A Brown Christmas Wouldn't be Bad Either



The weather outside was frightful, but the brownies were so delightful.  Greg & I hit the Clear Fork branch of the Mohican River early this morning to chase brown trout.  It was 11F when we hit the water...brisk to say the least. 

Clear Fork is only one of a few rivers in the state that is cool enough to maintain a trout population all year around.  The Pleasant Hill Dam is a bottom release dam that allows the stretch of the stream from the dam to route 3 maintain consistent temperatures all year long.  There are brown trout to be had in the upper Clear Fork above the reservoir as well, but much of this property is private.  Clear Fork has been stocked with about 10,000 6-8" brown trout fingerlings year in October since 1992.  If you decide to hit Clear Fork, please consider catch and release to help maintain this little jewel.
 
Winter is the best time to chase Ohio brown trout.  The few streams that hold populations of brown trout in our fair state flow well in the winter.  Clear Fork has consistent midge activity through the winter, but streamers are the way to go if you want to chase larger fish.  Greg spent the morning swinging medium streamers with small Nuke Egg and nymph trailers.  I was obstinate and would only strip big sculpins.

Greg was rewarded early.  The chubby brown trout chased his streamer at the end of his drift.  This guy was so intent on taking his offering that it literally jumped out of the water and hit the fly as he lifted his line to make his next cast.  He was a spirited brownie and really gave Greg a nice fight for the morning.  We did not measure him, but he was a solid 17 or 18 inches and very healthy.  And just look at him.  He is a beautiful fellow.

I rolled several fish this morning, but had no hook-ups.  Big sculpin type streamers are great for brown trout, but the trade-off is you don't land many...but you will land big.    Big brown trout can be a little more sluggish in the winter, but this alpha predator will not pass up the chance at a big meal.  I strip these large sculpins both with and against the current.  It's always fun to see the fish that will chase a fly that is nearly the same size as they are.

If you are in north central Ohio looking for a new fishing adventure, be sure to consider the Clear Fork branch of the Mohican.  You won't be disappointed!