Mediocre

The West Branch was in an interesting condition today. The Still River was blown out, and therefore all of the Farmington below the confluence. Above, however, was a fishable flow and color. The first trout was a rainbow who took a Zugbug. Even with a very early Hendrickson hatch, I went fishless for several hours. Going down to Riverton Self Storage,  I fished a buck tail in the riffle and received a strike. The fish safely avoided the hook. I caught on the Zugbug an brown, then a water snake by hand. The last fish of the day took a mono nymph and was the best of the three.

A Spinner in The Window

After awakening this morning I went to the bathroom to prepare for the day. As is usually the case, I looked out the window. There is always something good to see: deer nibbling on saplings, a fox and it's kits, a woodchuck.... This morning the sight was on the screen of the window. Their sat a beautiful mayfly spinner. I can never figure out why I find them here, as they are often moving water species. The closest stream is a trickle about a quarter mile away. Whatever the case, this little spinner found herself on my window; and as I have always been fascinated by insects, in captivity. After a bit of observation and a photo shoot I returned the little creature to her perch on the window.

Mayflies

One of the most well known food sources for trout is the mayfly. There are many species of these graceful insects. I am always fascinated by them and the role they play in the stream environment.

Flight. He will only enjoy this for another 10 minutes.

A crippled drake

Small Stream Madness

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

The wilds hammered dry flies today on a nice little stream. I also fished the Salmon river and an absolutely tiny little creek.

 This poor fish looked like a turtle or heron victim but still had plenty of fight and gorgeous colors.

A little mayfly. I wish we had a steady hatch!

 A big mayfly. Not sure what it is, I will have to look it up.

A little Salmon River Bow . Poor thing is having a hard time with the heat.

This creek gave up a 14in brown! He slipped from my hands as held him over the tiny little stream.