One Colossal Brown Trout
I noticed this big dead brown trout on DePuy Spring Creek a week ago. It was longer than two of my size 12 wading boots, and would have been the fish of a lifetime for most any fly fisher. I concluded that the likelihood of landing such a fish on a three weight, small fly and light tippet was virtually zero. At least I got my hands on a big one, even if it was dead!
I encounter a few such big browns each fall. They're covered with a white fuzzy fungal growth known as Saprolegnia, which attacks fish that are stressed and weakened. Spawning takes a toll as fish jostle on redds, chasing and biting each other, removing protective mucus and thus opening the door for the fungus to take hold.
les: Great photo!
ReplyDeleteBob: It was still there today, albeit a bit less photogenic.
DeleteIn addition to enriching the watery compost, these ghostly carcasses help to keep the dream alive!
ReplyDeleteTrue on both counts Walt. I had another splotchy fish, nearly as big, swim by an hour or so later. I hope that it survives to make another spawning run next year. In the meantime, its good to know that there are a few big ones left.
DeleteThat is (was?) a big fish, for sure..Les I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mike, Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Yes it was a big one. Hopefully we'll all get a chance to hook one as big at least once in our lifetime.
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