Today I was joined by Jonathan (RI Brook Trout) on my home water. Though it was a dry fly day and we both got some wild trout and salmon par on floated flies, my stream did not show off like it sometimes does.
We also went to fish for bass and trout, though preferably the first, on bigger water. We both managed stocker browns. But I did get one nice freestone smallmouth to nail a stimulator. Fighting him on the 3 weight was a blast.
As you can see above there was wildlife about, but the best was on the walk home. I heard a great crashing in the brush to my left. Two deer came out of the woods very near me and went down the trail in the direction I had come from. I looked back and there was something else coming out of the woods. A black bear. I followed the dear! I'm not sure what the bears deal was, but I didn't want to hang around to see, especially not with the woods as dark as they already were by that point.
Not a bad day, heck no. Being able to take those fish on dries makes everything great.
ReplyDeleteWildlife is expanding. I've heard some sounds out there that I am not familiar with.
No, not bad at all.
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ReplyDeleteThe prize here was that smallmouth, and of course the outstanding stream it was taken from. Thanks for sharing
I LOVE smallies. Such fun fish.
DeleteSharing your good fishing spots with a frend is always rewarding, especially when you are catching those beauties. That bear was looking to do some fishing to. Thanks for the trip!
ReplyDeleteTie, fish, write and photo on...
It's only rewarding if the friend is as secretive about wild trout spots as Jonathan and I are!
DeleteA day on your home water is better than a day anywhere else despite the not so stellar numbers. You still managed a pretty solid day with a couple 8+ inchers. Although I did not catch it myself, the smallmouth on the dry was pretty cool to watch...it sure gave your rod a workout! The highlight was definitely catching that holdover at the end. Although he was a stocker, he had some nice colors and was certainly there for a while. Sorry I let him go before you could get a pic I just didn't want him too stressed! And as you mentioned, secrecy with wild trout waters is key. I was disappointed to find footprints on my favorite stream the other day. Anyway, thanks for taking me out it was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI didn't need a picture of that fish. I caught three more after you left that I didn't photograph. As you say, the water's warm!
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