Saturday, February 13, 2016

Warren Winders A Brook Trouts Best Friend

Back in 2005 TU published an article in their magazine TROUT about a little stream in southeast Massachusetts called Red Brook. The stream flowed through property owned by the Lyman family to it's meeting with the salt water bay known as Buttermilk. In this brook lived the remnants of a once thriving robust breed of trout called "salters". These brook trout were special, spending part of their lives in salt water and part in fresh. The salters attained some serious size and were the quest of some notable anglers. But it seemed to be to good, and like many fisheries of past it took a turn, and not a good turn. The dams of early days, to much agriculture, and just poor management proved to much for the brook trout of Red Brook. That's when a man named Warren Winders and a group of dedicated anglers, as well as many environmental groups took action and they reversed the bad effects on the salter.

Jeanette and I first visited Red Brook in 2008. That day I can remember seeing a stream that was already under a restoration. A stream that still had wild brook trout, a stream that was in an area that my words could do it justice. This is a stream where you could leave your fly rod in the car and spends hours and not even miss it. The smells of pine and wildflowers, the calls and screeches of many birds, and the red stained waters flowing through watercress would provide words for your journal.


Since that day back in 2008 we have visited the special place many times. Each year spring and fall will find me casting to brook trout. These days I'm glad I've been graced to know Red Brook.


Days here few people are about. From time to time we have witnessed a few trail walkers, and some anglers, most of those are anglers who seek larger fish that Cape Cod has to offer. The research and restoration effort continues today. Mass Fish and Wildlife, TU, Mass Maritime and more groups along with countless hours of volunteer labor have really paid off.


In September of 2015 Jeanette and I fished Red Brook. That day we were introduced to a group that included Steve Hurley, MF&W, Geoffrey Day, of the Sea-run Brook Trout Coalition and a couple of wonderful interns from Patagonia Boston....and Warren Winders. It was a pleasure and honor to finally shake hands with this tireless fighter for the welfare of the brook trout of Red Brook. What can you say to a man that has done so much....two words...THANK YOU..from the heart.

15 comments:

  1. I just have to comment on that cover photo... looks like it was taken somewhere around here just last weekend! Beautiful snow scene. And of course we owe a lot to Mr. Winders and all the others who have worked so tirelessly for the species.

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    1. RM Lytle
      Thanks
      Rowan it sure does, only now the water is ice.
      Warren has done much to improve the lives of the brook trout.

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  2. Fishing so often brings the best of memories like this.

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  3. Great write up, Alan, of an irreplaceable resource. I will get there one day and see it for myself.

    Stay warm and best regards, Sam

    P.S. I have started tying these no hackle dry flies during this cold spell. About every other one comes out good and they look pretty "buggy" to me...hopefully the trout will agree!

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    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam warm is very comforting right now. If at all possible check Red Brook out, it will not ever leave you once you've seen it.
      I'm sure your flies will take their share. If you have the confidence to fish them you'll be surprised.

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  4. Thanks for keeping that story alive.

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    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      Angling history it must not be forgotten. New readers daily.

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  5. Thank you for the history lesson, I have visited that area of the world and was amazed by the fishing opportunities. We cannot promote these wonderful conservation efforts enough. Mr. Winders and the people who support him are to be commended for their ongoing efforts to make the life of the "salters" and the people who live their a better place. Thanks Alan.

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    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad your so right. This guys has done so much it would take pages to document it.
      All for the brook trout and those that love the places it swims.

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  6. Alan
    A very dedicated group of individuals helping preserve fly fishing for future generations---thanks for sharing

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