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”
Tag Archives: rainbow trout
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”
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”
Second Helping
Stocked trout fishing is all too often feast-or-famine, with successful days being legendary and tough ones candidates for short-term memory loss. For most, the first of this year’s stockings have followed this pattern. I’ve heard plenty reports of double-digit days on the river, but also a good amount of skunk days. It seems further west,Continue reading “Second Helping”
Finding Time for Stockers in a Busy Spring Schedule
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing better than fishing for wild fish in their native habitat. Fishing for wild, native fish is a defining experience for every diehard angler. Still, who am I to turn my nose at freshly stocked fish? Stocked fish and I have a complex relationship. InContinue reading “Finding Time for Stockers in a Busy Spring Schedule”
Road Salt and Aquatic Environments: The Detrimental Effects of the North’s Favorite Deicer
With a colder-than-average January this year, we northerners saw our fair share of road salt to keep us safe while in transit. If you didn’t see the thick mounds of salt pebbles lining the asphalt, then you certainly noticed the cakey, white powder it left on your car or the paleness of the salt-laden cement.Continue reading “Road Salt and Aquatic Environments: The Detrimental Effects of the North’s Favorite Deicer”
If Only …
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve discovered one fundamental truth of the pastime we all love: fishing is hard. Perhaps that’s what makes it such an addictive sport. As school and activities have kicked into full-gear, and the end of Daylight Savings Time has granted far fewer hours of afternoon sunlight, I find it increasinglyContinue reading “If Only …”
The Many Varieties of Autumn Massachusetts Trout
Ah, autumn; an anglers last chance to target their favorite aquatic creatures before they abscond to their cold weather haunts. For many fly anglers, this means a last hurrah before floating lines and dry flies are left to sit in dusty garages in favor of tiny chironomids and tip ups. Thankfully, nature doesn’t disappoint thisContinue reading “The Many Varieties of Autumn Massachusetts Trout”
Are Some Fish Dumber Than Others?
As I sit here counting down the days until I fish a local stocked trout pond, I can’t help but wonder if the fish will be as downright-stupid as they usually are. I’ve fished for these trout for years, and always had success, even at times when I shouldn’t have. At first it made sense;Continue reading “Are Some Fish Dumber Than Others?”
After a Hiatus …
Last week was my first full week away from fishing in nearly two years (you could say it was a little bit of a shock to my system). You may have noticed the absence of a post on Monday-frankly, it was because I had nothing to write about. Being away at camp taught me twoContinue reading “After a Hiatus …”
Current Angler 