Sunday 4-6-2014

Yesterday was a beautiful early April day. Myself and Kirk decided to fish a small stream and we met at about 9AM. The air had a slight chill to it but did not last long for the strong sunshine made it feel good in a short time. I fished a streamer to start and worked the stream in the locations where I knew trout would be. The streamer proved to be unproductive so I switched to a wet fly and sent it off to seek my quarry. After several hours of no success we fished a small section of tangled thorns and general nasty stuff. In a nice little run Kirk finally hooked up and brought a brookie to hand.

The decision was made to go and have a coffee, some peanut butter crackers and some GORP. Then it was back at it again. The stream was in beautiful shape, and just to hear it flowing makes the outing. I took a stream temp and the water was 42 degrees, not perfect temps to try to bring a trout to the surface to eat, although I tried.

These guys were all over the place, but the trout showed no interest in them.

This little piece of stream was so beautiful that I sat for some time just watching the and listening to the stream. The clarity of the water was as if it wasn't there. But I was fishing and it was time to get down to business.

The fly was cast and as it drifted just under the surface in the shade of a fallen log the trout struck.

Moments later a beautiful brook trout was at hand. As I slid my hand in the cold water and lifted him I could not believe the color of this fish. A survivor, he had scars on his flanks and a slight hooked upper jaw. A quick photo and off he went.

He was my only fish of the day, but a special one indeed.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Fly Tyers Roundtable

Wednesday evening, April 9th I along with 10 or so other fly tyers will be tying flies at a fly tyers roundtable being hosted by The Connecticut Fly Fisherman's Association. This event is free and open to the public. The meeting place is Veterans Memorial Clubhouse, 100 Sunset Ridge, East Hartford, CT.

This will be a great opportunity to see flies tied for both salt and fresh water. I will be tying flies for small streams, dries, wets, and streamers.

The CFFA will also have a line of hats, and other fashion available. Free coffee, and a snack or two. So if you can please come out to this event. I would like to meet some small stream aficionados.

These are some of the flies I'll be tying.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Aprils First on the Second

This is April's first fishing report. I headed to a small stream and arrived about 9:30. The weather was cloudy, a bright cloudy that is, and air temps around 45. The stream was in great shape with a somewhat heavy flow, clarity was outstanding. With this water flow I put on a streamer and began working it along the banks in the soft spots and seams looking for a taker. Keeping the story short I continued without a single hit. By this time I could see stoneflies about, even a few crawling down my back. I changed flies, putting on a soft hackle wet fly and worked the stream. The fly produced quickly and a nice silver chub was at hand. A fine battle but not the fish I was seeking.

I continued to work the stream for a good 3 hours without a trout. The sun poked out from time to time and it felt good. This time of year a little sunshine can warm the waters just enough to get trout moving. I soon decided to stop for lunch and a coffee and try a different section of stream.

Walking I could see a few remnants of a winter I wish to forget. Looks pretty though.

It was after 1 when I began fishing again. I worked the fly in the heavier current and soon was given a substantial hit. It was very hard, and the fish missed. I had several hookups in the fast water and although very promising not a fish to hand.

That was about to change. In a deep swift run a trout struck. A few moments later I was rewarded with my first trout of April.

A handsome wild brown, who seemed to winter over very well. He put the 3wt to the test running to every hideout known.

Well as my fishing buddy "Pete, TROUT1" would say...on the board for April.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

April 1, 2014

The calendar turned, and we are now into April, but the scene from yesterday was hardly Spring. This winter is unrelenting. I've been told that this March will go down as the coldest in Connecticut since records have been kept. Oh tell me it's going to be different in April.

Well Happy April folks. Yesterday was the opener for the Red Sox, and Friday is the home opener for them so it's got to be a nice day, yes?

Here are a few photos of Aprils past. I know we are not far from seeing such sights and when we do this winter will be just a bad memory. So clean that reel again, organize the fly box again and read the Spring issue of your favorite magazine, and enjoy this post.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE