Another East Branch Easter

My nephew James has talked about fishing the East Branch of the Croton with me for several years now.  However, since he’s not an avid angler, it was always a last minute thought and too late to buy a license and get a DEP fishing permit.  This year, he planned ahead and with the help of the internet had a NYS fishing license and DEP permit.  I brought extra gear – fly, spin and Tenkara – so he had some choices.

We got to the river around 10 a.m. I pulled on my brand new Orvis Silver Sonic waders and RiverGuard boots, rigged up a spinning rod for James and my 4 weight solid boron fiber fly rod (blank by Don Phillips and wrapped by me) with my classic Orvis CFO IV reel for me. 

CFO IV Reel and Don Phillips/Dave rod

Conditions were OK – hazy sunshine about 45 degrees, breezy but fishable wind.

 As always, my first move is to check the river from the Sodom Road Bridge for any signs of trout. This was the first time in over thirty years that I did not see a single trout – even though the water was relatively clear and a bit on the low side.  Not a good omen!

Sodom Road Bridge from the Bathtub looking downstream

James near the Route 22 bridge

We started upstream of the Sodom Road Bridge under the Route 22 Bridge.  We worked our way downstream through the bathtub and downstream as far as the Phoebe hole.

Dave in the Bathtub

After fishing for about an hour James decided, via a boot full of very cold water, that his calf-high boots were not as waterproof as he hoped.  So, he decided to go buy some higher boots.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Danbury Mall was only about 15 minutes away, so James took a break to upgrade his equipment.  45 minutes later he was back with a new pair of hip waders.  He must have been having a good time - along with the waders, he said that the next time he might have a new fly rod.  I'd recommend Orvis as a great place for anything fishy. Orvis Clearwater 5-weight 10' Fly Rod- Fishing (Google Affiliate Ad)

James with his new hippers

Both of us stayed dry, but fishless.  The only action came around 4:30 p.m.  We moved one more time downstream and I noticed a seam near a fallen tree that just looked fishy.  I told James how to approach the spot, but he opted to go further downstream.   

After about 6 casts with a pair of midge nymphs (#20 and #22), my drift stopped and I felt the headshake of a trout.  Full bend to my rod and I could see the fish flashing and then breaking the surface – about 18 inches of rainbow!  I called out to James, but by the time he heard me it was all over – a long-line release without the benefit of a photo.  But come Memorial Day, we’ll meet again!