trout so colorful is its dark upper body contrasting with those fins, outstanding color combo. So impressed with the fly he was taken on---a special moment for the angler and the brook trout---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill you are quite right in your assessment. The green, the yellow, and the black and white fins all match up to where the brookie was caught.
A beautiful fish and a story well told! I was inspired to go back through my own photos to try and figure out whether I had a fish that stood out as "the brookie". It's so tough to decide. They are all jewels.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn it is hard to select just one as the most beautiful. But this one with the story behind it seemed to sway my decision.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteA wild Brookie is amongst one of the most beautiful of all the Salmonids!I have never caught one myself, they are not native to the UK as we all know but what's not so widely known is they have naturalised a few hill Llyns and Lochs of Wales and Scotland. The nearest I have got was watching them swiping my flies on a tiny alpine stream in the Austrian Tyrol when I was a teenager. I will bring one to hand one day!
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair it's odd that they were never stocked widely in the UK. They do quite well when placed in suitable waters. I hope you quest to bring one to hand comes true. And it is taken on a fly crafted by you. PS they love the "bomber'...
Have recently discovered your blog. As a small stream lover, tyer and devotee of soft hackles, it feels just right. How may I purchase a copy of your book? Thanks, Phil Lavery pplavery@yahoo.com
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Phil welcome...we have a tremendous bunch of guys here and I'm certain you'll add to the flavor of SSR's. I'll contact you.
That is one of the most gorgeous fish that I have had the pleasure of seeing, thank you for the sharing
ReplyDeleteJohn
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John such a little fellow but so much beauty..
An absolutely beautiful brookie, Alan. We are so lucky to still have them around.
ReplyDeleteBest, Sam
Sam
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Sam I can't imagine life without their presence. They are worth extra protection.
Beautiful specimen Alan. Definitely frameworthy.
ReplyDeleteMichael Agneta
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Mike having taken quite a few beautiful wild jewels in your life you know what it's like to hold and release a wild brookie.