Over the last few days I spent some time with new and old friends fishing in Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. Conditions were challenging. Temps hovered in the low 50's and rain fell steadily most of the time. We fished some great looking water but with flows on all area streams flowing around double the historical average CFS (cubic feet per second) the fish were hunkered down and tight lipped.
These streams are different from our driftless spring creeks. The freestone streams of the northeast are much less fertile than our creeks. Fish populations are much lower and many area streams depend on stocking to maintain catchable populations of Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout.
One of the first rivers we hit was set in a beautiful valley. Sean busted out the spey rod and we took turns launching 100 foot casts with ease. But no fish yet.
After getting a hot lead on a stream that runs beneath a covered bridge (that's a thing in Vermont) we arrived on stream around noon. I launched a big, nasty articulated streamer into the current, let it drop, and twitched it back on the swing. After a few casts I turned around (with the fly swinging) and bid the others good luck as they spread to other areas of the stream. I felt a sharp jolt through through the rod and boom, fish on. Choo choo!
There she goes. Note the water clarity. Despite cold, high water the rivers still ran clear. My buddy Sean took these shots and they turned out awesome!
There's the bridge! My fish came from the other side of the bridge on the left side. Pictured is Gary tying on a fly. Shortly after taking this picture we headed to another spot. At this juncture mine was the only fish landed in 1.5 days of fishing. That was about to change!
Gary nailed this tank out of some ridiculously fast moving water, right off a rock shelf. It put up a great fight and as the second fish of the day we all looked on with nervous excitement as Gary masterfully guided the beast into the net perfectly wielded by Sean. Jamie looked on in the background approvingly in this awesome picture by Sean. Jamie was new to fly fishing and stuck it out like a champ. Despite leaving the northeast skunked it wasn't for lack of skill or effort. He was a quick study and would've cleaned up on any driftless stream.
We fished hard for three days and only landed 4 fish between the four of us. I only landed one but she was a doozey! We spent the final day doing a little fishing and a lot of driving, checking out new stretches of stream where I'm sure Sean will find redemption in the coming weeks.
I was certainly humbled by the great northeast but through very challenging conditions I believe our crew persevered on the rivers. Outside of fishing the trip left nothing to be desired. A great time with great people.
No comments:
Post a Comment