My first dry fly fish of the YEAR! (Fly Fishing a TINY Creek for Trout)

MY FIRST DRY FLY TAKE OF THE YEAR! SMALL CREEK TROUT FISHING FOR THE WIN!
In this video I fished a mountain stream for native brook trout. These trout have been encased in a winter wonderland for the past few weeks, but when the weather warms up they come out and start to become active again... and some even eat dry flies! Fly Fishing for Brook Trout has always been one of my favorite activities.
I don’t particularly like fishing new water in the winter. The fishing is tough and it can give you the wrong idea of what a creek is really like. If You go out and get your butt kicked at a new creek because the water temperatures are hovering in the 30’s.. well you just may never return… but every now and then I get so stir crazy in the winter that when I get a warm spell I just can’t help myself. So my plan for this day was to hit a creek I was familiar with, gauge the fish activity, and if it checked out I would head to some new water I had been meaning to fish for the past year or so.
It doesn’t matter how long you fish you go through periods of time where things just won’t go your way. In this case, due partially to my lack of knowledge about this particular creek, I was messing around with overly small fish. For those of you who have the privilege of always fishing for big trout, getting a hook into a 6 inch fish can be frustratingly difficult and I was wasting far too much time trying to figure out how to catch fish that weren’t all that impressive. I mean yes I spooked that one nice trout, but I chalked it up as there just being a good fish in that particular hole. Luckily for me though, I found a stretch of water that gave me a taste of what this creek actually had to offer.
After that fish I headed out of the hollow. I’ll probably head back to that creek at some point this summer just because I did see several really nice fish that I wasn’t able to catch. I’m also constantly intrigued by what’s goin on around that next bend… so until I’ve fished almost every Inch of fishable water in a creek my mind always imagines there’s just one last big hole that has some giant trout in it… even though that’s almost never the case. Regardless another creek was explored, some beautiful trout were caught, and I got my first trout on a dry fly of the year all in one afternoon of fishing. That’s a pretty good outing if you ask me.
#troutfishing #fishing #flyfishing #nature #outdoors #brooktrout #relaxing

[@chasintrout5531]

Hands down the best fly fishing KZbinr out there, awesome video!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@williamstull1471]

I think Wild Fly is better but he is my second fav for sure. I do like the shorter videos better than 50min films that Scottie makes

[@Planrock124]

2:48 2:48 2:48

[@bigflyeats]

@@williamstull1471i agree

[@whatflavor2]

Dude the cinematography is insane on that dry fly catch. So sick

[@georgepretnick4460]

That was an amazing piece of cinematography. That deserves some kind of prize.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@gregorysullivan7913]

Brookies, most beautiful fish of all.

[@hardmanfishing]

Amen!

[@marisamontgomery7340]

the resilience & patience is a 10/10

[@bendean6689]

That cast of the dry fly to the brookie was insane!

[@hardmanfishing]

You've got to love the bow cast!

[@bendean6689]

@@hardmanfishing never seen it before. Taught me something new!

[@wvlongshooter3912]

Glad to see I’m not the only one that fishes a 10’ rod on a Brooke creek. Great fishing, thanks!!

[@hardmanfishing]

I don't usually do it but I wasted to nymph and I like the sensitivity of my euro rod 😅

[@bradscharff1816]

John, I admire your enthusiasm and your love for the small creeks of Appalachia. I wish I had some small creeks nearby me to fish for brookies. I mainly fish in Arkansas, which is typically big water. Your videos promote the best of your region.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

[@jshada58]

Another fantastic video. Those are far and away my favorite fish to catch. Thank you for your passion and excellent work.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jeffrey4869]

I admire you for getting out there in the cold! Also, great video of that surface strike on a nice native. Love your videos!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@michaelsmith7193]

“What a weird place to sit!” - I loved this comment (about 4:15 or so). Agreed - but that’s what makes brook trout so amazing and forever interesting! Thank you for another great video!

[@hardmanfishing]

Usually they're relatively predictable... but then one will sit so far away from where I'd expect them too and it confuses the heck out of me. Anyways thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!

[@dylanagli1577]

The shot of the dry fly eat is soooo good. Amazing. I can imagine how stoked you were! 🎉

[@hardmanfishing]

Doesn't get much better that's for sure!! Thanks for watching!

[@paucotet2928]

Great dry fly take, great angle to film it too.

[@hardmanfishing]

Over the shoulder is the best!

[@kennethbiebighauser7984]

Your videos superb because of ....THE LIGHT !! CLEAR !! Can see everything !! Kudos from a brookie small creek fly angler...Southeast Mn Western - so west Wisconsin !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@kingkiddfishing]

Loved every second of this video. Perfect placement and angle.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! I'm glad you enjoyed it man

[@jamesotis4310]

I know extremely what Creek your at God I miss that place. I never thought I'd find it on you tube but then again I've seen cashier's valley on here too. But it's nice to see my old stomping grounds one day I will return 😂 great videos keep them coming.

[@NotTheOnlyBaloney]

Great video! The footage of that dry-fly eat was world class, no kidding. Love seeing you go out in the winter and fish!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@larryhudson4511]

Finally catching up on your videos! I've been traveling a lot. Great trifecta to start the year!

[@WoodyTheHistorian]

Cousin and I like to look for landlocks in the finger lakes tributaries - run into tiny brookies like this a lot. It is about what’s up around the next bend, and what’s in the water, whether it’s big fish or the small brookies, the challenge and the enjoyment never wanes, it’s always a good time. You do a great job demonstrating how to be successful, from small creeks to bigger fast water. Appreciate you sharing what you know, helps us all get better. Thanks!

[@hardmanfishing]

That's awesome!! Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@marisamontgomery7340]

loved that dry fly clip.. i’d keep that videographer around if I were you..

[@hunterbarnes7253]

that bow and arrow shot deserves a like alone, great vid! now i wish i had brookies to target! appreciate all the videos

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!

[@user-sv4hn4ri5y]

Gorgeous scenery, beautiful trout and all in February! Tight lines.

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Enjoyed 😀 The creeks here are for the most part frozen over.. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@hardmanfishing]

Ours were too up until last week! Now it's looking prime! Thanks for watching

[@uni_shadow164]

Great Video and that Brookie was a beautiful specimen!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@gregexcalibur9227]

Those are some pretty brook trout

[@hardmanfishing]

Always are! Thanks for watching

[@Pragwo1f]

Have been following your channel for three years or so, Jon, but this vid was up there with your very best. Fabulous footage of the dry fly take, gorgeous scenery and light. Looked like heaven on earth.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Wow. My goodness, that's some beautiful brookies. It was like you just got better and better fish as the day went along. We got a front moving in and rain and warm temps for a minute. I know the fish are biting today. Keep up the great work and always tight lines.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! The weather is looking good for me as well. I can't wait to get out there this weekend!

[@davidleimeister5027]

For me it looks like fun catching brookies out of creek you would normally pass over. Beautiful trout.

[@hardmanfishing]

It's a blast! Thanks for watching

[@robinson8888]

What a great shot of that cast and take on the dry fly, amazing footage.

[@Boy_in_the_Wild]

Love your videos I really want to go fishing in the Appalachians

[@hardmanfishing]

It's worth a trip do doubt

[@mattmeyer935]

Awesome video as always!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@user-zd7rs5oe2j]

Did some mountain stream brook trout fishing last December, I got 2 brook trout . I went to this same creek last summer and got 20, and a 9 incher. So it really shows how tough winter fishing can be tough in the northeast!

[@hardmanfishing]

You're spot on! That's why I try to resists fishing new streams in the winter, or I set expectations really low. Thanks for watching

[@deanvarner9308]

❤❤❤freaking awesome video, which is normal for you. Always one more cast,what's the next hole look like👍👍

[@GeorgeSemel]

I am in CT and we are about a good month before we get the warmer days that you currently have . I start my fishing in March. I am right now filling my boxes.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yep March is when it starts getting good here too.. February is not my favorite month to fish. But occasionally I'll find some fish

[@tonycamplin8607]

Another great video, fantastic scenery as well. I loved that flick cast where you used the flex of your rod to shoot the line out. When you said 30°s i though my that's hot 'till i realised that you were using Fahrenheit!! Good luck.

[@hardmanfishing]

I should start specifying that 😂 but thank you!

[@bengibson2383]

Always making fire videos! I got my first Euro setup last week and took a trip to the mountains, the fly shop owner made me a nice leader to tie tippet on to, euro nymphing is so fun, I was missing out!!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! And that's awesome!

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

great video!

[@briljantje9583]

Hi John, I admire your management of small creeks. I am a bit jealous because I am not able to go out flyfishing only untill May. But in July I retire and will have plenty of time to make my world tour. First start in Europe where I live. Later on other parts of the world will follow. BTW: that was a hell of a bow cast with that dry fly.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! I wish you the best of luck on your adventures after retirement!

[@justinstotler1338]

New subscriber, just stumbled on your page and love the content. Just getting started with fly fishing

[@hardmanfishing]

That's awesome!! Thanks for the sub and hope you're enjoying the videos

[@justinstotler1338]

Some of these waters look similar to waters I hit in the Wv Mtn’s

[@isaacford4160]

I’m new to fly fishing and got a reddington path fly rod and a pisficun sword fly reel to start. Haven’t caught anything yet.

[@stevekottwitz4475]

You will catch fish eventually and you'll learn what works for you. Enjoy just being on the creek. Good luck.

[@tenkarapondfishing4611]

Hi John. Fabulous video. That Brookie towards the end had amazing coloration. Say, I'm not asking you to reveal your exact location, but would you be willing to at least name the creek you were fishing? If not, i understand.

[@todgibson5001]

Great video as always are you fishing in Virginia?

[@hardmanfishing]

This particular video was West Virginia

[@HaB-rj9mi]

How do you find places with trout where I’m from there’s a lot of pickerel

[@ludabega8808]

Just curious i’m new to fly fishing, but are you using a euro nymph colored leader tied to a tippet ring in these videos? and can that be used with dry flies in these scenarios?

[@HaB-rj9mi]

What kind of reel do you use please it would really help

[@rfickes87]

That brookie at 8:06 is incredible. These videos are my window to the outdoors when I'm stuck in my office all day. Can I ask, what video editing software do you use? I would like to record my archery hunts and I don't know much about editing software.

[@hardmanfishing]

I use Adobe premiere pro!

[@rfickes87]

@@hardmanfishing Thanks for the reply bud! Keep the videos coming. Great content!!

[@ryan89870]

What line are you using that transitions from purple to clear?

[@49kitkatbar]

How long is the rod you use on a small stream, as opposed to a river? Thank you

[@jimmykingsbury2645]

Going up to the catskills to fish for some brookies in some small mountain streams… guna be nymphing for the first time and lookin for advice. How do I know when to set the hook? Should I use split shots or just let the fly sink on its own. Any recommendations for techniques or types of nymphs to use? Love the vids you put out! Learn a ton from watchin!

[@hardmanfishing]

watch your indicator.. I this case your brightly colored line. Any bump could be a fish. The more you do it the more you'll get used to what a fish strike looks like. And typically you use the weight of the flies, especially in small streams. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmykingsbury2645]

@@hardmanfishingappreciate it brotha!

[@colinbalfour385]

What rod and line are you using? I recognise the reel as an orvis hydros

[@hardmanfishing]

Rod is an Adams XZT and I just threw on one of cortland's new euro leaders to try it out moments before I started fishing.

[@gotooutdoors352]

What kind of rod is that?

[@hardmanfishing]

Adams XZT