I got him, what happened?

The last few weeks have been somewhat frustrating for me. I have at times attempted to remedy that but it's still hanging on. I'll try to explain. It can be said that in order to catch fish you must have your fly in the water. With this I can assure you I have been doing that. Now for the frustrating part. I can't seem to hold onto a fish after it's been hooked. Whether I loose it at  a distance or at hand this seems to have been an issue. Now the problem is with me I will work it out I'm sure.

This stream I fished was in prime shape. I settled in on fishing the upper reaches manly because of it's more open banks. The boulders present a problem but I take my time in negotionating  them. Side note here...which is slicker, snow or wet oak leaves?.....In the short run seen here I hooked two nice browns and lost them both at hand.

 

In this run/pool I hooked a good sized brown that took me into a snag. I worked at releasing him only to loose him soon after.
 

This wee brown was the one that didn't get away. Look how scantly he is hooked.
 

I know there are a few bigger browns in that stream. Perhaps these big flies will coax one to take.
 

 

A Rangeley Streamer

Streamer fly tyers, especially the featherwing Rangeley style of streamer are pretty creative in their methods as well as  the materials they select to create their streamers. Looking at a poster I have of 120 streamer flies tied by Carrie Stevens I can see a master at the craft of tying streamers. So very creative and such a wide variation in the use of materials and colors. She created many patterns that are just as effective today as they were when they were first tied back in the late 1920's. While not trying to compare my self to Carrie Stevens I will say I do try to use her creative style in the construction of my streamers.  

In the top photo is a wing for the streamer I tied below. I use her method of building the wing. There is a total of four feathers used in one wing. First there is a black feather, followed by a green grizzly feather. Then a shoulder feather of marabou and finally a Jungle Cock feather.

 

 

The "Grizzly Marabou" streamer.

It's wing was described above. It also has a green yarn body, a tag and rib of flat gold tinsel. The throat is white hackle with a touch of orange hackle. The streamer is tied on a classic Mike Martinek Rangeley streamer hook.
 

I have to share this with you. A wild brown I caught. It's colors are striking. Please take note of the red adipose fin as well as the red streaks on the tail.
 

 

A Short Season

Standing in the stream, looking up and seeing a sight framed by nature like this should put anyone's soul at peace. The location of this barn is in northwest Connecticut. The little stream that flows just below that fallen tree harbors finned beauties just as beautiful as that scene above. Autumn is a short season. It runs from September to late December. My version of Autumn is the month of October. That is when nature puts it "all" together.

 

 

Crystal clear waters. The remnants of Octobers beauty lay on the streams bottom in the form of dead leaves. Some of these leaves still hold on to color so as to protect the brook trout who also live along the bottom.
 

A "tool"...it's said that fly rods are mere tools used to achieve an end. Not so. Here is an example of a valuable part of an anglers well being. When one thinks just how much has gone into such a fine piece as this one can only agree it is so much more then a "tool"....
 

Sweet, tart, spicy and pungent. Along with some hot tea and cold water. It's a simple lunch with a gourmet touch.
 

"Spider's" lurking..
 

 The pinnacle of Autumn...

 

A Close Encounter.....

Some weeks back while Jeanette and I were wandering the Connecticut countryside we came upon a sight that was one of the most unusual that we have ever witnessed. Bald eagles have made Connecticut home for many years now. I have seen many of them in flight but never have I been up close to one. This eagle was on the ground and it appeared to be injured. It was dragging it's leg and walking with a side to side motion. As I approached, very carefully I might add it stared at me intently. The feeling I got from that stare was one of no fear. It seemed to accept that I was no threat but there was an intense stare of caution in the birds eye and mannerism. Several minutes passed and I was still unable to determine if it was injured. My thoughts at this point were to call DEEP or perhaps the local police who might refer my call to the proper agency. It was at that point that the eagle took flight and landed in a tree just above where I was standing.

 

 

It was then that I saw what the eagle was doing. It had made a kill and was attempting to hide it from me. That's why the dragging and covering of it with it's wing.
 

It remained steady in the tree just observing. It was then that I decided to walk away. I was close my friends and i can tell you that his eyes were focused on me like a laser. This was truly a close encounter....10 yards at most.
 

 Baked French onion soup. My goodness is there anything simpler or better. Beef broth, cooked onions, the best Worcestershire sauce and mozzarella cheese...careful it's hot...