I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting some time in fly fishing on the East Outlet of the Kennebeck. I'm told that it's prime water for trophy wild brook trout and landlocked salmon. Two days on the river and so far I've actually managed to get one (small) brookie to come up and take a whack at my fly. I take that as an accomplishment since I have absolutely no idea about what I'm doing. Despite years of reading and watching videos, there's no substitute for actual on the water experience.
Fishing may be fishing, but this river fishing is an entirely different game than fishing the salt. I've talked with quite a few fishermen streamside, and while they are all free with sharing local knowledge and tips, It doesn't translate into newfound ability. (Fred Astaire could tell you all about how to dance, but it wouldn't mean that you could hold your own on a dancefloor with Ginger Rodgers.)
The flow rate is higher than normal which makes the wading treacherous, and the sheer speed of the water not only wants to take you off your feet, but makes it tough to get a good drift. I spoke with two fishermen that took an unexpected swim already this week. I'm very glad that I've got a folding wading staff. Up till now, it's been the most important piece of equipment that I brought, including my flyrod.
There are fish here, I have seen several really nice fish landed, it's all fly fishing only, catch and release at this time of year. So far, the fish have managed to elude me. The scenery is spectacular, it feels like you've stepped into a postcard, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on catching fish to be able to eat.
mike carroll wrote:
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting some time in fly fishing on the East Outlet of the Kennebeck. I'm told that it's prime water for trophy wild brook trout and landlocked salmon. Two days on the river and so far I've actually managed to get one (small) brookie to come up and take a whack at my fly. I take that as an accomplishment since I have absolutely no idea about what I'm doing. Despite years of reading and watching videos, there's no substitute for actual on the water experience.
Fishing may be fishing, but this river fishing is an entirely different game than fishing the salt. I've talked with quite a few fishermen streamside, and while they are all free with sharing local knowledge and tips, It doesn't translate into newfound ability. (Fred Astaire could tell you all about how to dance, but it wouldn't mean that you could hold your own on a dancefloor with Ginger Rodgers.)
The flow rate is higher than normal which makes the wading treacherous, and the sheer speed of the water not only wants to take you off your feet, but makes it tough to get a good drift. I spoke with two fishermen that took an unexpected swim already this week. I'm very glad that I've got a folding wading staff. Up till now, it's been the most important piece of equipment that I brought, including my flyrod.
There are fish here, I have seen several really nice fish landed, it's all fly fishing only, catch and release at this time of year. So far, the fish have managed to elude me. The scenery is spectacular, it feels like you've stepped into a postcard, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on catching fish to be able to eat.
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting s... (
show quote)
Nice description of the beauty surrounding you. Just enjoy it and eventually you'll hook up!!
mike carroll wrote:
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting some time in fly fishing on the East Outlet of the Kennebeck. I'm told that it's prime water for trophy wild brook trout and landlocked salmon. Two days on the river and so far I've actually managed to get one (small) brookie to come up and take a whack at my fly. I take that as an accomplishment since I have absolutely no idea about what I'm doing. Despite years of reading and watching videos, there's no substitute for actual on the water experience.
Fishing may be fishing, but this river fishing is an entirely different game than fishing the salt. I've talked with quite a few fishermen streamside, and while they are all free with sharing local knowledge and tips, It doesn't translate into newfound ability. (Fred Astaire could tell you all about how to dance, but it wouldn't mean that you could hold your own on a dancefloor with Ginger Rodgers.)
The flow rate is higher than normal which makes the wading treacherous, and the sheer speed of the water not only wants to take you off your feet, but makes it tough to get a good drift. I spoke with two fishermen that took an unexpected swim already this week. I'm very glad that I've got a folding wading staff. Up till now, it's been the most important piece of equipment that I brought, including my flyrod.
There are fish here, I have seen several really nice fish landed, it's all fly fishing only, catch and release at this time of year. So far, the fish have managed to elude me. The scenery is spectacular, it feels like you've stepped into a postcard, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on catching fish to be able to eat.
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting s... (
show quote)
got some nice weather on the way, mike. wishin ya great success
mike carroll wrote:
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting some time in fly fishing on the East Outlet of the Kennebeck. I'm told that it's prime water for trophy wild brook trout and landlocked salmon. Two days on the river and so far I've actually managed to get one (small) brookie to come up and take a whack at my fly. I take that as an accomplishment since I have absolutely no idea about what I'm doing. Despite years of reading and watching videos, there's no substitute for actual on the water experience.
Fishing may be fishing, but this river fishing is an entirely different game than fishing the salt. I've talked with quite a few fishermen streamside, and while they are all free with sharing local knowledge and tips, It doesn't translate into newfound ability. (Fred Astaire could tell you all about how to dance, but it wouldn't mean that you could hold your own on a dancefloor with Ginger
The flow rate is higher than normal which makes the wading treacherous, and the sheer speed of the water not only wants to take you off your feet, but makes it tough to get a good drift. I spoke with two fishermen that took an unexpected swim already this week. I'm very glad that I've got a folding wading staff. Up till now, it's been the most important piece of equipment that I brought, including my flyrod
There are fish here, I have seen several really nice fish landed, it's all fly fishing only, catch and release at this time of year. So far, the fish have managed to elude me. The scenery is spectacular, it feels like you've stepped into a postcard, but I'm glad I don't have to rely on catching fish to be able to eat.
I'm spending a week in Jackman Maine and getting s... (
show quote)
Mike, Just keep with it, pay attention, gratefully accept the advice, and continue to enjoy the scenery. Really liked your analogy re : Fred & Ginger. I'm gonna appropriate that one, if ya don't mind. Experience RULES, but good adivice has it's value as well, that's why this site is so valuable to us all. Good Luck catchin' 🐟
Nutz,
Appropriate away! Use it like you made it up.
Day three and the progress continues. The flow rate is significantly reduced today making it more easy to wade safely, and to get a good drift. We spoke with another fisherman at the parking area, and he showed us the nymph/dropper rig that had been working well for him. I had some flies that I had tied that looked similar to his, so my buddy John changed his setup to match.
We worked the North side of the river in the guage pool area. Circumstances had conspired to limit John's fishing time this year, and he had not caught a single fish this season. Utilizing the "borrowed" rig and technique, John hooked and landed a monster brook trout of about 18-20"! (Both of our phones were left in the car, so no photographic evidence, sorry.) After he hooked and fought another brookie, smaller than the first, but not by much, I too switched over my rig. Eventually, I hooked up and enjoyed a brief but vigorous fight with a solid fish before he spit the hook. "Better to have loved and lost", etc...
The fact that flies that I tied had fooled several wild, native fish into thinking they were food, completely made my day. Also, how cool that John broke his year long drought, with a fish of a lifetime! Sometimes it's not about the "tonnage" landed, sometimes a single fish can make the entire trip.
mike carroll wrote:
Day three and the progress continues. The flow rate is significantly reduced today making it more easy to wade safely, and to get a good drift. We spoke with another fisherman at the parking area, and he showed us the nymph/dropper rig that had been working well for him. I had some flies that I had tied that looked similar to his, so my buddy John changed his setup to match.
We worked the North side of the river in the guage pool area. Circumstances had conspired to limit John's fishing time this year, and he had not caught a single fish this season. Utilizing the "borrowed" rig and technique, John hooked and landed a monster brook trout of about 18-20"! (Both of our phones were left in the car, so no photographic evidence, sorry.) After he hooked and fought another brookie, smaller than the first, but not by much, I too switched over my rig. Eventually, I hooked up and enjoyed a brief but vigorous fight with a solid fish before he spit the hook. "Better to have loved and lost", etc...
The fact that flies that I tied had fooled several wild, native fish into thinking they were food, completely made my day. Also, how cool that John broke his year long drought, with a fish of a lifetime! Sometimes it's not about the "tonnage" landed, sometimes a single fish can make the entire trip.
Day three and the progress continues. The flow ra... (
show quote)
Well, Mike... You'll never catch one those monster Brookies in RI, I don't think, but if ya do, let us know.
I’ve camped out at Attean Pond on the Moose River in Jackman around Memorial Day. Usually do well with wet flies or nymphs. Good luck!
mike carroll wrote:
Day three and the progress continues. The flow rate is significantly reduced today making it more easy to wade safely, and to get a good drift. We spoke with another fisherman at the parking area, and he showed us the nymph/dropper rig that had been working well for him. I had some flies that I had tied that looked similar to his, so my buddy John changed his setup to match.
We worked the North side of the river in the guage pool area. Circumstances had conspired to limit John's fishing time this year, and he had not caught a single fish this season. Utilizing the "borrowed" rig and technique, John hooked and landed a monster brook trout of about 18-20"! (Both of our phones were left in the car, so no photographic evidence, sorry.) After he hooked and fought another brookie, smaller than the first, but not by much, I too switched over my rig. Eventually, I hooked up and enjoyed a brief but vigorous fight with a solid fish before he spit the hook. "Better to have loved and lost", etc...
The fact that flies that I tied had fooled several wild, native fish into thinking they were food, completely made my day. Also, how cool that John broke his year long drought, with a fish of a lifetime! Sometimes it's not about the "tonnage" landed, sometimes a single fish can make the entire trip.
Day three and the progress continues. The flow ra... (
show quote)
I like my Nymphs wet not dry. With a little leash, glad John got to break his bad streak and hope you land a big’un soon.
Great writing and description of scenery!
JOS,
I'm new to this stream game. What do you mean by "with a little leash?
Like a leader either mono or fluorocarbon I am not much of a fly fisher, I think in that realm it’s a tip it?
gotcha, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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