Gearing Up For Spring

 

 

 

Spring seems to have finally arrived. It's the time of year we eagerly anticipate wading
and floating our West Slope rivers and streams. For those fair weather fisherman, this may
be the first time in season you will actually wet a line. The warm weather brings out the
fish, (steelhead,stripers,native trout, and large/smallmouth bass) but it can also bring out
allot of unprepared fisherman. Here are a few tips on getting ready for your fist spring
adventure...

Practice- There's no better "rust remover" than 15 or 20 minutes a day spent with the
fly rod, either on the lawn or your local pond or lake. Work on your casting
technique and polish your skills. When that spooky 26 inch steelie is rising sixty feet
away, it isn't the time to correct your casting faults. Nor is it time to get reacquainted
with a thirty foot LC-13 shooting head,while out on a rocking boat... Take it from me, that
can really hurt!

Organize your gear- Now's the time to get your vest organized, your waders patched,
and check the felt on your wading boots. There's nothing more miserable than leaky
waders during the early season, when the water is cold and the fishing is hot. You will
also want to make sure that your box is fully stocked with all of your can't miss
patterns.Have plenty of the most effective patterns in your fly box. (Trees and rocks, as
well as fish, tend to eat them). Also Make sure your reel is working properly and you've cleaned your fly line.

Do your homework- Check with a guide service in your area, to find out what
patterns are working and what there availability is to get you on the water, for a tune
up. There is no better way to get your skills back then to have a good instructor work with you. Who knows you may even pick up a
few new tricks and hopefully allot of nice fish.

Early season fishing has its challenges and its rewards. Spring usually means high, cold
water, so wading with extreme caution is the rule. "If in doubt, don't wade out." is a good rule to follow when wading treacherous waters. Last, always remember to practice good stream ettiqute. To many times when fisherman hadn't been on the water for a while, they will get over anxious to catch a fish in their favorite hole and not care about the other guy who was in there first. Stay out of others way. There is allot of water out there, and by being courteous you will appease the fish gods. You might also save your self a good hard ass whipping, from another fisherman, to start the season off with.

So, what the hell are you waiting for, get out
there!!!

By Steve B Walser

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