A typical freestone stream in Connecticut. It has no man made obstacles as it tumbles trough the forest of hemlock and hardwood. It can almost be said it has a brother and sister stream but not in Connecticut or for that matter in the U.S....no but in Japan and Italy. Soft hackle flies have a following world wide. Both Japan with their sakasa kebari and Italy with the Valsesiana types of soft hackle flies. These flies were created to work in the swift mountain streams of each country ans I must say very effectively. When allowed to drift naturally in the currents they are very life like in their movement. And when one is retrieved using a variety of speeds and rod tip manipulations it can be deadly.
Valsesiana...Tied on a Firehole Stick, 320..orange silk thread body, hares mask for the thorax and hen pheasant hackle. Traditional Italian silk thread is used but getting it is almost impossible. Substitute any other silk and it will work just fine.
Valsesiana style flies use game bird feathers as opposed to others such as chicken. I love tying and fishing these flies and will tie them in sizes 10 to 16, but I prefer them in 10 and 12
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What I find interesting is that if you listen to the National Weather, you guys are under 20 feet or so of snow. Sensationalism, the bread & butter of journalism. Of course, that same weather guessers say all of California is on fire in the Summer. Beautiful creek.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark sensationalism to the extreme. Why can they not just report.
It's going to be hot for the super bowl.
Gorgeous ties, Alan. We may not be under the 20' of snow that Mark's been hearing about, but we're on track for our usual 175"-200". Another 8" today.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike you guys up there have got to love it. An old Mainer once told me that we have two seasons here, fishing and winter....
Alan, since I have been reading your site, every small stream I drive over or by fascinates me. I have started to believe that they all have potential to hold trout at least part of the year. When I retire I look forward to doing more exploring with my 7' Fenwick.
ReplyDeleteDuring this past very cold January I took note of streams that were free of ice shelves and were flowing nicely. Maybe indication of springs coming up from the bottom to moderate the water temperature which would be a benefit to trout in summer.
Best, Sam
Sam
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Sam in many of your comments over the years you have expressed wonder as to the presence of wild trout. Brookies are notorious for migrating long distances, they will find what they like. That 7' Fenwick a glass rod?
Great observation on the springs.
At my age Alan, I'm way beyond set in my ways. Those patterns just don't do it for me and I would not tie them, much less use them. I fish for my enjoyment which for me requires using classic American patterns with proper components,(as much as possible). I tie my own flies which I find is essential to being a serious trout fisherman. I had a flock of robins in the backyard this morning. Could Punxatauney Phil been wrong? Might be an early Spring. Stay safe Alan.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John a traditionalist...I like that. Robins , wow Phil may have had one eye closed when he made his prediction.
I like the look of the Valsesiana flies. Very simple and natural. Warmer weather this week is a nice change.
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn I just may drift a few flies in the next couple of days. 50 degrees oh man!
Good morning Sir- The "guessers" are calling for 50 degrees and clear on Thursday and Saturday here in Southern New England. I pray they're not just teasing us again Alan, they are a sadistic bunch-
ReplyDeleteDean F
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Dean I was out today and they guessed it right. The next two will be gorgeous..
Alan
ReplyDeleteAmazing the small amount of water in the stream you have shown that a brook trout can survive in. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they don't need much, but it has to be pure and cold.
Beautiful Alan, simply beautiful! Both the patterns and the gem of a brookie! I am intrigued by this style of tying! Absolutely perfect execution on your part!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug probably the main reason I tie this fly is because of the way it looks. I can't say the fish care one way or another but they do hit it very well.