Thanksgiving Brookies

(1/30/2018- This post contains examples of very poor fish handling. Use them as an example of what not to do. Thank you, 
R.M. Lytle)

As today was Thanksgiving, I was at some of my extended family's home for an early meal. I can't say enough about the turkey and gravy that was eaten. It was just perfect. After eating I felt the need to go for a hike in the woods. I wanted to look at a little river nearby that was said to have some trout. When I reached it, I discovered heaven. It was a perfect mountain freestone with big boulders and deep ravines.

As I ventured further, and saw some fish rising in a calm pool. I snuck up on them and realized that they were sizable brookies. In times like this, there is one option: go home to get the fly rod and flies! That is just what I did. Upon returning I tied on a yellow humpy but had no luck, so I switched to a Kate McLaren Cinamon. In one pool, I hooked 8 brookies, all healthy. They took the big fly as it skated on the surface with violent slashes. Only two were willing to come to this anglers frozen hands, as the others came of within inches. 

A Native Jewel in His Natural Habitat.

All said, regardless of the lost fish, ice clogged guides, and painfully frozen fingers, this little blue line gave me a lot to be thankful for.