I look out at the pond: a few square feet of punky skim ice desperately clings to the snow-free banks in a shaded cove. Meanwhile, in the main pond, the late-afternoon sun is reflected by waves gently rolling across the water’s surface. It’s mid-February; the pond should locked under a thick layer of milky-white ice.Continue reading “Fly Fishing in the Dead of Winter”
Author Archives: Spencer Belson
Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications
Join us for the 2023 Trout Unlimited Teen Summit! This year’s Summit will be held at Georgetown Lake in Anaconda, Montana, with easy access to some of the nation’s finest trout fishing. The event will take place from June 28 – July 2, perfect timing for some great fishing and conservation opportunities. Teens at theContinue reading “Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications”
Recent Ties
I stayed up late the night before, prepping all my gear and tackle for the next day. Dropshot rig with 7x tippet and 13 tediously tied knots: check. New sling pack tactfully loaded with all the necessary accessories: check. Tea, smoothie, and downloaded podcasts for the long drive to the river: check. Paying close attentionContinue reading “Recent Ties”
First of Many
For diehard anglers, catching the first fish of the year is always a highly anticipated event – sometimes even a stressful one. It’s funny how, in an attempt to affirm our commitment to a sport that brings us so much enjoyment and contentment, we can drive ourselves nutty in the process. It’s as if weContinue reading “First of Many”
Fresh Start
It has been nearly a month since my last post. For over two years now, I’ve woken up early each Sunday morning to write the blog’s weekly post. There are certainly times when the words come easier than others – though it’s often those challenging pieces, the ones that really make me strain my imaginationContinue reading “Fresh Start”
That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing
On a hilltop overlooking one of Massachusetts’ cleanest and deepest ponds stands a very modest dwelling. Most visitors of the pond know this shack to have been constructed by Henry David Thoreau, the esteemed author and philosopher; but few recall the house was built for a mere $28.12-1/2. Yes, that’s a half-cent. Nowadays you couldn’tContinue reading “That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing”
Fishing Ethically
Quick Note: The word “redd” is used frequently in this post. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a redd is the nest of a salmonid (trout, salmon, or char) where their eggs are deposited. To create a redd, the female digs a depression in a gravelly substrate with her tail. For this reason,Continue reading “Fishing Ethically”
The River Why: A Must Read
As anglers, we have a tendency to gravitate toward nonfiction writing. How-to books adorn our bookshelves, fishing magazines fill our mailboxes, and blogs like this are a constant on our screens. Like any good athlete or artist, we are constantly striving to improve our craft. And how do we do that? By reading and readingContinue reading “The River Why: A Must Read”
In Lieu of Stocking
What a strange start to fall! With water levels as low as they have been, Mass Fish & Wildlife made the atypical decision to not stock many of the state’s regularly stocked rivers. In talking with local anglers, not one could recall a time when such a decision was made, including the horrific drought ofContinue reading “In Lieu of Stocking”
Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship
Fall is the time for streamer fishing, or so most fly fishers claim. This time of year, trout supposedly get particularly aggressive and are willing to strike anything that comes in their path. I’ve done my fair share of streamer fishing, especially during the fall, but it hasn’t always been a love story. In fact,Continue reading “Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship”
Current Angler 