November 26, 2018 – Chasing Some Stockies Before the Storm Chased Us – SEPA Freestoner

Chris seeing if anyone was home before the rain.

I met Chris H. at a small creek not far from home today to show him around a little and, hopefully, catch some fish that were planted on Black Friday.  We did as much walking and talking as fishing at times, but it was good to get better acquainted and share fish stories.  I have known Chris as a friend of (a) friend(s) for years and would cross paths at the odd Eagles party or concert or, most recently, funeral, and I knew he fly fished, even belonged to the same TU chapter to which I pay dues (he actually goes to meetings, however), but we never fished together until today.  The forecast called for moderate rain, after a weekend with some heavy rain, so our window was tight, but at least we had a window.  We managed to get rained on, but not for too long, and the heaviest showers started as we were warm and walking back to the cars.  We caught some fish too, maybe 10 between us.  Besides one hole where some brookies seemed to be noticing hatching midges, most spots took some work to dredge up fish.  Blame it on stained, cold water flowing over fish that have not even set up to feed in many cases, not to mention the fact that they probably got pounded on Sunday when it was nearly 60 degrees outside.

A couple brookies in the mix.

It did not take long to find a little rainbow, but he seemed to be alone.  We had to cover some ground and target some holes that I know always get loaded with some fish in order to put any kind of numbers together.  Even then, it was one or two from each prime spot.  We got at least one of each, the trifecta of brook, rainbow and brown, with one brown I landed that was pushing 12 inches winning the pot.  Not spectacular by any means, but it was good to see some fish in there, another nearby option for the winter, and show Chris around this little creek on a mild, late-fall day.  More rain tonight?  Yep...

A decent brownie too.