The first stream has cut a deep ravine where miners had discovered rich deposits on nickel, cobalt, and even some gold. The banks are lined with adits, as well as tons of fallen trees. It is apparently the nursery water, as all I could catch were little ones.
I left for a spot I had seen a few Brookies in before, a culvert pool on an otherwise minute creek. There I saw a nice male that spooked under a log. His smaller counterpart hit and Edson Tiger probably ten times before I caught him.
The next stream is in the middle of nowhere, and was bound to be very productive. Indeed it was. I caught plenty of small wild jewels and a few big colored up males. One of these big guys had a bite mark, probably from competition with other males over the right to fertilize a redd. What tough little animals these Brook Trout are.
Brook Trout and Mountain Laural |
This is the guy with the bite mark. Can you spot it? |
The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. |
On the walk back to the road I came across a birch that seems to have only had the wood rot, and the bark stay and slide down like an accordion. I also found a beaver pond on another small stream that might hold fish when they aren't spawning.
The wildlife was out in force today, mostly birds. I observed these little guys, as well as a few hawks and a pileated wood pecker.
The next spot was a pond as well, but this one does hold natives this time of year. I had been eyeing up this hole for a while now, and it was about time that I go and catch some of the pretty fish is holds. The Edson Tiger continued to produce. A bit downstream from the pond I caught another colorful male. He too took quite a few times before I caught him.
I felt that was a good fish to end the day on ad made my way home.
Native brook trout AND abandoned mine workings? Now that's my kind of stream! Beautiful fish by the way!
ReplyDeleteHaha I was hoping you'd read this one. The first adit is that of a feldspar quarry that produced some fine Palermo-esque micros. I myself have found some pretty cool stuff there.
DeleteWhat a great experiance! Thank you. Those little critters are so beautiful. The birch tree is awsume. Glad to see you are wearing orange.
ReplyDeleteFish on...
Thank you. I'd hate any fishing trip to end with me dead.
DeleteYou're not the only one. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad.
DeleteDitto on gladness that you are weariing orange ! You have such talent and curiosity and love for nature, you need to live an active life until at least 100 ! Considering some of your relatives' longevity, that seems entirely possible. Have fun and stay safe !
Delete- G.