"Changes"

That's me standing in some awesome clear water, and also it's cold. For the first time this fall my feet and legs took notice of the cold water, note to self maybe time to put on heavier socks. The streams really benefited from the two heavy rain events of the last several days. The water levels really moved some fish, I found them in some of the places where they haven't been in some time. A side note, we have had colder mornings but yesterday just felt like it was more so. Perhaps it was my body telling me a change is happening, note to self "pack a fleece jacket"... Back to the fishing. The day was great in all aspects. Weather, stream, trout willing to take a fly, and no flies lost to the trees.

The day's of this "glorious season" and dwindling, color can be seen here in the clear waters.

A willing combatant. The colors on his flanks were spectacular.

"Quiet"...a woodland stream flowing through the forest...what more can one ask for.

How about the simple pleasure of holding a wild jewel....nature at it's finest.

So clear, maybe it's not there.

They took a variety of flies, and the dry was was #1.

The bomber was drifted near the log, but the fish screamed toward it fro the opposite side of the stream to take it.

A break, my own roasted pumpkin seeds...a little oil, a little salt and just a touch of cayenne pepper.

Look What I Found At Bears Den

Yesterday I went and did a little hunting, not with a gun but with my eyes. The field was "Bears Den" an excellent fly shop located in Taunton Mass. What a shop if you can't find it here it probably does not exist. Wandering about I found some tying treasures, one I'll share with you the others shall remain secret.

I spotted this beautiful hen pheasant skin, the feathers were pristine. Beautifully marked and the sizes were just perfect for soft-hackles, spiders and flymphs. I love shopping like this for you can see for yourself what your buying. Online and catalogs don't really show you the quality of what your purchasing. Moving along through the shop I picked up a few more items that I would never have purchased but seeing them in front of me I said "that will work".... So below are a couple of flies that I tied using the materials I purchased at Bears Den.

Bead-head #1...pretty simple eh! But movement where it counts.

Bead-head #2, this one uses a feather tied from the above hen pheasant. It just has that appeal of a drab colored insect.

If your in the area stop by, if not they also do a great mail order business and will satisfy your needs.

https://www.bearsden.com/ 

Cane And Silk, Another Fly Rod

A couple of months ago Mike Kattner from Cane and Silk Fly Rods reached out and asked me to field test a fiberglass fly rod. The rod is built for small streams but may also be used on larger waters. The rod is beautifully made and he has done fine work on the classy but simple features which highlight the rod. The rod is a 6' 3 piece rated for a 2 or 3 weight line. The color is what Mike calls "Lizard Green", the color is very pleasing. It comes with a uplocking reel seat, and the cork handle is of cork that is not full of filler. The rod balances very well and the casting stroke feels "just right".

Mike does a beautiful job of highlighting the rod guides with the proper color thread. The overall finish of the rod is outstanding. I have not tried this rod on the stream but plan to very soon. The rod comes with a flannel bag, which is nice and soft.

3 piece with spigot furrules.

As you can see the rod is handsomely appointed. 

Cane And Silk

http://www.caneandsilk.com/ 

Franklin Land Trust, Good Work Continues

I spent some time yesterday at Franklin Land Trust conserved property, "Crowningshield". My day began with some spectacular views of the countryside, even though the sun did not break onto the the trees it still made for some beautiful post card scenes. I walked down to the stream and observed how much work has been done here since Josh Morse and myself first fished here two years ago, I think I still have a bruise or two on my backside from the walk. The air was crisp and the clouds at times won out but my time here was all that I could have wanted. This little bit of land along with the stream it protects will remain as you see it. So many have worked so hard to achieve this so we all can benefit from it's beauty. My thanks to Franklin Land Trust, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Game, Trout Unlimited and Fields Pond Foundation for their work. I would like you to check out F.L.T. site and tell them what they have created and how much it's appreciated. http://www.franklinlandtrust.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/fltrust

My view yesterday morning. What a way to start the day.

I can remember the first time on this run, it's pretty much the same.

There is work being done to create habitat. This is a prime example.

What a place to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee. I would have done so if I had not left the thermos in the car.

Another example of stream enhancement. Chop and Drop. Trees are cut and allowed to fall into the stream to create cover for the brook trout.

And of course the reason for it all. Wild brook trout.

I had the pleasure of meeting three people along my way. These folks were familiar with Crowningshield....if any of you can please visit, you will not be disappointed.


http://www.franklinlandtrust.org/

FRANKLIN LAND TRUST