Point 10: Catching a Batch of Brookies in the Depths of Winter

I took a long hiatus from any new blog posts not because I haven't been fishing (in fact it's been quite a productive winter season fishing wise) but because none of my catches translated to new points in the fishing challenge I've created. I've only managed to catch rainbows and browns in the 12-20 inch range which is well trodden territory in regard to the points I accumulated last year. So today I decided to try something different and target a new species: brook trout.

In preparation for a rare wintry outing to a small local creek that doesn't see much action this time of the year, I packed my 4 weight rod and a few nymphs and micro-streamers I thought may get some action. When I reached the stream,

flanked by ankle deep snow and large barren maple trees, all was peaceful and totally silent save for the gentle bubbling of the creek. Unsurprisingly I was the only angler on the creek with no one nearby, and started slinging a small black leech pattern into pocket waters of clear pools that looked like they could contain some hungry, albeit lethargic fish. I fished this section of water a couple times before, but only in warmer weather where the fish were understandably much more active and made for some fun and fast fishing for pan sized brook trout. I was finding out quickly however today that that would not be the case in this outing. I trudged upriver, casting a handful of times in each pool without so much as seeing any interest from a fish. Every now and then I saw small dark figures dash in the water to hide under boulders after being spooked but aside from those glimpses of life the water felt totally barren. I was getting discouraged but continued on, knowing it would just take one or two fish to make the day worth it.

Eventually I came across a large, deep and clear pool that formed from a spillway that I've seen large schools of trout in the past. I figured this place would be my best bet if I were to actually catch any fish today. Sure enough, within a few casts to the far reaches of the pool a few frenetic fish could be seen darting towards the streamer before backing off in the last second. The presence of the streamer really riled up some action within a minute to the water that felt so lifeless just a moment ago. It wasn't long before a quick streak in the water taking the streamer and hook set before one fish was on the line. It was a very active fish, putting up a respectable

fight for being smaller game than I was used to targeting. I was pretty excited for the fish and lost all composure of grace in making my approach to the water as I was up a steep embankment while the fish was hooked. In order to get to the water I slid down on the dirt and snow to net the fish, making my coat and hands covered in mud in the process. Despite my struggle I netted the fish and appreciated the beauty of the specimen. It was on the larger side of brook trout I've caught in the past, being about 8-9 inches. Brook trout are often overlooked compared to browns, rainbows and even tiger trout but are just as beautiful and often flaunt more vibrant colors than other popularly sought out sportfish.

I stayed at this pool, working it from different angles and covering as much of the water as possible. I ended up landing two other brook trout, maybe a half inch shorter than the first but just as pretty before the pool shut down on my efforts to catch more fish. I was very happy to end the day on a high note after catching a small handful of brook trout and do something a little different than the usual routine fishing day. With catching three good sized 8+ inch brook trout it satisfied another point in the Legendary Angler challenge, earning point number 10 for me. Only 90 more to go before completing the challenge.