We have been in a moderate drought since mid-July. And I've been concerned that this is a trend that has started several years ago where our summers and early fall have had below normal rainfall. Now I don't know the reason for this, and do not want to go in that direction of climate change. I for one do not have the knowledge to put forth a good case for it and will leave that to experts on another forum to debate it. But what I will show you is that this low rainfall has been going on for some time and from where I look it doesn't seem to be having an effect on the small stream brook trout, that is where I fish.
The fact that these fish carry on, and in some cases proliferate small streams as they have in years past. This is one stream I'll highlight. Its located in northwest Connecticut. I have fished this stream for years and hve never seen it dry up, there's always water flowing into some deeper pools. The Vegetation is thick so there is ample cover, and some of the boulders are so large you could park your car under them. In years past the wild brookies here have been small and a 6 inch fish will be remembered. This is now and also the first time I cast a fly here.
The photos here are of the same pool only a few years apart. In the top photo brook trout were spawning, and this was late October I believe. This photo is the pool in September of this year. The brook trout were here and appeared to be getting ready to continue their life cycle.
There were four brook trout in this pool. One darted away, and the others stayed. Looking at them one does have that female look and the larger one may be a male. The smaller one looks to be a dace, I can't really tell. It's good to see our natives adapting to what nature gives them and carrying on.
