Monday, September 6, 2010

nice weather change

Hi Folks, Finally a break in the weather and much enjoyed by the guide, the anglers, and the fish.  Back to more seasonal weather and now we only need some rain.  Still pretty dry here and our streams are very low.  Guided the past two days in rivers and brooks for smallmouth bass and small stream trout.  The lower Lamoille was 74 to 75 degrees on Saturday morning and I have never seen the river so low.  We waded in spots that I have not be able to get to in the past.  We spin fished for bass and the lure of the day was a fire tiger husky jerk and a rebel crawfish plug.  Not much for a top water bite and the fish seemed to prefer a steady retrieve.  I positioned myself on large rocks was able to observe the track of the lures.  It was interesting to see the smallmouth materialize from under large rocks to eat.  They would turn off when the lure was moving too slowly.  Lightening fast strikes.  We landed 8 smallies and most of the fish were between 1lb and 2lbs.  Real good fighting fish!  The small brook I guided yesterday accounted for a dozen wild trout.  Water temperature was 62 degrees and the level was low and clarity was too good. We caught brookies, rainbows , and 1 brown all on dry flies.  We worked up stream with a #14 black ant and a #14 green foam bodied hopper pattern.  The spook factor was in full effect as we watched a number of fish take off before we cast to them.  A lot of the trout were holding in riffles due to the warmer than average water temperatures and the skinny water.  A lot pools did not have sufficient holding water and any trout sitting in one was easy pickings for a predator.  Looks like we might get some rain this week.  Sure could use some wet stuff.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species a t home.  Have Fun, Willy