10-27-2000, 09:54 PM
I had a chance to fish both the South and the North branches of the AuSable this week. I took the 4 wt., a box of small streamers and a box of small dry's and nymphs. The South Branch was so low and clear it was scary. It was like casting on glass. I guess I ain't built right for this stealth fishing (too much salmon slamming?) as my luck wasn't the best.
The North Branch today was a different story altogether. Started with a small red and white streamer on a floating line and managed to hook and release several brooks in their fall finery. Sweet! One riffley flat had rises so I switched to #18-20 olives and must have stood there a good half hour playing with 7 to 9" brookies. If you've seen brook trout in their fall spawning colors you know what I'm talking about. The colors just jump out at you like red and blue neon lights. I snapped a few shots with an old 110 camera and only hope the results do these fine fish justice.
If you go, try not to walk on the bright gravel as the next generation of brookies is in there. I had no problem catching all of these fish away from the beds.
The North Branch today was a different story altogether. Started with a small red and white streamer on a floating line and managed to hook and release several brooks in their fall finery. Sweet! One riffley flat had rises so I switched to #18-20 olives and must have stood there a good half hour playing with 7 to 9" brookies. If you've seen brook trout in their fall spawning colors you know what I'm talking about. The colors just jump out at you like red and blue neon lights. I snapped a few shots with an old 110 camera and only hope the results do these fine fish justice.
If you go, try not to walk on the bright gravel as the next generation of brookies is in there. I had no problem catching all of these fish away from the beds.