A Morning in the Mountains: Fly Fishing for Wild Brook Trout

On a warm summer morning in June, the excitement of an adventure had me up before dawn. I left home at 5:30 AM, with my Tacoma packed and ready from the night before. A day of solitude and pursuit of native Brook Trout in the White Mountains awaited. After a quick stop at Dunkin’ for a coffee, I began the two-hour journey north, the promise of pristine waters and vibrant fish driving me forward.

The winding roads led me deeper into the heart of the mountains, where the air was crisp, and the forest thick with early summer life. At the trailhead, I strapped on my gear and began the mile-long hike to the stream. Each step was a retreat into nature's tranquility, the distant rush of water growing louder with every turn.

Upon reaching the stream, I took a moment to absorb the scene. The water tumbled over rocks, forming small, inviting pools—perfect for our native Brook Trout. I assembled my custom 3' 4 wt. rod and tied on a size 18 “wet fly”, the perfect pattern designed for this very moment.

The key to success here was stealth. I kept low, crawling between pools to avoid spooking the fish. My patience and precision were rewarded as I hooked eight wild Brook Trout, each between four and six inches. Their colors were stunning—vivid reds and blues with white-tipped fins, a testament to the untouched ecosystem they call home.

After hours of fishing and relishing the natural beauty, I paused for a streamside lunch: a ham and cheese sandwich with mustard, chips, a banana, an apple, and refreshing bottles of water and unsweetened iced tea. It was a simple meal, but amidst the wilderness, it tasted like a feast.

The day concluded with the satisfaction of knowing I had experienced something special—wild fish, pure waters, and the peace that only a mountain stream can provide. As I hiked back to the trailhead, I felt a renewed connection to the timeless art of fly fishing and the fragile beauty of New Hampshire’s native Brook Trout.