Early season trout , worth the challenge
designated bear spray operator . He or she must have hands free and eyes open .
JEFF MORRISON
SPRING is a transitional time for the trout waters of Ontario and Quebec with several social and environmental forces at work . Longer days and shorter nights yield warmer daytime temperatures , and the layers of ice over lakes and rivers slowly weaken and break up . For the brook trout enthusiast , it is a time of early season adversity and tough angling conditions .
For success when the early season bite is on , trouters must learn to live with cold weather , floating debris , lingering ice , bears and competition from fellow anglers . A few simple precautions can ease the pain .
URSUS AMERICANA
Black bears are often wrongly overlooked during the early season . Since many backwoods fishing holes are in the heart of bear country , extra vigilance is called for . With old blackie emerging from hibernation and on the prowl for food , bear encounters are more frequent – an undeniable hazard for anglers .
Given the chance , bears really want to avoid people . Give them that chance . Announce your presence by breaking brush , walking and talking loudly and travelling in groups .
That said ; always carry bear spray while travelling to and from a trout lake or river . During portages , the first person in line is the
COLD WEATHER
Since opening season is typically when the best trout are had , be ready to spend long hours on the water , from dawn till dusk , so dress accordingly . Successful early anglers take cold temperatures in stride , while the competition has bailed for the comforts of a warm camp or cottage . Stick to wool outerwear , heavy undergarments , windbreakers and even survival suits for spring trout fishing . Dress in layers and pay attention to covering the extremities with neoprene gloves , toques and bring along hand and foot warmers too .
FLOATING AND SUSPENDED DEBRIS
By the time the season opener rolls around , depending how far north you go , ice flows in “ spek ” country are dissolving and brookies are disbursing from their winter holding areas . Even though Salvelinus fontinalis begin actively seeking forage , several factors throw a wrench into intercepting them . Floating and suspended debris in the water will turn clear lakes murky and sometimes tannic-stained . Respond to this springtime condition by thinking about a fish ’ s sense of sight and smell . Use bright , flashy baits with a sound that fish can hone-in on .
That junk in the water means modifying your fishing presentation and slowing it down a notch . Retrieve casts gently and methodically and avoid trolling altogether . With more in-water obstacles and poor visibility , trout require more time to see and respond to your bait .
LINGERING ICE There are trout lakes I fish in northeastern Quebec where
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the “ ice-out bite ” is the only one on offer , and I have fished so early that large chunks of ice were bouncing off the side of the canoe . Since many trout waters are most productive right at ice-out , timing is crucial while safety is still a concern . Fishing for trout with lingering ice is challenge , but it can be done . When most of the water is still ice covered , and chunks abound , vertical fishing may be the only option .
These cold-water-loving fish are most easily caught under these conditions with a vertical jig , when casting and trolling aren ’ t yet an option . Stay safe by using a stable boat and avoiding heavily iced areas . The shedding-off period does not last long so be patient and you will notice ice disappearing before your eyes . Warm weather and high winds forms the perfect recipe for melting spring ice .
COMPETITION
From other anglers , that is . A horde of other fisherman on the water may unsettle your plan , but should not ruin your day . If you let other anglers put you off your game it will affect results , so look for a way to get a leg up . The first sure way is to set the alarm clock early . Yes , the early bird gets the worm , and nowhere is this truer than with trout fishing . If you can
Bruce Rogers of Aylmer , QC with a beautiful early-season , rainy-day brookie !
hit the water a couple of hours before the competition , a feeding trough is yours for the taking . Brookies tend to be crepuscular feeders , so early and late in the day are peak .
Then check out the competition . Are other anglers catching fish ? What techniques are they employing ? Nothing wrong with copy-catting . If you discover a hotspot though , don ’ t loiter . Remaining in one spot is a dead giveaway .
Good luck this spring and happy fishing !
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