Tough Troutin
 

Today would’ve been my dads 55th birthday so to honor him my childhood friend and I went out searching for some trout. All spots we went to we had never been to before, so it was a cool day of scenery for sure.

First we hit a WTS where we hiked for a long time and had some follows on plugs. I was able to catch a 5 inch brook trout on a trout magnet, but other than that we didn’t have much luck. Where we were it was actively snowing, our guides were icing up too.

Next we hit a bunch of different sections of the Paulins Kill. The water was very high, flooded in some spots, and moving very fast. We both hooked up with a couple of rainbows but weren’t able to get any to shore, all popped off in the fast current.

It was a great day in NJ regardless and a great way to honor my dad. Can’t wait to go back to the spots we went to today when the water is a bit lower. Tight lines all!

Re: Tough Troutin
 

Any pics ? Was the water muddy on the Paulinskill ? Winter trout fishing can be tough, if I landed one trout on a January day it was a good trip.

Re: Tough Troutin
 

The brookie was a quick release (aka I got it to my hand and bobbled it back into the pool :rolleyes:), so no pic of that, but here are some cool icicles! :D

The pauliskill wasn’t muddy, but it wasn’t super clear either. In most spots I could see bottom, but in the deepest areas I couldn’t.

Re: Tough Troutin
 

Wow, some rough terrain !

Re: Tough Troutin
 

Regardless of the fishing action, great way to honor your dad.

Dave

Re: Tough Troutin
 

Nice brookie, respectable to quick release em. I'm wondering what is best to not lose fish when the current is pulling then away, already happened to me a few times this season.

Think it has to do with increased force from current + trout's inital aggressive head shakes. Might need to let drag down and walk the trout down to calmer water.

http://www.current-works.com/fly-fis...-landing-fish/
This article titled it the kiss off death where it's due to the fish being able to shake it's head while out if the water.

Re: Tough Troutin
 

Seriousy! We only hiked a total of around 5 miles at the first place, mainly because we were so tired from climbing over all the downed trees!! Im glad i had a buddy with me for this one, if i had gotten hurt out there with no cell service I would've been screwed!!!