Getting ready

Hi folks, Seems like spring is upon us.  Putting away the ice fishing gear as it has become unsafe in my opinion to venture out on the hardwater.  Just received over 2" of rain at my house and the snow is really going from the mountains now.  Since the snow pack has been lean this winter we need the rain.  The trout season opens in 10 days and it could be a good opening day.  Warm temperatures are forecast for the next week and water levels will probably be decent.  Ice out is early this year so the pike fishing should be going on.  My boat will ready soon and I will be chasing northerns on the fly.  Also, steelhead fishing should be decent whether you venture north or to the Champlain.  Just remember to leave alone any spawning fish.  Taking a trout off a bed is wrong and you are only shooting yourself in the foot.  Also, killing a rainbow for its eggs to tie spawn bags is old school.  Flies tied to imitate egg sacs work well as does yellow and orange sponge.  Looking forward to fishing and I might venture down to a Champlain tribibutary to chase steelies or even fish a bridge for landlocked salmon.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy