The fish you have to see to believe... (Fly Fishing for Trout)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2024
- FLY FISHING AND CATCHING MY MOST IMPRESSIVE / MOST BEAUTIFUL / ONE OF THE BIGGEST BROOK TROUT OF MY LIFE!
If I could use one word to describe the day I caught one of my biggest brook trout ever I’d describe it as… well… miserable. You see, hurricane Helene was full swing in the region, and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve seen the destruction it caused in the Appalachians. Luckily for me I was just far enough north to not get hit with the really bad stuff, but the water was quickly rising, the wind was causing the leaves to fall into the water at a rapid rate, and the rain was making any time spent outdoors pretty miserable. But nonetheless my buddy Allen and I had this trip planned out for the better part of a month, and we’re the type of people to not let a little bit of bad weather foil our plans. We wanted to hike into an area that we had fished sparingly for years, Allen a few years more than myself, to try and catch one big colored up brook trout. So we packed up and headed into the wilderness despite the weather, which ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Struggling was an understatement. We had fished for several hours without much to show for it other than one or two small brook trout a piece, none of which were worth the wet clothes and several miles of hiking it took to fish this water. In fact we had decided to bail on the entire plan, thinking if we left in time we could maybe fish some other water that was more conducive to this type of weather. But in a moment of desperation I tied on a woolly bugger, arguably the most legendary fly of all time, as we fished what we had decided would be last stretch of water
We still had our fair share of mishaps but as luck would have it, once we started to dialed in how to catch the fish in the adverse weather, the fishing took a 180 degree turn. Granted we had been fishing for many hours at this point, but swinging and / or jigging streamers seemed to be the ticket to getting the large fish to move. And just about every 45 minutes to an hour, not counting any time we couldn’t fish due to the ongoing leaf hatch, we would see a fish that most Appalachian angler’s dreams are made of.
Allen and I were watching one of our best days of fly fishing unfold right in front of our eyes. We weren’t finding numbers, but the fish we were catching were not only big, but had the colors to match. The bright fluorescent pink spots with the navy blue halos against the dark army green of the brook trout create a beauty that could rival that of any other fish on earth. And then it happened. As I was walking up a large hole with a rock ledge I casted up stream and worked my wooly bugger back down past the ledge… and a massive fish rolled. I didn’t know how big it was, but I knew it was bigger than anything else I had seen that day. I yelled ahead at Allen and told him the size of the fish I had just seen was nothing short of insane. I made a few more casts and moved the fish yet again, this time getting an even better look. But more importantly this time I saw where the fish came from and exactly what part of the ledge he went back into. So I made a cast up stream, and let the woolly bugger drift naturally down the current then just as I hit the ledge I gave it one pop… then another… and then on the third pop I thought “either I’ve hooked the ledge, or this huge fish just at my streamer” and I set the hook. After a short fight the fish was in the net, and neither myself or Allen could believe it. Allen even sat there speechless for a solid minute just staring down into the water.
We couldn’t believe the size and color combinations of that fish, and still can’t. It’s just one of those fish that you can just sit and stare out for hours, as I have since catching the fish a month ago. That fish is only my 3rd native brook trout in that size range, and certainly the one with the most unique color patterns. But that fish was just the icing on the cake to an incredible day. I learned that even if the conditions aren’t ideal you can still make your day something insane, a lesson that I feel like I have to learn over and over again because it’s so easy to look at a miserable day and decide to stay home. This particular day of fishing also proved that you need to adapt and fish different flies, because if you can figure out what the fish want you can turn a day of horrors into a day that dreams are made of. What a time to be alive.
If you enjoyed this fishing video don't forget to leave a comment and subscribe to the channel! Thanks for watching.
#troutfishing #fishing #flyfishing #outdoors #nature #sports #brooktrout
I have only ever caught a handful of these beautiful brook trout in my life (I am 75), but then, that is because these were "Scottish" reared, and released, trout by Faskally Freshwater Fishery Laboratories based near Pitlochry. A small number were introduced into mainly Perthshire rivers in Eastern Scotland in the 60's and 70's.
I shall never forget the beauty of these spectacularly coloured trout, ever!
Thanks for allowing this introduction of what will probably remain a scarce species in the UK!
By the way, I was concerned to see in a couple of your video views that you have the invasive Rhododendron
Ponticum growing in the Appalachians.
Eradicate, or, at least control this serious pest species before it is too late.
You have been warned!
Out of darkness cometh light...What a fantastic fish, and beautiful surroundings. Brilliant video, Jon. You do more to promote the beauty of the US countryside than any tourist agency.
Thank you so much! The countryside is arguably as pretty as the fish (if not more so). Glad you enjoyed
Gorgeous native Brookies. My favorite trout of all.
What an absolutely gorgeous fish, well done catching it. That scenery is just as beautiful, thanks for showing both to us.
“OK, I gotta settle down” is so apropos for you. Love the enthusiasm.
Sometimes I need to take a deep breath😂
Aaaay!! Incredible fish and energy as always guys!!! Soooooo close to 100!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳
Beautiful country and fish. Keep up the great work 👍
Your enthusiasm is very inspiring. The brookies are beautiful as is the creek.
What a great video. I live in NE TN, and love Appalachian Trout fishing. You're an excellent storyteller. I'm so glad I stumbled across this. Well done.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video
Perfect fishin weather,overcast,light rain ,leaves for cover. Your buddy knows how to set a hook whilst fly fishing. You set like you are bass fishing with a blue rubber worm and spinning outfit. Enjoy,Chet
Beautiful fall colors & a few great fish. Nice work!
Impressive ! The natural beauty of the terrain and color schemes and patterns on those Brookies were ... well ... the beauty only God can create ! Thank you so very much for your persistence under those conditions. And regarding those who lives have been sadly taken or horrifically altered by Hurricane Helene please remember in our thoughts, prayers and support.
Love the vid. Great job . Gorgeous Brookie. I love brookies as well.
Thank you! Brookies are the best, glad you enjoyed the video
Beautiful Brookie's! I love their colors this time of the year.
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more
Another fantastic video and even more incredible fish. Thank you for sharing it with us. Keep up the great work and congrats on the nuptials. Stay well.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the fish and the video
Those are some truly amazing brook trout, in south central pa the brook trout commonly
Do not exceed 12 inches although I have spotted some individual brookies in the 13-15 range in larger freestone streams
That was impressive the fish was awesome always worth working trough the grind to fine what works so satisfying and rewarding great video
Absolutely gorgeous fish. Nothing prettier than a colored up brookie. Congrats.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery n Fish. I look forward to more Appalachian fishing adventures. God Bless n Fish on!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Awesome, and you definitely caught some Beauties 👏👏
nice variety of brook trout!
You guys are the goats! Love watching your content, always makes my day better
Heck yeah!! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy the videos
Thank you for taking us to that beautiful stream. If anyone deserves a native of that size, it is certainly you - reward for all the good you have done for native trout conservation in West Virginia. Now you can challenge Andrew to find a Colorado alpine water that can produce (non-native) brookies of similar dimensions!
Thank you for the kind words! That means a ton. I’m sure Andrew could find some brookies out in CO that would be much larger so I probably won’t challenge him on that 🤣
Brook Trout are my favorite, enjoyed 👍👍
Beautiful!
Gorgeous Brook, brother! Wow!
Thank you!
Amazing fish, thanks for sharing these.
ALMOST 100K!!!!!!! Keep up the good work Brother!
Thank you so much!!
@@hardmanfishing 👍
Wow. That colored up brookie at 4:00....just wow. What a gorgeous creature.
Doesn’t get much better!
Hey awesome video Hardman.
We called them speckled trout where I grew up.
Love those fish.Cheers
That's a gorgeous brookie man. Great job! Really nice colors. Also, congrats on almost 100k subs!
Definitely one of my favorite brookie of all time. And Thank you!
It’s always a good day when you post. Oh I’ve fished that stream and caught my biggest brook on a fly rod
There is truly nothing like the thrill of seeing that orange flash. God I love brookies, those beautiful beautiful creatures.
No doubt about it! Thanks for watching
Gonna need GPS numbers for that hole man... Just kidding!! Beautiful fish and another great vid!
That's a beauty my friend. Been at it a long time and I can only a claim 3 Native Brookies over 13". Long time in case you are wondering is 45 years chasing them consistently. Nothing that size in the last 10 years. No prettier fish alive than a Fall Appalachian Brookie. Glad to still see some in that size. Great job
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed. Sounds like you have a lot of appreciation for these fish. Thanks for watching
I can honestly say I never landed a brookie that large. I did catch a rainbow exactly the length of my pinkie finger. Luckily it survived. That was an awesome show you and nature put on for us fishers of the great and colored up brookie.
Thank you very nice clip I learned and enjoyed
I'm in central pa and we do have some decent brook trout streams. But, I've never witnessed something quite like that in pa. Great fish.
Pa is an awesome state for trout but I’ve heard multiple people say that the state doesn’t produce particularly large brookies 😂
Awesome adventure. Confidence is real 😎
That... was just crazy!!! I am so jealous.
intro COOKED🤩
Was a beautiful fish!
Out did yourself again! Awesome fish!
Thank you so much!
Amazing Day, Tight Lines!
Thanks for finding 🎣🎣🐟🐟🎣🎣
Im from maine so the brookie is my fish. Those fish were amazing thanks for sharing that amazing experience. A lot of people dont understand how fragile a stream like that is, two people could decimate the trout population in a matter of days if they didnt catch and release. Takes discipline though,brookies are the best tasting fish on the planet.
F’in studs bro. Amazing!
Thank you!
Such a beautiful trout
Just went on my yearly October Brook trout trip in south east Utah. Fishing small mountain lakes. Caught a big one and it was incredibly colored up. The brooks are just different in Utah lakes.
New viewer and gained a sub. Very good
Nice fish I caught a couple 13 and 14 in this year up in Wisconsin. Also caught a 11-inch tiger trout for the first time in Wisconsin my biggest fish was 15 inches in Virginia
The most beautiful fish in the world!
Amen!
Hard to believe that trout can survive such floods but they do!
Where there’s a will there’s a way! The species has been through many bad floods… now how much they are effected by them is another story 😅 I’m sure it’s not an ideal situation
Beautiful
That fish was huge!!! Nice job! Do you have any tips for late fall Browns and winter Rainbows? Thanks!
“back to the depths… mwhahaha” spooky vibes
Awesome
nice fish
How did you decide what Woolley bugger to use? And what did you use
Everyone needs to like this video
I agree
That's good eating right there! Nice day for a stream-side fire and grill up some fish!
Umm no… Most of these trout are heavily protected. Always do your research before harvesting any species of fish from any body of water.
Living my fishing dream
Come to Vermont. I've hit the trout slam. Many times. And catch. Yearly. 16 plus inch brookies,,I spent much time studying topo maps. To. Find the isolated. Way up in the mountains to find these beautiful fish
Thats an insane brookie thank you for sharing. Look up Soda Lake, Wyoming, biggest brook trout i know of
You guys need to go to az and try and catch native gila or Apache trout
Already planned for next spring / early summer!!
Hi John, what excactly did you decide to put that black wooly bugger on?
Great fish! Maybe someday a fish like will appear on my channel (one can only hope XD)
When does the trout stop biting in the fall in North Carolina?
thats a beautiful fish love them colors . what landing net is that ?
Catch cam net!
That wasn't a brook trout. That was a BRUTE trout!
Can’t argue with that!!😂 thanks for watching!
I believed in you before I read video title. Believe DAT!!!
Hahaha thanks!!🤣
Do you shoot these go Pro shots in LOG? Looks great man, as always!
I'm in Central Kentucky and wade rivers and creeks for Smallmouth Bass. I use spinning outfits but have also used flyrods my whole life as well. I'm interested in getting into Trout fishing in Kentucky, Virginia's and Tennessee. Where should I start digging to get information on learning how to go about this? Any direction to any info is greatly appreciated! Thanks all!
Hey men I have a question unfortunately not a positive one. In my last fishing trip I caught the tip of my rod with a fly like literally hooked the rod and I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions? Great video men!
can you get the fly out of the rod
It is out of the rod but the hole is still there and if I keep fishing with it eventually it will break if half
What state? Love to see it brother!
I for sure know I could not fish with this twit. Exactly the kind of guy I try to avoid on the stream or lake.
BIGGUN!!
Always enjoy watching the videos man🤙 would be badass to fish with you someday! I’m going to keep grinding on my channel in hopes to link with yall someday!
Wild or stocked?
Wild / native
Come up to Maine we have some monsters. 19" is my pb brookie and it's not to hard to catch 15"-17"
5.5 pounder was caught a few months ago 20 minutes from me
How long was the trout?
No clue didn’t measure it
Are you fishing red run?
Persistence pays off Jon. An amazing fish and I love your enthusiasm, it's infectious. We forgive you the motherf**ker expletive , it was completely justified! Tight lines from me in the UK.
Hahahaha thanks for forgiving me 😂 sometimes you get frustrated out there
Alright DUDE
Fish like to eat before the storm gets worse.
HFA, have u ever tried go in some lakes?
sorry for the bad english but im from italy
Yes. I don’t have a ton around where I live but when I’m out in the western US I fish lakes.
This is crazy. I've never been the first view on a video. Pretty insane
Brook has perch strips
First day only fly fishing today I got a 4 ½lb and 2-3lb rainbows
That’s awesome!!
Don't touch 😮
Got a 15 inch brook trout. Taylor river
Pretty sure there are much bigger in the Taylor but I could be wrong 😂 western brookies don’t count the same as the natives out east!
John. Let me ask a dumb question. These are wild fish, right?
💯
Been there for approximately 20,000 years or something!
Typical fly fishermen fishing for trout. I'd be eating them
cozy. fall. vibes.
that was awesome. Ever come to so. ca. let me know in advance