Two expert fly fishing guides and Global Rescue partners discuss the conditions and other factors affecting the fishing forecast in the northern U. Ah, spring in the northern hemisphere. After a winter of what is essentially dieting, freshwater stream fish, like trout, are as eager to eat as anglers are to catch them.
While ravenous fish are the big factor, there are many reasons that might make spring the king of all fly fishing seasons. Jake Wells, the U. For starters, there are fewer anglers out on the water and freshwater stream fish have yet to see a lot of angling pressure. That last point is an important one. The best fishing spots, especially public ones, get crowded and quickly fished out during peak season.
Hodges is a fan of early spring fishing in particular. An act of pure deception, every fly is an artifice, designed to imitate the appearance, motion, and light reflection of the things that fish eat. Dry flies β the bait resembling a real insect that rests on the surface of the water β or wet flies β bait that mimics underwater insects β are imposters. Which is why understanding what insects are hatching and when is fundamental to fly fishing.
What kinds of insects? So, anglers will want to select flies that look like those insects. Not into entomology? You could attempt to find the right selection of flies among the thousands of books and websites out there dedicated to such information. Or, you could just ask your guide. Time Is on Your Side in the Spring. They say the best time to fish is when the fish are biting. In fact, taking your time to get out the door will probably improve your chances of catching fish. While a midday start is normally the best time, Hodges is quick to point out that weather and water conditions are just as important.
Spring Fly Fishing Forecast. So, how will the fish bite this year? Snowpack and forecasted average air temperatures are two of the biggest indicators when trying to predict the fishing. In the western U. A lower-than-average snowpack on the east coast, however, could result in better waters into the meat of the spring fishing season, when insects are starting to hatch.
