Brook Trout Forest..4-11-16

A reflection of the start of a day in "Brook Trout Forest"

A day to pay a visit to brook trout forest, such was a day yesterday. I had not fished this stream since last spring and over the year I was surprised it had not changed which is very unusual because small streams take a beating from times of high water as well as the winds that thin out the bad limbs of trees. The day was overcast with periods of light rain. The water had a light stain to it probably from the decaying hemlocks of years past. The water flows over large rocks and several low boggy areas which are almost impossible to fish, "might be some interesting trout in those places", but that will be for another time.

The fly I used to start was the fly I finished with on my last outing. This fly was the only fly I used all day other than a streamer I worked in a big pool. While I could see no rises I did notice an awful lot of midges about including several that swarmed my face.

The trout were striking the fly just at the edge of the broken water in that soft seam. The strikes were very fast and hard.

A lovely brook trout. As you can see his color is dark and a beautiful amber tail. Most of the brookies caught were of the same coloration.

This is pretty much how this stream meandered through the forest. There were a few tricky places where care was needed when walking.

It is pools like this that prove to be very interesting. The fly worked through went untouched, "there has to be a brookie in there"...will see on the way back I said to myself.

That's why I always listen to myself. This fellow was lying in that pool. He took the fly and was not giving up. My little glass 3wt had its hands full keeping the fish from going into places where I knew I would loose him. When he finally came to hand his colors were different than the other brookies taken from this stream. A lovey blue color highlighted its flanks.

As I finish my morning cup of Nantucket I glance out the window to see rain falling. I feel good for I know that all is well in Brook Trout Forest.

Fulfilment "Simplified"

"we once drove a thousand miles to fish for tiny native brook trout along the Blue Ridge" Those are the words of Kathy Scott. They are taken from the book "Brook Trout Forest". I can say that I have come close to doing the same.

I know that it may be hard for some to understand why, and there is no way that I can tell you the feeling of accomplishment in doing so.

Perhaps looking at a tiny wild brook trout in his native stream will help.

"Brook Trout Forest"....all's well.

Yesterday morning I headed east over the Connecticut river. The sun was just on its way up and starting to show signs of a beautiful day. I continued to drive into the sun for some time, with coffee in place, and thoughts of the stream I was to fish this day. The stream is a true gem, and it's runs through woodlands of pine, hemlock and hardwood. At places it's a fast paced freestone, and others it's very placid. These waters get almost no visitors, that is angling visitors. Once I ran into a turkey hunter, and another a mountain biker. Solitude, kind of what I treasure most.

This stream is dark, sort of like a rich tea color. Its rocks and banks are lined with moss, and in places the streamside foliage is so thick it's almost impossible to fish. Then there are those wonderful sections where a backcast will not get tangled in the trees. But the true treasure of these waters are the wild brook trout that call it home. These brook trout are by far the darkest I've seen any where in Connecticut. Some of them are almost black. These native char have adapted well to there home.

Like brook trout everywhere they are always hungry and fly choice is not a major process. They do like a bit of color to the flies and yellow seems to be one of them. Come spend a day with me as I fish the stream in a place I call "brook trout forest".

A yellow winged Picket Pin. A dark brook trout.

Behind these rocks, in the deeper runs a streamer fished with a little speed can bring hard responses.

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. Well this one has that but still lacks the true beauty of these special fish. Black, blue, red, a deep orange, green,....it gos on and on.

These guys kept me busy this day, so busy I did not mind the biting bugs about.

The stream with it's dark waters was a crisp 56 degrees.

To take fish like such after the brutal winter we experienced is tribute to the tenacity for life they posses. All is well in "brook trout forest".

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Time In "Brook Trout Forest"

"A richer, fuller life" the words of Kathy Scott from her book "Brook Trout Forest". This is what I believe she means.

I spent several hours yesterday in "brook trout forest". A quiet, peaceful woodland. Myself, nature and wild brook trout.

A " richer, fuller life". To sit on a stone by such a place and eat an apple.

A "richer, fuller life". I hope all of you can enjoy such a life.

A "richer, fuller life". The chance to hold one of natures wild jewels.

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