I visited that stream today and some amazing stuff was occurring. Every tailout with good clean gravel had at least a few paired up adult brook trout, ranging anywhere from six to sixteen inches. And the stretch of water three yards down from the redds was PACKED with brookies that were just their to eat and sneak up behind the spawners. These were mostly just a bit smaller than the fish on the redds, and almost all males. These were the fish that did not get places next to females. The deep pools had fish too, mostly smaller fish and a few adult females that were also not spawning this time around. But I focused on those aggressive males waiting in the riffles for the eggs to wash out of the redds. Getting them to take a veiled egg fly was tricky, fun, and by far some of the most amazing native brookie fishing I've ever had.
14 inch male brookie protecting a redd |
So, as you can see from the photos above it took me a little while to figure out that an egg fly was the way to go. I got a few on small ice nymphs and one on an Edson Tiger. I just never really thought that egg flies and brook trout were a good combination. Apparently I was wrong. Seeing a big male brook trout come three feet up a riffle to smash a tiny orange egg... that is just awesome.
To make it just that little bit better, these were some of the most beautiful brookies I have ever caught. Just remarkable fish in every way.
I've had a lot of good days on the water this year. And this was definitely one of them!
Spectacular colors on those brookies!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete,
DeleteTruly nature's finest!
Man - brookies are gorgeous, but this time of year... Whoa, they are amazing looking!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
DeleteWith each fish to hand I said aloud: WOOOWWWW!
WOW, Color and teeth. They are great and you did have a great day. Photos and story, felt like I was there.
ReplyDeleteTie, fish, write and photo on...
Thanks,
DeleteWhen they're done spawning I have caught small males with tooth marks on them from larger fish! They grow them big in the fall for a reason!
Those colors are incredible. Inspiring me to hit my local native honey hole.
ReplyDeleteGo for it and write an awesome post to match!
DeleteThe colours are amazing on brookies this time of year. Love the photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ben,
DeleteThey peak once the leaves are done... makes up for the grey in the woods!
Daaaaammmmn, those are some really pretty fish!!
ReplyDelete