My story takes place on the Farmington River in CT. I was fishing the catch and release section at around 6pm in the spring. A nice hatch was going off and a few other guys were down river from me. I had been standing in the same spot for a little while and had caught a few browns. I turned around to see a couple rings on the top of the water and decided to cast my Blue Winged Olive up river from the rise. Down went my fly and then the set. Oh, man… a small salmon about 5-6 inches long. They sometimes are a pain, getting in the way of your real goal for the evening.While Reeling in the hyper active salmon fry my rod suddenly bent over. I began to think, “Man this fish has some fight”. When I got the line within 6 feet of myself I notice the biggest brown I’ve ever seen in this river holding the salmon fry sideways in its mouth. I would say a good 21-24 inches.As my jaw dropped I wanted to yell down river to the guys below, “You have to see this!”. But I held off. It looked like I was just playing around with a fish, but I was being careful not to spook the fish since he really didn’t have the fry in his mouth, and probably didn’t realize I was standing there since I hadn’t moved in a while. I was praying, “Please God, let this fish take the salmon in his mouth.” I pretty much knew there was a low percentage chance I was going to land this fish because of the size 18 hook in the salmons mouth.Letting the Brown hold onto the salmon for about 30 seconds as my heart raced. I applied a little pressure to see what would happen. The excitement picked up a little bit as the salmon got free and started running again. The brown began pursuit again and slammed the salmon only to put us back in the situation…across the mouth. I guess he was trying to take more than he could handle.While becoming impatient with the situation, and having a few eyes watching my unusual battle. I brought the line to about 4 feet away where I could inspect the colors on the brown. It was most definitely a natural. A beautiful brown color with red spots and brilliant white rings. I reached for my net and came in behind it only to spook it as I broke the water surface. Off it went.Next time I’m bringing more streamers…It’s nice to know there are some monsters in there.
Hey CaddisHead,
Great story – I love it – I was laughting when I read “Please God, let this fish….” – I have been there – praying to the fishing gods many of times. Sometimes the prayers work – sometimes not.
How cool is this – I know you did not submit a photo for your story – but I had just what you needed – That is actually the Farmington River and a brown trout from the Farmington River. I went down there a few years back with my friend Nick. What a pretty river – and some great fly fishing in the spring.
Thanks for sharing – hope to hear more “fish tales” from you.
CaddisHead.. I had a Similar thing happen to me in Maine on the Kennebec river the Shamut section. Mid day I was fishing for small trout only to hook chubs.. Pissed off I threw a chum still on my line as far as I could when it hit a big brown took off running !! I did not get as close as you but what a thrill.. Thanks for the story Love to have you in Maine this summer.. We have a great brown trout fishery.
Thanks for the picture. I recognize the spot.
Yes, it is a beautiful place. I am thankful to live about 15 minutes away. I can leave work in the evening and be on the river by 5:30pm…looking forward to the Spring..to dark still.
Lots of wild life to watch. I had an eagle swoop down in front of me one time and snap up a trout. What a sight.
Great story. It reminds me of a saying an old fishing guide I know likes to repeat: “The first rule of the water is that everything eats everything.”