Coastal Streams Of Cape Cod

Red Brook is more than a stream to fish, it's a special unique waterway that holds one of New England's most beautiful native brook trout. I have been coming here for a lot of years. My wife and I find this place refreshing in both mind and soul. The 3-4 times a year we visit are truly highlights of our year...many times we've said you don't have to catch a fish here and you'll still be fulfilled.

This year we were given the pleasure to meet a few young men there. Geoff Klane and Justin Fleming. They hold the same feelings for these "salter" brook trout, and it shows. I have been fishing for trout, brook trout when I can. I have fished from Maine to Virginia and in all seasons of the year. I have been as ethical as anybody when it comes to angling. But I must say that this time I seemed to have done something not so good, at least by some people's standards. The impression I got was that I did not belong on the stream. I take this very deeply.

So with that said, this will perhaps be the last time I visit this beautiful area.

Jeanette Petrucci Photo

"Farewell"

"Red Brook" Spring 2013

Yesterday we took a trip to a special stream in Massachusetts. It's a coastal stream that flows into the salt water on Cape Cod. I have fished this stream for about 5 years now and have been blessed with wonderful outings each time. This stream is a fresh water stream that is about 5 miles long. It has several cold springs along its length making it suitable for wild brook trout. These brook trout are a special group. Some of them will go to sea and spend part of there life there returning back to the fresh cold waters of Red Brook.

To spend time here is a most pleasant and rewarding experience. To see the awesome work that has taken place here over the years. Many groups have been part of this effort to protect this habitat and the "Salters" that call Red Brook home. Mass. Fish and Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, Trustees of Reservations, and The Lyman family who donated the land that Red Brook flows through. Hopefully Red Brook will remain safe and protected for generations to come.

Native grasses and trees were planted to protect the stream.

While not your typical freestone mountain stream Red Brook provides many challenges to the fly angler.

A walk along the stream provides the angler with a vast amount of sights, sounds and smells. One such smell is that of salty air mixed with pine. Ospreys can be seen circling over head, and the bird symphony is sweet music.

There is no rush. Take time to enjoy a lunch.

This is danger to most everybody.

While these are brook trout they do not act like other brook trout. They do not take flies that represent insects. They have a profound love of streamers. Red Brook having access to the sea also host a good run of herring. Herring spawn and porvide the brook trout an ample source of herring fry to dine on. Thus the fondness of streamers. This simple marabou streamer was very productive.

Red Brook has a very sandy bottom. You must look for the gravel that has been washed out, along with underwater structure and you'll find brook trout.

As you can see these brookies will take a streamer. Quite a few of these guys were hooked, and a few came to hand.

You can see the reddish tint to the water, giving Red Brook its name. In the water are islands of green vegetation. Work your streamer near and perhaps you'll get lucky. Such was the case yesterday.

A beautiful Red Brook wild brook trout. Perhaps this fish will take to the salt.

Buttermilk Bay, and Cape Cod. May the "Salter" brook trout swim these waters forever.

I have a link posted below for the Searun Brook Trout Coalition. A great organization dedicated to the "Salter" Check them out.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE