Native Fish Coalition x White Mountains

Thanks to a Native Fish Coalition rendezvous in the White Mountains last weekend, my four-year dry spell of fishing in the region has finally ended. Some of my earliest memories of fly fishing and conservation come from these mountains, where I spent my summers exploring the woods and waters of northern New Hampshire at BarryContinue reading “Native Fish Coalition x White Mountains”

Putting the Pieces Together

Waking up at 5:20 AM daily seems to make most people cringe, but for me, the benefits outweigh the grogginess. For one, I get first dibs on the shower; I also get to eat a big breakfast before school. But perhaps the biggest upside of them all is the head-start I have on checking theContinue reading “Putting the Pieces Together”

Legging Up

“Legging up” is an equestrian term used to describe the slow conditioning of a horse after a winter break. This process involves gradually increasing the horse’s exercise regimen throughout the early spring, so it can build the necessary strength and stamina to perform at its best. Similarly, preparing for the fishing season involves gradually increasingContinue reading “Legging Up”

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”

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?”

A Change in Mindset

After the struggle I had over the past couple weeks, my luck did a complete 180. Suddenly, I found myself catching many more fish than I had in the past, and my enjoyment of the time I spent on the water increased consequentially. No, I wasn’t putting up huge fish counts, but it was certainlyContinue reading “A Change in Mindset”

Stocker Season Bonanza

As soon as I saw that my local waters began to get their annual dose of stocked trout, I knew my every waking moment would be consumed with targeting them. Stocked trout and I have a very complicated relationship. I mean them no harm, other than to poke a sharp metal object through their lipContinue reading “Stocker Season Bonanza”