Friday, October 8, 2010

water logged

Hi folks, Spent the last two days guiding in the rain.  Such is life and at least I am still fishing.  Yesterday we chased brook trout on a small mountain stream on the Winooski drainage.  Actually had to nymph fish brook trout.  Water was high and coming up the entire time.  Clarity was decent and the temperature was 53 degrees.  Due to the flows and cooling temperatures the old reliable brook trout on a dry was not happening.  So a heavy nymph under an indicator and we landed a dozen very brightly colored brookies.  Fly selection was not critical, but I like a #12 tungsten prince nymph with red thread in heavier flows.  it was interesting that we caught most of our fish in the first part of the trip and the bite really slowed as the water began to really rise.  Today, I gambled and gave the main stem of the Lamoille a try.  Water was 3 to 4 times its normal flow, but it has been that way for a awhile.  Clarity was just fine and the temperature was 56 degrees.  We spin fished with trout imitation plugs and landed 3 really nice fat wild rainbows.  It looked like they were stuffed with crawfish or some kind of large food item.  Fattening up for winter.  We missed or lost another 5 trout.  I watched several fish chase from the heavy seem line into the slower current to eat.  Always cool watching the take.  Well, enough of the rain and now it will be cooler and I am guiding pike.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy