Every North East fisherman knew the weather report for this Saturday,
and they knew it 2 weeks ago. 50 Degrees, no rain. Ideal fishing
conditions for the early part of March. However, there was something
that we didn't know. Something even Punxsutawney Phil couldn't
predict... An early March snow fall.
It wasn't a Blizzard by any
sense of the means, I wouldn't want to exaggerate as this isn't some
grand fishing tale. But it was a true snowfall, dropping 6+ inches
stream side. This didn't prohibit the ability to travel around the
waterway at all, but your feet certainly didn't get a rest from the cold
when out of the water.
The fishing day would start 30 minutes
later than previously scheduled, but that is forgivable for a March fly
fishing date. As a point of reference, this crime is punishable for up
to 1 year of ball breaking if you delay a May or June fishing day.
I
started the day with an stimulator streamer. It has a big orange head
and a copperish body. Not too big but I figured it was a good way to
start prospecting. Besides, there was a lot of landscaping done to the
East Branch over the winter months so it was almost like exploring a new
water way for me anyway. I would continue using a streamer for the
first 30 minutes, and then switch over to some indicator nymphing, and
that is where I would find my one fish of the day.
Removing the hook:
Still sleeping....:
Half a smirk:
All
in all, I got my feet in the water... with the 3 leaks in my waders
that part was easy. I got to take in the sights, sounds and smells of
the stream, I got to see the newly renovated East Branch, catch a fish,
and spend some quality time with good company. To me, that's what this
whole thing is all about. Here are a few more pictures from the day.
Beavers?
Cool view down an incoming stream:
The Gear
The company
Phoebes looks totally different....
In
closing, it was great to get out so early in the year as I don't
consider myself much of a winter fisherman. It was a bonus to catch a
trout, and I'm really looking forward to a full season of fly fishing
here it Westchester and up in Roscoe. Let the games begin!
