It was my first sea-run brown trout, though it looked to be a good 20 pounds lighter than the current Falklands record.

The river was a vigorous herring/alewife run and has been reputed to hold sea-run brown trout.

The most common anadromous fish inhabiting the creek include Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and sea-run cutthroat trout.

Over the last 30 years, the river has produced sea-run brown trout in steadily increasing sizes.

"I was down there one day, and I saw a sea-run brown trout trying to jump over the dam," he said.

There have been reports of sea-run trout up to 10 pounds being caught in the Connetquot and Nissequogue.

It also will provide a route for other migratory fish - alewives, shad and sea-run brown trout - who swim upstream from the ocean in the fall.

The anticipated result: 32 miles of free-flowing river for sea-run trout, American shad, alewives and herring for the first time since 1800.

Famously restless and elusive, like the wild sea-run brown trout and steelhead he cherishes, Chouinard the man is curiously warm and without bravado.

Even in October's chill they come: coho and a trickle of sockeye, mixed with sea-run trout and char.