A Fly Fisher's Cautionary Tale

Hindsight is always 20/20. As I look back, maybe I didn't need to work all of those weekends. Gazing over my computer monitor and trays of flies, I would see them outside of my window, waiting to play, but would inevitably convince myself that the work could not wait. It seems like only a couple of months have passed, but how they have changed and grown! Where did this strong will, angst, and contentiousness come from?

Before we get too introspective and start sending emotionally-laden text messages to our kids, I need to clarify that I am speaking about the growth of our favorite trout streams with the onset of runoff.

As the snow begins to melt and spring rains fall, we need to change our tactics if we want to spend some quality time with our favorite waters. High spring flows are going to force fish to take shelter along the edges of the river and behind its largest structures, abandoning many of their early season haunts. Increase the size and weight of your nymphs. Larger profile patterns and flashbacks work to pierce murky spring waters and catch the attention of fish. Finally, for a break from the chaos, spend some time fishing lakes and beaver ponds.

While we collectively mourn the missed opportunities of low flows and early spring fishing, there are still plenty of fish to be caught during runoff - and I assure you, if you are patient, things will get better with time.