12/22 Class "A" trip...

[NJAngler]

Weatherman said 55-60F so I took the day off. Where I ended up was a tad bit colder at 53F but thats still about 15F above normal. Water flows were okay but clear with a temp at 42F. Overcast skies helped my approach and the wild browns came to hand regularly. Below are some pics.

Below is an example of a trout lie that most would walk right past. Given the clarity of the water, I noticed a 'shape' next to the rock on the right. Being just a few feet away, I simply swung the #10 stonefly beadhead to the spot and let it sink. The trout took it immediately. It was just an 8" brown but I was pleased with my being able to spot it rather than spook it which is what I did all morning long.

 

[SBecker]

Nice looking stream and fish.

 

[k-bob]

Interesting I assumed browns would be pretty inactive in water that cold. Nice report and fish...

 

[Chaz]

Nice! That must have been a good year Class of browns.

 

[NJAngler]

Trout are always active(i.e. feeding) just varying degrees of activity. This time of year can be tough to fish because cold nights/mornings can really lower water temps and although air temps can rise 25-30F during the day, water temps rise s-l-o-w-l-y and often peaking after dark(4:30-5:30pm). Best days to fish are those following warm(i.e. 'above normal') and - preferably - overcast nights. This has been true since day one of my trout fising adventures and was true this particular day as well. If you get up and its 40-45F already - GO!