We spent several days in Shenandoah National Park in October. We hiked and walked and fished, and every step was wonder. This was my first time visiting this wild place and I'm sorry I waited so long to do so. The Blue Ridge mountains were just coming into color, and while many of the trees were showing their beauty others were still in late summer dress. The streams were on the low side but still very fishable. I soon learned that the wild brook trout were in super wariness mode. Total stealth was an absolute requirement.
One could spend hours just taking in mother natures paintings. Tossing a fly would be an addition, and having a wild brook trout rise to it would truly grace the trip.
Beautiful waterfalls were dotted through out the hikes. Though the water level was thin it blossomed into a deep pool at the base. It is here that the brook trout was to be found.
As I approached this pool I could see brook trout. At the tail several trout could be seen rising, to what I could not determine. In such cases I always choose to drift an ant, this time was no different and a size 14 black ant went to work. It did not drift long, soon it met a violent end. A brook trout rose and struck. The fish put a desperate fight to gain freedom but eventually loose his battle.
I placed my hand into the stream and slid it under one of natures finest creations. A wild jewel from a Shenandoah stream. Its colors to rival anything in the natural world. I held him for a brief photo and he soon headed for the deep spot in the pool.
I have fished for and have caught brook trout all over New England, New York state and Pennsylvania but I have never taken brook trout as beautiful as I did in Shenandoah.
More to come......
Brk Trt
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