It's Saturday

In the latest issue of Trout Magazine there is an article on brook trout streams in Virginia. It tells of the dropping levels of acid in the streams. There are wonderful articles on a Classic, The "Adams" dry fly, and brown trout by Dave Whitlock.

I want to mention I met a follower of "small stream reflections" while fishing the Farmington the other evening. He's from Rhode Island. We had a wonderful conversation about small streams and wild brook trout. He is a believer in the Picket Pin, and it's ability to attract brook trout.

A few words about Uncle Aaron's Tackle Shack. This shop is located in Riverton CT. not far from the general store. The first time I ventured in I was made to feel right at home. Aaron is from Riverton and has knowledge of the area dating back many years, and is happy to share. There's some of Alan's aka "Brk Trt's" photos and flies there too. Anglers when in the area stop by and say hello.

A wonderful shack to sit and converse.

Zucchini. This is not the boring green squash they serve boiled or steamed in tomato soup as a side dish. This is the real deal.

The zucchini is cut in half then the center is hollowed out like a canoe. The meat that is removed is sauteed with onion, garlic and shrimp. When soft it's mixed with bread and seasoned. It is then stuffed into the zucchini shells placed in a roaster, covered with a tomato sauce and cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes and enjoy.

It can be placed as is on a grinder roll, with a few hot peppers for a great sandwich.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Small Stream Pleasure, in a Large River

As summer takes hold in Connecticut with temperatures in the nineties and little rainfall except for a stray thundershower, I have pretty much left the small streams be. Choosing to fish a larger and cooler river I have enjoyed the ability to take much larger trout. These trout are stocked and holdover fish that have grown big on the abundant food found in the river. In recent years there have been catches of wild browns in this river. Documented tales of spawning trout. In years past I have fished this river in the fall. In those areas where small tribs have entered I have taken some wild brookies, most of which have been small. The last two years have brought a few 12 inch brook trout to hand. Somethings happening here, and it's all good.

Monday late afternoon and evening I visited this river, choosing to fish its upper most reaches. The sun was hot when I entered the water. As I dropped the thermometer into the stream to find out what I suspected. The temp read 56 degrees. The air temp was around 90, but a foot above the water I'll bet was 60. The first half hour produced nothing. I worked a good piece of water before moving down stream. While fishing a fast run I got my first rise, hookup, and LDR.

This was going to be one of those outings that I write about in my journal.

As the sun started to set it produced shadows on the stream. Within the shadows were these pockets of flowing water near the sides of the river. As I cast the Bomber into these pockets I was to given the chance to catch wild beauty that is generally found in the small streams I fish.

"Bombers" they will catch fish where ever they're fished.

This is of natural making. It's dark green back was beautiful. It battled with such tenacity. And a second after this photo was taken he was in the water leaving the Bomber in my finger. Several of these were taken this evening.

As I fished I noticed a shadow moving in the woods along the far side. Another angler was ruled out because the woods would have been difficult to navigate. As I watched, trying to see what was moving I still could not determine what it was. It was starting to get dark and I was going to leave shortly, perhaps because of unknown movement in the woods, but I choose to stay a while longer.

The decision to stay was a good one for I was rewarded with this wild handsome brown. His red highlights as he lay in the water were gorgeous. He took the Bomber along side of a fallen tree. I hope I have the chance to see what this brown looks like in a few years.

A little celebration for this outing. To wild trout in The Farmington.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Happy Birthday America

Wishing all a Happy 4th of July. The fly "America" was created and dressed by Roger Plourde.

The hot dog created and eaten by Brk Trt. Happy Birthday America.

The Catskills

The Catskill Mountains of New York. When I was a young boy growing up in Connecticut our family used to take trips there. It was a magical place. Lots of stories of a man named Rip Van Winkle who lay down in the forest and slept for twenty years. It was a place where the Catskill Game Farm was. A great place for both children and adults. You could view many native and exotic animals. At that time I knew nothing of the history taking place there, history of American fly fishing.

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum is located along the Willowmemoc River in the town of Livingston Manor. The museum is full of memories and items from the golden days. The exhibits are wonderful. Some are the exact way these famous people left them. There is also a fly fishing hall of fame there. Plaques line the walls with the names of many fly fishers, and tyers.

The Willowmemoc, one of the Catskills finest trout streams.

Roscoe. A Catskill town devoted to the trout. The main street has fly shops and stores for the angler. One could take hours to shop them. There are restaurants, and the famous Roscoe Diner. You can enjoy breakfast or lunch in an area known to be the birthplace of dry fly fishing in America.

The Dette Fly Shop. The place where Walt, Winnie and Mary crafted exquisite trout flies. The business was started in the 1930's I believe and is still maintained by Mary, Walt and Winnies daughter. I had the pleasure to meet Mary on this visit. The shop is located in a house, and I was made to feel right at home. While shopping I purchased a few items and she was not certain of the price. I had told her I had seen them on their website, which she told me someone else takes care of. She led me into her house to a room off of the kitchen. There was a computer there and she told me to look it up. I found the site and the price, and we were both happy for that.

Mary Dette is a great fly tyer and a gracious person.

Catskill dry flies. Crisp, clean and meticulously tied.

Mary Dette in the fly shop.

The Land of Little Rivers. If given a opportunity to visit, please do.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Use of images or text without permission is prohibited.