Its mid-December, temps are in the 50’s, and the weather is great for fishing. But being December, angling options are somewhat limited. My choices are either a six hour drive to battle steelhead, or ply one of Maine’s coastal rivers for sea-run browns. Since making the long pull to NY is out for me right now, this weekend I made a run for the sea. The sea-trout fishery in Maine has been around for some time. The state stocks brown trout in a handful of rivers with the hope that they will grow quickly in the enriched saline environment and survive the rigors of the Atlantic to provide anglers with a shot at a rare trophy. Against the odds, and the bluefish, and the stripers, and the boats, and the seals, a few hardy browns go out to sea and return. These “true” sea-run fish run large and bright, and although few and far between, the possibility of connecting to one was enough to get me on the water. Even if I didn’t hook a sea-run, there are a fair number of this year’s stocked fish to keep the rod bent. I arrived at my river of choice to find the tide just turning. The outgoing tide will concentrate bait and pull it to the sea. I like to fish classic salmon flies that imitate shrimp on these waters. The high water created a calm slowly moving surface similar to a spring creek. Stealth is key in approaching these fish. As I observed the water I notice a swirl down stream. I slowly crept through the marsh grass and got into position. Staying back from the bank and in a crouched position, I doubled hauled as far as I could. I let the fly sink and striped it back in…nothing. I gave it another cast and just as I was about the lift the fly out of the water, a huge swirl surrounded my fly. I pulled back to set the hook, but the fly just shot back behind me. I tried a few more times, but couldn’t raise the fish again. Sea-run? I’ll never know, but it sure got my heart going. I continued down the bank in the same manner. I came to the tail of a small island and let the fly go. Shortly after it hit the water I felt a strike and set the hook. The fish was small, but spunky and bright from the saltwater. A few jumps and pulls and I had it in the net. A stocked fish for sure, but a nice way to end the day. As long as the weather stays good, I’ll be making the run to the sea after the elusive sea-run brown.
A Classic tale. Opportunity, stealth, classic pattern. I enjoyed the tale and I hope you post again.
Bright salter!
marshalld
keith – great fish .. and i too love the sea run game … even the fish in your pic is starting to really “silver up” … they get so big so fast with all of the food available to them … i too have seen some huge swirls from the big sea runs … that make my jaw drop and knees shake … so, you like the shrimp patterns huh? me too .. orange spey/atlantic salmon shrimp pattern flies seem to work well … funny how some of the traditional trout patterns don’t work AT ALL….. one of these nights, i am going to scoot down out of my house and throw a big mouse pattern and wake it across some spots … i think that might entice some of the big sea runs … night time is the right time and i think a mouse is the perfect fly on a full moon, lower/mid tide with not alot of wind … and i like the fact that the temps are still very warm .. however, they say the nastier the weather the better (cold, no sun etc..) …
Nice story and fish. Where I grew up in MA there were sea run brookies and browns, rare but around. As kids we caught a few and I saw a pair of huge brookies (~24″)once getting ready to spawn. I never made a serious run at them, but if my parents still lived there I might. Good luck on your elusive quarry and I can’t wait till you get a big one.
They keep getting better and better. You guys are certainly putting in your time. It won’t be long now untill one of you hits it perfect. The right tide, the right fly, the right cast….etc…I predict someone crushes a monster salter before the winter is over. Keep at it guys, nice pics and story Keith.
I too, have been plying the same waters looking for that elusive silver fish. The greatest thing is a pool that held only a couple of recently stocked trout could the next day or tide produce the fish of a life time.
Keith,
Thanks for the story and the pics. If anyone who reads this has never been to the Connetquot river on Long Island, than it’s time to plan a trip. The Connetquot is a blue-ribbon stream that flows from a great upwelling spring and flows into the Great South Bay. The sea-run browns and brookies are legendary. I’ve landed one salter that was magnificent and I’ve had others that had their way with me and a five weight, with no hope of landing. You do not have to go into the park to chase these monsters as the come up the canals to return to the river and you can get them in the Rattlesnake Creek and the Connetquot. But, your best bet for a real terror is to fish the beats below the big pond during the fall spawning run. If you don’t believe me, go to the hathcery falls and watch the sea-runs jumping the falls. There it is. The secret is out. Keep it under your hat.