The start of fishing season is upon us. A warm late March has quickened ice out. Who would have thought over a foot of ice would almost disappear in less than two weeks. Some rivers and streams are raging and some are in reasonable shape. It will be interesting to see when the stocking trucks start moving.

This is the time of the year to look for early black or brown stoneflies, they are the earliest hatch to bring fish to the surface, even though waters are quite cold. This hatch may already be declining if you live in warmer environs.

The smelt will be running soon as well. Identify which lakes and ponds that you might want to fish have a smelt population and trout or salmon. Visit inlet rivers, streams, and trickles of water that will be bone dry in a month. Keep on the lookout for signs of smelt and start casting your favorite smelt imitation. My book, “Flyfishing Northern New England Seasons” delves into the smelt run and best patterns in detail. Here is a good video of a smelt run in a little outlet stream – watch till the end…

Come see me at the Maine Sportsman’s Show either Friday or Saturday. I have a presentation each of those two days.

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