Trout Season is One Week Away!
April 1st.....
I mark that day on my calendar every year. The past few years I have been focusing my efforts on the tributaries of the Finger Lakes when the New York State Trout Season opens on that day. This year, however, I will be in Utica and not Cortland when April 1st rolls around. What am I looking forward to fishing for? Here are my top choices:
1) Trout. The West Canada Creek, Sauquoit Creek, and Oriskany Creek are some of the most fished creeks in the area for Trout. All three of those streams recieve a stocking of fish, and all three should produce fish if the flows are decent. My favorite way to catch Trout early on in the season is with nymphs and streamers fished in slow water or slow pockets. Also, fishing the afternoons is a good idea - it lets the water warm up just a bit more than what it was in the morning. That degree or two difference can make the difference between a good opening day and a bad one!
2) Carp. Yes, Carp. I spent at least a dozen days last summer trying to hook-up with one of these golden tanks, having very limited success. Spring is the time to fish for them, but I have always focused my efforts on the Finger Lake Tribs. I feel that there are more opportunities here in the Utica area for carp than there are in most places. The New York State Canal System getting most of the attention for these fish. They grow big and will test your angling skills. This Spring, expect to see a lot more of "Carp on the Fly".
3) Steelhead. The Salmon River and other Lake Ontario Tribs will recieve, or might have already recieved, a good push of fish in the near future from high water levels. These fish will be focused on spawning, but that doesn't mean that they cannot be caught! The key is at this time of the year is to put your work and time in on the water.
4) Pike. I seem to always get a little Pike crazy in the Spring. The opener isn't until the 15th of May, but I still get all excited to fish for them after I see one follow in my streamer or eye the struggling 9'' Trout at the end of my line. The aggressive nature of these fish cannot be matched by any other game fish. There are some areas in/near/around Utica that I have been waiting to try for Pike on the fly.
5) Finger Lakes Tributaries. It wouldn't be a true Spring for me if the Finger Lakes weren't mentioned. The chances of me making the 2 hour drive down there is slim, but you never know - the fishing is SO good that I might. They will always be in the back of my mind and I know enough people down there to still be able to report on the fishing in that region, so check back if that is what you're interested in.
I hope that this has kind of sparked your interest for the up and coming season, whether this will be your 1st one or 31st. I am excited for warmer weather, throwing the dry fly, and seeing some bugs!
Salmon River weekend coming up....be sure to check back.
Remember, JP Ross Fly Rods is now on Facebook!
Tight lines.
Artie
