Farmington River, 8/23: Night Shift, “The big boys come out at night!”

[Dave]

I had the absolute TIME OF MY LIFE last night. In all honesty, I’ve never had so much anticipation and excitement ever before. Aaron and Tony took me fly fishing for the big boys during the midnight shift, and I caught my biggest trout ever! Thanks guys, it was INCREDIBLE ! ! ! I think after this night I’ve earned the name Dave the Rave.

We fished several spots, all with great success. The weather was perfect, not stormy or windy at all. The flows were on the lowish side. There is no greater feeling than looking down a river in the complete darkness (except for a few shadows and reflections along the bank), and then feeling an ENORMOUS strike on the end of your line! Then, setting the hook with brutal force and feeling that “electrified leader” light up with violent headshakes from massive browns! We destroyed em! Seriously, it was the greatest fishing experience of my life, and something that I’ll be thinking about day and night until the next time we go! I have to give an unprecedented amount of thanks to Aaron and Tony. . .these guys took special care of me every minute of the way. These guys gave me the best spots on the river, and made sure I caught the big boys. Tony gave me an entire box of flies that he had tied just for the occasion. I feel bad that these guys didn’t get to fish as much as they usually did because they were too concerned with making sure that I locked into some insane midnight action! It was so great being told where to cast (by the inch) to certain banks and pools, and being told exactly what’s in there. These guys define generosity and expertise. Streamer and wets were new to me and I had been long awaiting to learn these deadly tactics. Cheers gentlemen.

These huge browns were devouring huge streamers. . .many of them were literally inhaled. The strikes are devastatingly violent, all of a sudden feeling like a tremendous weight on the end of the line. Then, when setting the hook, these fish go WILD!

This marked the fourth day of fishing this week, covering four states and multiple rivers! It doesn’t get any better than ending on this high note.

Predator, your leaders did it again my friend! Thanks again!
Pictures to follow soon. Check out Tony’s awesome streamer in the mouth of my giant!

[Zeek]

Dave, so glad to hear that you enjoyed your whirlwind fly fishing week. We were psyched to have you come out - hope we showed you a good time. come back soon!

[Dave]

Tony! It was beyond incredible, and I can't think about anything else but when the next time will be! Infinite thanks! I'll send you a pm. I've got to get some of those pictures with you to add to my collection. I've been observing those awesome wets and streamers you tied for me, and I'll start trying to tie some myself over the next few days. You and the Predator showed me the ULTIMATE time, as expected.

[Troutfishing4life]

amazing big browns at night guys way to go

Mike