Farmington dry fly big brown

[heavyd]

Told myself I would take the day off today but a phone call and clear skys was all that was needed to get me in the car and on my way. Arrived around 11 am and nymphed a productive run scoring a bunch of rainbows. Kierran, Aaron and I had talked about a nice lie for a big brown during opening week in a familiar run. When we got to the spot the fish were starting to come up. I took a nice fish nice brown up stream of the big fish spot. after releasing my brown I saw a fish come up in that area. My friend had not scored a fish yet so he got first crack. After 4 or 5 casts the fish was put down. We rested that fish and went down stream to look for more risers. We found some rainbows feeding but neglected to present to them. We went back to see if she would come back up for a few more emergers but nothing. At this point the hatch was dwindling down so we decided to fish to the sloppy fish. I stayed and watched my friend up stream to see if he would hook up. As I waited a garbage can size hole opened up in front of me. I kept my eye on the spot and delivered two casts, no love. I waited for her to take 2 more naturals and casted. My drift looked good. She took and I struck which was followed by some monster head shakes. At this time I could see the fish and it was big. She never made any screaming runs but instead thrashed her head near bottom trying to rub out the fly. I was able to keep her off balance at all times keeping her close. I had her spent and my net man made a great nab. Enjoy the pic. this was a green right survivor which means it was put in as a yearling in 2005. If your not familiar with the survivor strain here is a good article.
http://www.ctfishguides.com/Kierrian...0survivor.html

[frankm205]

WOW!!!!! Great fish!

[AaronJasper]

How big? 23"? You guys are getting closer

[Loupe]

that brown looks mean and pissed. nice fish!

[heavyd]

Sorry didnt tape it but I know it was over 23 because of a marking on the rod. Give or take around 24.

[AaronJasper]

I better get going before you guys get a bigger one! Who is going to catch that fish next??

Did you fish till dark? Were there many spinners?

[jfetkin]

holy hell,,what a beauty,,,If I cauht her I would get a replica mount done,,,She is a awesome fish man,,congrats

[Clema74]

Hi

what a enormous fish! And not thin! A big belly one!

congratulations! That's a beautiful fish!

[tim_y]

I'm speechless. I like your analogy to a "garbage can sized hole opening up". Great job keeping your composure. I don't think I'd be able to tie on a fly if I saw that happening in front of me. Thanks for the info on the program, nice to see what can happen in 5 years. Also astonishing how much bulk is put on compared to a 20" fish.

[heavyd]

Did not stick around to see if there was any spinners. Rain cam with wind and clouds.