Algonquin Brook Trout
For years I’ve been wanting to fly fish for brook trout in some of Algonquin Park’s (Canada) beautiful lakes. This past weekend, I got a taste of both the effort AND reward of just such an adventure……
My geometry might best be described as being not too “canoe-friendly.” In other words, there would be little sense in lugging a canoe several kms. into the bush only to have the thing dump me into a frigid lake! Once again, the Water Strider kick boat made just such a fly fishing experience a possibility.
Without doubt, a great part of any fly fishing trip is the planning. Tying flies, combing over maps, numerous emails….this Algonquin experience was no exception. Once again, DanJ and I set out to try and connect with some of these magnificent fish. With enthusiasm that eclipsed my experience in this kind of fishing, I figured that, at the very least, we would get some exercise, make a contribution to future generations of black flies…generally have some fun floating around on a beautiful and remote lake.
Well, fun it was! The lake truly was amazing, just the kind of “ideal” habitat you would imagine brook trout would love. Without too much wind to contend with, it was easy to control the boat with the fins alone. I covered the shoreline by trolling a streamer on a sink tip line, pausing to fish good structure thoroughly. There were lots of submerged, barkless, fallen trees…rocky shoals that all looked promising and we worked them all. I went prepared with full sinking, sink tip and full floating lines, but only used the sink tip. As with my experience last week, the fish hit in water somewhere between 4’-12’ deep. A bonus to this type of fishing is the simplicity of it. A level, 6’ long leader of 6lb. Maxima, a weighted bait fish imitation with one split shot. The takes are vicious!
Looking back, the hike in comes to mind before the fishing does. Perhaps when I can no longer feel the pain of the trip, the fishing will shine through in my mind! One thing for sure, I’ll be chasing brook trout in lakes for years to come!
boat~ Water Strider kick boat www.waterstrider.com
rod~ Anglers Roost Arc Beavertail Sage TCR 590-4 Anglers Roost
reel~ Danielsson Dry Fly http://www.danielsson-flyreels.se/en/start.php
line~Cortland 444 Sink Tip www.cortlandline.com
wildlife viewed on the weekend
Wild turkeys, deer, one black bear (one too many) and a young moose
