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”
Author Archives: Spencer Belson
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”
Fall Angling Opportunities Still Abound in Maine
I received some very disheartening news today: the water levels in many of my local rivers are too low to even support stocked trout this fall. Massachusetts limped through one of the worst droughts on record this summer. As the seasons turned, it seemed some autumn showers would replenish our lakes and rivers. Yet evenContinue reading “Fall Angling Opportunities Still Abound in Maine”
Bittersweet
This time of year is always bittersweet. Summer vacation is in the rearview mirror, and a full year of school with all its responsibilities is at the doorstep. While I may long for the balmy summer days spent by the river or lake, an unavoidable new chapter is fast approaching. Though free time was harderContinue reading “Bittersweet”
Doomed by Drought
As fellow Native Fish Coalition MA board member Will Friedland and I laid eyes on the brook (or more accurately, the trickle) we were about to fish, we simultaneously muttered two dispirited words: “Oh boy.” This was no giddy with excitement-because the stream is chock-full of-happy little trout Oh boy. No, this was a “I’dContinue reading “Doomed by Drought”
Midsummer Antics
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you it’s been hot lately. Here in northeastern Massachusetts, we’ve had about a week straight of daytime highs over 90 degrees, and while I’m writing this, the high is nearly 100. Couple that with a lack of rain, and it’s bad news for most cold and coolwaterContinue reading “Midsummer Antics”
The Future of Fly Fishing and Conservation is in Good Hands
This year’s Trout Unlimited Teen Summit instilled a great confidence in me: the confidence that the future of fly fishing and conservation is stronger than ever before. This five-day event in the mountains of western North Carolina not only helped me become a better fly fisher and conservationist, but also introduced me to numerous like-mindedContinue reading “The Future of Fly Fishing and Conservation is in Good Hands”
Big Water Bass (Striped Bass, that is)
As I sit at my computer writing this in the early afternoon, I can barely keep my eyes open long enough to see the words I’m typing. I am absolutely exhausted, and not from pre-Fourth of July celebrations or the sticky heat. No, I’m tuckered out from an early wake-up call and a fantastic dayContinue reading “Big Water Bass (Striped Bass, that is)”
8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage
In July, I’ll be one of the lucky few teens to attend Trout Unlimited’s Teen Summit in western North Carolina. I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to connect with other fly fishers and conservationists my age, not to mention become more involved in TU itself. The Summit will allow me to explore and learn about aContinue reading “8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage”
Current Angler 