Bush Whacking for Native Jewels

 Even if I didn't already know what the stream at the bottom of this hill holds I would be busting through all that brush to find out. And that's what I did yesterday, looking for another 12 inch brook trout. It was a little chilly, but I still loved the feeling of the humid air on my skin. I felt as though the thick undergrowth was sheltering me off from the outside world, as it was to the brook trout that live in this secluded location, knowing nothing of the huge planet on which they exist. I'm sure very few of them had ever seen anything  with a hooks in it, even the clear streams with easy access around it get almost no pressure.

I fished the Ausable Ugly, and it worked well. I didn't land any big brookies but they were all gorgeous and terrifically hard fighting and strong.

Right as I was landing this fish a dark cloud came over. It was as though suddenly the sky decided it was night. Rain began to fall, a fine misty rain, no big droplets, oddly unlike any rain I have ever stood out in. I just kept fishing. It felt wonderful.

On the way out I began to see little light colored things hopping through my light. Thousands of young wood frogs had decided to come out and enjoy the rain. I put my hand in front of one and it jumped right on!