What Is.......Is Not

This post was supposed to be about the "Carrie Challenge ll" feature that was posted yesterday on Global Fly Fisher. But in the process of looking for photos of the streamer I found several photos that brought back some fine memories. Memories of fishing small streams.
As I viewed them the sights that they captured brought the experience back as if it were yesterday. I like many other outdoor people, we have cameras with us. Cameras to capture that something special. I take photos of most anything relating to my outing. Perhaps if I would keep my fly in the water, instead of taking photos my catch rate might be better.

A place like this is captured forever. I recall this 2007 outing ever so clearly.

This brook trout came to hand. Taken on a favorite wet fly. I didn't have the Picket Pin in my box at the time, but this one was given to me by the only angler I saw that day.

Can man build this?

This brook trout appears to show anger in his eyes, fearing the possibillity of being the evening meal. Not to worry my friend.

An evening camp meal for two. Franks and beans and chicken soup can taste so good at times.

"Silver Badger"

While paying a visit last week to a online fly shop in Wyoming, a shop I have done business before with. I noticed they had listed a Silver Badger saddle. I gave them an order right away for the saddle and it arrived the other day.
Upon opening the box I was pleased with what I saw. The Silver Badger saddle was beautiful. Almost perfect feathers, and every feather seemed to be usable, which does not happen often. This saddle will make many wonderful streamers.

This is a photo of the Silver Badger feathers. When the light hits them they have a color that's hard to describe.

Here is the first streamer tied with Silver Badger hackle. "The Silver Badger"

Hook, Martinek Rangeley Streamer
Body, Wine Yarn
Tag and Rib, Flat Silver Tinsel
Throat, Black Hackle
Wing, Silver Badger Saddle Hackle
Cheeks, Jungle Cock

Bacon, and Some Fine Weather

December has been a mild month so far, with daytime high temps in the high fifties and nights in the low forties. This may be mother natures way of saying she's sorry for the freak snow storm in October. What ever the reason for the fine weather, I have taken advantage of it and been rewarded.
The small streams are in beautiful condition, and the fish very hungry. The Picket Pin wet fly still continues to be hot, with the brookies showing no mercy for its well being.

This brook trout photo shows a crispness to both water and trout.

A classic small stream pool. This pool gave up the wonderful brook trout below.

This brook trout put on a spectacular battle. It leaped several times like a rainbow, and bull dogged like a brown.

What to do with some fine dry cured bacon and Granville cheddar cheese.
Twice baked potatoes.

A Toast.......December 1st, 2011

December is upon us. It is a month of filled with not enough time to do what needs to be done. It is a month with many celebrations, with both family and friends.

Yesterday, December 1st, we had our first celebration. We hit the forest in search of winter berries, princess pine, and spruce boughs. Equipped with cutting tools, heavy gloves, and a canvas bag. It did not take long to find some winter berries, there were clumps of them growing along the stream. Reaching in to cut the perfect bunch can be a challenge, nasty thorns. Several snips of the cutting shears and we had a nice colorful bunch.
Now that the hazardous part of the collection was complete, Jeanette set off along the woods trail in search of the other two items we needed, while took up the 3wt and Picket Pin in search of trout.
Over the next three hours our mission was accomplished. A bag full of princess pine and some hemlock boughs.
So as this first day of December closed, the first shopping day completed, in an unhurried fashion, taking place in a most beautiful shopping mall.

Jeanette taking in the beauty on this December day.

The suns warming rays as they reflect off the stream.

I was given the pleasure to say thank you to this brook trout. They seem to be family also.

The days wild harvest.

When we got home we toasted this wonderful day, Egg Nog with cinnamon.