Finally some trout!

I was fishing on a warm, sunny day this past Sunday on a stream that i thought might hold some brookies. I had never fished it before, but it looked very promising as it had perfect gravel beds for spawning, some healthy vegetation, deep undercut banks, and deep clear pools. Upon arriving at this little stream, I looked out into a very slow shallow pool and saw three 10in or so trout feeding actively at the surface. On the surface were a few midges, caddis, and even a few mayflies. I also saw a few trout sipping something on the other side of the stream. There was a lot of activity so needless to say, I was excited because I haven't caught a trout or any fish for that matter in months. So I tied on a midge after several refusals of my elkhair caddis. Unfortunately, there was no affect. Realizing I had put off these fish I moved downstream to a deep, dark pool. There, to my amazement, I saw at least 30 trout in a school. Immediately I new that they must've stocked this stream. There I tied on my own version of Rob's Realistic Golden Stonefly with some splitshot. Just as I landed my imitation in the water, I got a hit, FISH ON! i set the hook on him and after a not entirely long fight, brought him(or her) to hand. I repeated this process for about an hour or two with my brother(the driver) and my friend by my side. I ended up catching 7 fish i think, browns and 'bows. I let my friend give it a go but he didn't do so well. He did however, catch 1 and 1/2. I say 1 and 1/2 because he second came off at the bank.
I realized that day, no matter how much you love wild trout, it's good to slam some stockers every so often as well.
I'll try to get some pictures later in the week.

Fly Fishing Shows

I went to a couple fly fishing shows in the last couple of months as i try to do at least once a year. I managed to get my mother to drag me to both of them. The first I went to was Th Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough, MA. While I was there I bought some much needed supplies, learned some new techniques, and made some new fly fishing friends. I met Rob Lewis who is an amazing tier who creates BUGS! He ties realistic patterns, a couple of which he gave to me to attempt to duplicate. I also Met an old friend who I have seen at many shows over the past four years or so. His name is Bill Newcomb. I always make a point of it to stop at his booth at the shows and say hello and talk fish. In addition, I always see him tying beautiful dry flies.
I also went to the Bear's Den Show in MA. there i met up with Bill and Rob and showed them a couple of flies that I tied. It was a great show and larger than I expected. I also caught up with the owner of Bear's Den who sold me my first Tenkara rod. Over all, i recommend going to these shows to see what's new and get some great tying materials.
Below are some links to sites Bill and Rob are on.

http://www.robsrealistics.com/about.html
http://www.riseformstudio.tv/fly_fishing_video_bill_newcomb.html