Whose woods these are – the state’s, I know.
But I have bought a license, so;
They will not mind me stopping here
To swing my streamers in the flow.
~
That little bird must think it queer
For I’m the only angler here
Somewhere within the TMA
My first fly outing of the year.
~
The big brown gives his head a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the scrape
Of line through guides of ice all caked.
~
The river’s lovely, dark and deep,
But I must get back to my Jeep,
Three trout today, none did I keep,
Three trout today, none did I keep.
~
Remnants from the last ice age. The river was clear of shelf ice, running at 550cfs, 35 degrees.
~
First customer of the day. Lovely colors.
~
Saved the best for last. Some-teen inches, just hammered the fly as it swung across a seam.
~
Articulated streamers with jaunty names that push water catch trout. So do unnamed single hook streamers tied with a slim profile. I’d used this fly before — it’s a one-off from a couple years ago — and the trout found it to their liking today. Fished on a full sink line with a three-foot leader, swung and stripped. It opens up a bit in the water, but it’s still a fairly sparse tie. Tungsten bead head, so it rides hook point up.
currentseams 
Nicely done. Mr Frost would be proud! Look forward to seeing you at the CFFA Expo.
What a good way to present report!
That is strange color pattern to offer a trout, I’ve used plenty like that for crappie and bass. I’m sold though, three is a good number this time of year!
I often use those colors for striper streamers. I guess trout like them, too. “Bright day, bright colors,” goes the old saw. I think it was also a matter of material (marabou) and being in the right place at the right time. Although I had not a tap on a black streamer, nor an olive and grey one.
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words.
Steve, Nice touch.
once again Nicely done.
i don’t often comment – but you outdid yourself with the poetic bent…. bravo
Thank you to everyone for reading — and for your kinds words.