Spots

The multi-spotted adipose fin of a sizable Battenkill brown trout.

Brown trout are a visually stunning fish. Even in isolation, the adipose fin of a brown trout has lovely colors and unique patterns. I've been thinking a lot about the spot pattern of this particular fish as an analogy for a river.

All rivers are made up of different locations, or spots. Each has its own unique color, it's unique beauty. On any given day one spot may fish better than another and on those uniquely generous days all spots are lit up and the river turns on. As anglers we are drawn to some spots more than others. Each of us sees beauty differently and so too different spots draw us in.

When the word gets out that a good fish or two are caught out of a particular spot it is only human nature for anglers ask where the fish was caught. Which spot did you catch that in. This often turns into coy game between anglers. "Where did you get that one?" is often rebutted with a smarmy "In the river" reply. Fishing buddies will often resort to coded terms that only they are privy to. A friend of mine and I were early adapters of a now popular fishery that we referred to only as the Jurrasic River. Another friend and I have a favorite spot on the Battenkill that we call Redneck's Pool. With such clandestine terminology special, private places remain so.

Many of the more famous rivers have pools, spots, with commonly recognized names. The Battenkill is no exception. But as noted above, regulars of even these famous rivers have their own private identifiers that keep plenty of water on even these popular streams safe from the anglers that have not earned their stripes through personal efforts and exploration. The best water is often NOT on a map nor near an easily identified access point.

As for the current fishing conditions, the river definitely came to life this past Monday; the 28th. A pair of friends and I spread out and fished a couple different spots separate from one another. We all got into fish that happily took the previously discussed Atherton # 4. As the late afternoon slipped towards early evening we reconvened and found ourselves all in the same spot.

Jack and Charlie offered me the first opportunity at a pair of rising trout. While I worked over these fish (which appeared more like 4 or 5 fish in a small area), Jack took the invitation to give a try at a couple other fish rising with pleasant steadiness a bit downstream. Grannom caddis were flying upstream in waves and hendrickson spinners danced over the river. It was a beautiful scene.

And then one of those moments of pure angling splendor took place. After more than a little work I finally raised a good fish that went on a hard run downstream. No jumps but just a series of hard and purposeful runs. After a moment of panic or two I managed to get the fish to net and have a look at a beautiful 20" brown trout. Spots and all.

Before I had calmed myself Jack shouted that he was on. As with my fish, the trout made several hard charges downstream. Jack feared that the fish would make for the riffle below but fortunately the run was checked and soon Jack had in hand his first sizable Battenkill brown that we put at about 21-22 inches. The spots of the adipose fin are what one sees at the top of this piece.

For the record, while duns were only dribbling down the river, Jack took his fish on a classic Hendrickson. Size 16. I drew on the confidence I have in the Atherton # 4, and just to be different, used a size 13. Yes, there are size 13 hooks. And no, they are not necessary. But it always draws a quizzical look. And John Atherton recommended them. In John I trust!

We were both more than satisfied and encouraged Charlie to hop in the water and give it a go. And so, he did. Charlie was fishing a beautiful cane rod, and the measured casts were a pleasure to watch. Unfortunately, we did not hit the trifecta and Charlie had to "settle" with three beautiful brook trout taken earlier at yet another spot.

That brought an end to the evening and a full day of fishing several fine spots. Ater heavy overnight rains the river came up yesterday and it is now settling down. It will take another day or two before the river is comfortably waded. I think the best of the Hendrickson hatch is in front of us, with the grannom caddis offering interesting opportunities as well. Ignore my previous prediction of an early hatch! Please.

I encourage you to find a beautiful spot on the Battenkill or any other river that brings you joy.

Finally, don't forget the Battenkill Fly Fishing Fest at the Arlington Common this weekend. I will be there selling books to raise funds to help in ongoing restoration efforts on the Battenkill (100 % of sales go right back to the river). A couple spots will be getting a makeover this summer. More info at www.vtflyfest.com