Trout Stream Reflections

Well, how is your early season trout fishing going? How many changed or canceled trips have you experienced. I usually take numerous trips to the Lake Michigan shore to fish steelhead as they make their spring run up the tributaries. The extremes in weather this spring have made planning difficult. Last week most of the snow in Central Wisconsin was melted and I assumed similar conditions existed near the lake. However, upon arrival the early dawn light revealed snow covered fields and valleys in the process of melting and a tributary with flows that increased hour by hour. Soon the river was turbid and its current loaded with a terrestrial litter of leaves and branches. Fishing conditions had gone from acceptable to unworkable in a matter of hours. When returning home, a check of river conditions through the United States Geological Survey website for river flow rates, showed the river flow had increased from 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a level exceeding 500 cfs. The 400 cfs level is the upper threshold for reasonable fishing. The snow melt also had the effect of decreasing water temperatures to 32 F, a level not preferable for steelhead migration. After last weekend’s rain and snow mix the tributary is galloping down its valley at a rate of 3,200 cfs and is a sight of tremendous force. A friend emailed to say his Wyoming fishing trip down the Green River was canceled due to heavy snows this past weekend in Minneapolis. The MSP airport issued a ground hold for all incoming flights and rebooking was impossible due to everyone flying to somewhere for spring break. Later this week is more rain and gusty winds but with rising temperatures and since the weather guys are never wrong – it is best to have a back-up plan. Well I know of this fly shop in Stevens Point. It is called The Fall Line Fly Shop that opened just before COVID and survived because it is a great place to shop for fly fishing stuff and lots of outdoor clothing and gear. It is situated in the downtown area and there is more than adequate parking for convenience and great near-by cafes in case you are making this trip at least a half day event. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and staffed with guys that likely recognize your frustration with the weather tempered season. It is surprising how good it feels to just talk about what you almost experienced if you had been able to fish your plans. Imagining what the fishing would have been like, how the brookies would have risen to the 2:00pm Blue Wing Olive hatch, that was likely mostly midges. You could discuss whether it really makes sense to purchase the new “between sizes of RIO tippet material”. Who needs a 4.5X RIO Powerflex Tippet placed between traditional sizes 5X and 4X? The marketers say “It’s to make deciding easier”. Marketing opinions can be cheap, but RIO tippet is not; I’ll stay with traditional sizing. In truth, these chats are more than just palaver, it is a form of therapy. Our regional fly shops excel at providing all that is needed (rods, reels, lines, flies and advice) and thank goodness they are there whether the weather is the good or just in need of patience waiting. In summary – wait a few days then go fishing. Remember though, The Fall Line Fly Shop guys are there for you in all forms of weather.