The First Day Of September And "Follow The Rain"

Today is the first day of September, the official meteorological start of the fall season. The thermometer on the deck say's 55 and that's fine with me. The last week of August gave Connecticut some pretty substantial rainfall, that is in certain parts of the state. In my fishing plans I selected streams that were in those areas where it rained hardest. It's funny how a stream rises and quickly drops back to it's "real" flow within a day. When the trees are void of leaves the water remains in the stream. I guess the trees drink a lot of water.

The stream that morning was flowing nicely, a bit off color but that was not an issue. Water temp was 61 and the air was in the upper 50's. I had a bomber on and that's what I threw first. One small brookie in about a half hour fishing. Off with the bomber and on with a soft-hackle. That change helped in that my strike ratio went up, but my hook-ups were not impressive until...

this hen slammed the fly and the hook-set held. A well conditioned specimen with lovely markings.

The "drive me crazy" run. A half dozen flies and perhaps twice that amount of hook-ups and not one to hand until a silvery fall-fish obliged me.

Just downstream I came into contact with this stunner. He was already into his fall attire and fought like hell. As he went back into the stream I realized what was starting to happen...it's only the beginning.

Hook's, Plus....

Firehole Sticks, a new hook in the arsenal. I say new hook in that it's new to me and this report on the way it's worked in certain applications is one that I think will justify my use of this brand. The hook is a barbless competition scud/pupa bend. The hook is extremely sharp, I have broken thread by just touching the point lightly. It has great fish hooking ability as well as being able to hold the fish that is hooked. There are several hooks out there that are similar and I use a few of those. The one hook brand that I consider to be the top of the line and by which I compare other brands is the Orvis Tactical hook. I'm happy to say in the short time I have used the Firehole Sticks I believe they are just about the same. One other point to make is the price. The Orvis Tactical hook retails for 9.00 for 25 hooks, and the Firehole Sticks retail at 10.00 for 50.

As you see the hook is black nickel plated, I really like that. It's carbon steel and has a nice curve that will work in many types and patterns.

Sakasa Kebari are perfect on this hook. You have seen the results of this fly in my last few posts. I have also tied a few nymphs using this hook and will post results in future posts.

The bomber tied on that same hook. It has passed the bench test and waits to be tested on the water/fish. I'm quite pleased with this hook and I'm certain you will see the results.

"Clam Cakes"....fresh chopped clams, mixed with crackers, celery, onion, parsley, cayenne pepper and melted butter. I form a patty in hand and place on baking sheet, popped into a 375 degree oven for a few minutes to firm them up then they are fried in butter until golden brown...enjoy.

A Soft Rain

I'm not a guy who like fishing in off weather. Rain and snow are not pleasant times om the water for me. I like dry days and either sun or clouds are OK. On this outing I was met with a soft rain when I reached the stream. The promise of clearing skys was not happening. I had an option of leaving or fishing so I said perhaps I'll stay and deal with it. I had a half cup of coffee still warm so I put on the radio and finished my coffee hoping the rain would stop. It did not so I dressed and headed down to the waters edge. I gazed into the run that was before me and saw the rain drops make those lovely little rings as they hit the surface. On days like this I have had success using dry flies, the calmness of the rain seems to relax the fish and they rise to take the fly. Well another theory put to bed and so alternatives were used and they were successful.

The stream bottom. A relaxed scene with colors of the stones taking on a muted look.

The brook trout looking more beautiful on this damp day.

This bee was moving up into the flower to avoid the rain or so it appeared.

The brook trout have started to take on those colors of fall. Great days are ahead my friends.

I remember and something new....

In our wanderings we like to find off the beaten path places to eat. Most time we are in search for a good breakfast. Now breakfast is not only at breakfast but there are times when we enjoy a breakfast menu in the evening. On this day we were on our way to Vermont when we saw a sign for good eats at the Whateley diner. The diner is located off of I-91 in Whateley MA. Walking up to the door you can see 1950 come back to life. Everything inside has that 50's look. There are even juke box selections right at your booth. Atmosphere is nice, but the service and food here are awesome. We had a waitress who took the time to tell us of the history of the Whateley diner which is quite a story.

The diner is clean and with glass windows almost all around it is also very bright. And the food was great.

There was a movie filmed in the diner too.

The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery...an enjoyable and historic place to spend a few hours. Lots of trails to walk. We also had a wonderful guide for awhile who informed us of what the hatchery does. It's focus is on native cold water fish, and that is lake trout and brook trout. The lake trout are part of the Great Lakes restoration of these big fish. The brook trout are part of the local needs and is part of the Trout in the Classroom programs.

One of the several houses on the property. I love these.

A ham sandwich. I finally tried this stuff called "off the bone" ham at a local deli...two thumbs up...this ham is awesome. Lean, and tasty. A slight smoky flavor and not a lot of salt.

From the vise...Sakasa Kebari...these orange bodied flies have been working well.