Wednesday 31 August 2011

Loads...

Last week I managed to grab a few hours by the river and check out that swim I reconnoitered on my last riverside walk.
A few inches further forward and into the abyss...
 It was blowing very gently (towards me, unfortunately) and made gentle ripples on the surface. I was quite sheltered under the overhanging trees. There had been a couple of days of rain before hand so the river was a bit 'coloured', but the fish were easy to spot as they were literally leaping, head and tail, out of the water, and coming down with an almighty "SPLOSHHH" every now and again.

This bit of river drew my attention last week as there's a fallen tree creating a narrow channel between the banks. The water glides slowly just after this obstruction and the fish leisurely loiter just below the surface to prey on whatever passes by them

Like a sushi bar in reverse.

The light's fading - just one more cast, honest...
I'd got thigh waders on. These took me out into the river about a foot before the bottom just dropped off into oblivion right in front of me. Did I fall in? Of course I did! Backwards fortunately so only up to my shoulder in cold water this time as I reached out to steady myself (or this could have been an obituary).

After I'd managed to hone my casting (several lost flies later in the trees behind me) I managed to find a rhythm and catch a fish! Followed by two more. All about the same size (about 1lb - 1.5lb). All nice Brown Trout with the most intense colours, golden brown with black, brown and bright red/rust spots. Beautiful.

Shaky camera with all the excitement.
I never seem to have the heart to kill and eat Brown Trout (certainly not this size). Rainbow's are a different matter as they are stocked for the purpose. These lovely fish went back after a couple of shaky, blurred photos were taken.

Off you go, my plate next time when you're bigger
Looks like the 'Grey Duster' did the trick, although the greedy buggers seemed to eat just about anything I flung at them during the last of the daylight.

I was so caught up enjoying myself I was late putting the chickens to bed. Tut, tut.

More fishin' trips shortly (after my op). Just had some more chicks too! More to follow...

19 comments:

Craig said...

That's a stunningly beautiful brown trout. As you say, the colours are superb. Glad that they went back into the river.
Best of luck with your op and the new chicks.

e.m.b. said...

"Like a sushi bar in reverse." What great imagery! Love it! You know, I can't bring myself to eat brown trout either...and that catch of yours is gorgeous...

Sanders said...

Beautiful fish! And I'm happy to learn that I'm not the only one that has issues with trees and losing flies...ha! Glad those fish will live to fish another day.

Cheers!

936000 said...

Nice photos!! And I certainly understand the shaky camera due to excitement!
I love that "One more cast, honest.."

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Beautiful! My brothers fish a lot and they always toss theirs back too :-)

John Going Gently said...

nothing worse than losing your flies in the trees!

Molly said...

The reflection of the trees looks stunning. A bit hairy though when the side shelved into the deep. Love the picture of the brown trout. Chris, sounds as if your op will be quite soon. All the best. All our thoughts are with you.

Texan said...

What a pretty fish, I have never seen one like that. I am glad you put it back in the water :O).

Justin said...

Chris, the shoe is on the other foot for a change... Great report and lovely looking wild fish. A fishing trip without a dunking is no fishing trip at all!

Tom Stephenson said...

Nice fish, and nice trip. Nice fall into the water too, by the sound of it. Glad you didn't go headfirst!!!! lol.

Melodie said...

I don't think I have ever seen a brown trout,it is a beautiful fish!

Jim said...

I absolutely love the light reflecting in the river......we were doing the same thing today...minus the fishing gear!

Chris, if there is a NAET practitioner nearby, I say go for it! What have you got to lose, really? It has worked very well for us in a number of unrelated areas and my family as well.....from allergies to flu symptoms to fear of flying. Good luck.
Jim

fromsophiesview said...

Jim's, oh so correct, I no longer have asthma. NAET is the answer for me. We call our NAET practitioner ...The Voodoo Lady! The river of peace...love it!

Rebecca said...

Nice post... My husband is a fly-tying, fly-fishermen also. He always practices "catch and release"--I personally think this is because he is too lazy to clean the fish. ha!

Crow said...

What a gorgeous water creature you were able to catch and share with us.

I will be thinking of you in the days ahead, and sending you green, healing, vibes.

Stay well.
xxcrow

Chris said...

Thanks for the comments everybody.

The freshwater fish here in the UK are all beautiful and often challenging to catch (especially for an idiot like me).

I'll try and get another jaunt out to the river bank this weekend. Hopefully I'll stay dry this time.

Mike Sepelak said...

A good dunking now an then keeps you on your toes! Beautiful browns - good stuff. THANKS!

Anonymous said...

I've never seen a brown trout before...what exquisite little creatures with all the vibrant polka dots! I'm reading your posts backwards so I already know the op is over and the unfortunate member is gone. I love your sense of humor Chris...and I'm glad you're well. Dia

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