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Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

Dorsal view of a Pycnopsyche guttifera (Limnephilidae) (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

Report at a Glance

General RegionNorthern Virginia
Specific Locationour favorite urban outfall below a certain decorative lake
Dates FishedMarch 26
Time of Day2:16-6:00 pm
Fish Caught8 hold-over trout and a carp, and at least that many sunfish
Conditions & Hatchesair: 70
water: around 50
weather: amazing
some midges were hatching but not enough to merit matching

Details and Discussion

CaseyP
CaseyP's profile picture
Arlington, VA/ Mercersburg, PA

Posts: 653
CaseyP on Mar 26, 2008March 26th, 2008, 1:31 pm EDT
this stream has been "improved" with a cycle trail running the length of it. the trail crosses the stream 5 times in a mile and a half, with cement fords and stepping stones. when this was put in, we feared the worst as far as our fishing went because all the urban jungly bits were destroyed and some of our best pools disappeared. well, it is a bit like fishing in a park, but most of the dogwalkers and strollers don't notice the anglers, and their presence means the homeless and illegals can't camp there any more. this makes it better for solo lady anglers. the good access means that the October stocking truck can get to more of the stream as well.
this was an epic day because i've never caught this many fish all on my own. i guess you all have been telling me the right things and today the fly choices, casting, and sneakiness all came together. nope, no photos because i left the net in the car. someone suggested holding one's breath as one lifts the fish out of the water to help get the hook out fast. it works, but the fish don't stick around for the papparazzi treatment afterwards.
BTW, the carp acted just like the trout in that pool--peeking caddis fooled both of them!
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra
Martinlf
Martinlf's profile picture
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Mar 27, 2008March 27th, 2008, 12:24 am EDT
Great story Casey. It's all about the memories and the satisfaction that comes from a convergence of the right ideas and the right moment. You know, some anglers pursue carp with all the passion of a rabid bonefish angler. What luck to find one while fishing for a lesser species.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

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