East Branch Croton

This has been an unusual season for me- I have somehow managed to spend more time fishing the East Branch Delaware than the nearby East Branch Croton. Not a bad thing by any means, but I was thankful today that I was able to fish the one that I can consider my home stream. Maybe because it's the place that I learned to fly fish years ago, but I really do think it's an outstanding stream. The variety of pocket water and the size of the fish that you'll find there make it a real gem. If it sounds like I'm setting the stage for some sort of epic day, I'm not. In fact, it was kind of an unlucky one.

My morning of unproductive nymphing was cut short when I walked to a spot that is a somewhat reliable place to find rising fish this time of year. And they were there, rising as I'd hoped. Better yet, I could clearly see a very large rainbow feeding from the surface every minute or so. I tried to get a sense of its rhythm and then watched it swim right up to the elkhair caddis I drifted through its lane. It took a good look and rolled away in refusal. I tied on a small blue wing olive and tried again. I made the same cast and held my breath as the fly got closer and closer. Sure enough, it took another look, but this time it casually inhaled it and I felt its bulk as I quickly lifted my line. Right away it made a lightning quick run across the stream and the slack line flew through my fingers. It was now on the reel, which was a relief. It took another run downstream a bit, taking drag, and when it stopped I put a little pressure on it to coax it upstream. I felt it shake its head violently. And that's when it got off. That's also when the swearing started. Sure, it happens and I don't know what I could have done differently that would have landed this fish. But this would have easily been a personal best on a dry fly, so it stung. And I have lost so many big fish this year that it's getting to be a pattern. I'll try not to whine about it any more, I won't even get into last week's EB Delaware heartbreaker, but it's becoming a theme that I'm not too thrilled with. They're not breaking off, so the only remedy I can think of is getting a hook sharpener. And maybe working on a firmer hook set. Otherwise, I think I need some good luck.

So that happened. I was so rattled that as I pulled out my box to get a fresh fly I somehow spilled the entire contents into the stream. I quickly grabbed most of the dries, but about two dozen nymphs sank and drifted into the depths. Ouch. I had a feeling keeping them loose in a box was a bad idea and this confirmed it. I guess it could have been worse- that big rainbow might have appeared and gobbled up the stray dries that were making their way downstream. Ok, that's a stretch, but it felt like the kind of day where that kind of thing could actually happen. It wasn't a total wash- small consolation, but I did get a decent stockie brown shortly afterwards. And I got reacquainted with my home stream. More importantly, I also saw a real slab of a brown there behind a rock that I plan to return for. And I sure as hell hope to land it. 

An Interview with Trout Unlimited's Bob Wesolowski

Bob Wesolowski, the former president of the Croton Trout Unlimited chapter, graciously agreed to answer some of my many questions about TU and our watershed.  For anyone who is unfamiliar with TU, they are a fantastic organization that do a ton of good work for conservation and fly fishing in general. If you're not a member already, I highly recommend joining and considering volunteering for some of their many programs.

What are some of the changes you've noticed over the years in terms of the fishing and stream conditions?
Hard surface runoff has caused siltation in a growing number of streams. We also see fewer members who help with projects like Trout in the Classroom, stream stocking and stream clean-ups. On a positive note, DEP and DEC fisheries biologists continue to work hard to improve our fishery. They are never more than a phone call away.

We're in the midst of the hottest time of year- are there any streams that we should avoid fishing due to high temperatures?

It's important to check the water temperature before fishing any stream. Walk away and find some other activity once the temperature reaches the low 70's. A few summers ago two local TU chapters placed thermometers in some of their local streams with the idea that they would post temperatures on their sites.  Time and again the equipment was stolen so I don't see that in our future.

Can you describe some of the programs local Trout Unlimited members can get involved in to improve our local streams and trout populations? 

Many folks fail to remember that the primary purpose of this watershed is supplying water to New York City. Any attempts to change flows, conduct stream clean-ups or engage in stream restoration must all be approved by DEP. That can sometimes be a long, difficult process. Some clean-up activities that our chapter once did have been curtailed because of more oversight and a need for greater transparency. Local anglers can do three things to help. #1, carry out trash they find along the streams. #2, report poachers or environmental problems to the DEC's hotline: 1-877-457-5680. Anglers can also use the DEC's website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/393.html. #3, remember that Didymo is in the Farmington River and some of the upstate streams. Properly clean and dry your equipment. A little prevention can go a long way. In addition, each year our chapter asks for volunteers to help with Trout in the Classroom releases. We ask for members to serve on the board. We ask for volunteers to take disabled vets fishing in conjunction with Project Healing Waters. And on chapter trips we ask experienced anglers to mentor the new guys.

Trout Unlimited put on an excellent presentation on Didymo this past winter- have there been any more signs of this in our local streams?

Croton River in the town of Croton-on-Hudson is where the Didymo was found. It was immediately reported to DEP.

How important is the social media/digital landscape to TU? And do you think putting so much information out there publicly in the digital realm is helpful or detrimental to the fishing community?

Anglers regularly check the chapter's web site for news on stream conditions and chapter events. We average several hundred hits each day. Feedback from members also shows that we use email blasts effectively. Blogs are another story. It's my belief that for every bit of good, reliable information there is an equal amount of self-serving commentary. I'm reminded of a local guide who started a blog a few years ago. After a good start, anglers soon lost interest. Rather than close the blog, the guide created a number of online personalities who touted his services, expertise and great fishing conditions.

For anyone unfamiliar with TU, they are a fantastic organization that do a ton of good work for conservation and fly fishing in general. If you're not a member, I highly recommend joining and considering volunteering for some of their many programs.

Florida Beach Fishing

I just returned from a week in Florida, hoping for another shot at the elusive snook. The weather was as hot, as expected, so fishing at the beach was limited to early mornings. By 10am the sun was brutal every day. I didn't see nearly as many snook this time, so my chances might have been a little slimmer in general.  I saw one "gator" snook that was a good three feet long, cruising the beach like a shark. I just couldn't get a fly in front of it without getting tangled up in the seaweed that was collecting in the troughs where they hang out. All excuses aside, I just didn't have any success catching one this time either. However, longer casts connected with lots of jacks and they were fierce, jumping fighters that made me forget all about catching snook for the moment. None of them were bigger than 12 inches, but they were powerful and fast for their size- enough to put a good bend in a 5 weight. They also packed a punch in their dorsal spines- I had one painful encounter that hurt for a good while and taught me to avoid handling them on the hook. I later read that these guys have a mild venom that can cause chest pain and numbness. Guess I got off fairly easy.