Anglers ready to start trout season Saturday

Leo Maloney writes about struggles anglers could face and give tips for those out on opening day.

This Friday is the opening of trout season, a date that also happens to be April Fool’s Day. Although we have been dreaming of pleasant spring days on our favorite streams, the reality will be a gray day with cold rain or snow, high and muddy streams and probably a lack of fishing action. Nevertheless, the opening of trout season marks a beginning of spring activity and hope for better days to come.

As I write this column there are still many deep patches of snow covering the ground in this area and even more snow in the higher elevations making it likely we will face tough fishing conditions. When I took a ride to check on streams earlier in the week the rains and melting snow had turned most streams into muddy torrents reaching the tops of their banks. Melting snow feeding the streams made the water temperature colder than normal.

Cold water temperatures mean that the fish will not be very active since their metabolism is slower in cold water, regardless of other conditions. When the streams are high, fast and cold, then fishing will be tougher. In fast water the trout will seek shelter in side eddies, under cut banks or behind boulders. The current at the bottom of deep pools is not as strong and there are usually rocks to break the current and provide shelter.

Temperature at the deeper areas of pools will be less affected by cold weather and run-offs from snow or rain. During mid-day the water in shallow eddies or the inside of bends in the stream may warm a few degrees. These areas will probably have temperatures closer to the optimum 60-65 degrees that trout prefer.

Trout will not only seek shelter from swift current, but

from the mud and silt which can clog their gills. Thus, areas behind rocks or other protection are more likely to hold trout in early season high water conditions.

My advice is usually fish smaller local waters, wait until mid-morning before going fishing and use bait such as nightcrawlers or salted minnows. Use only a minimum of split shot to get your bait down and tumbling along the bottom slowly and naturally.

Whenever streams are high, muddy or cold, artificial lures will be less effective. In addition to remaining in hard-to-reach areas for protection, the trout will be sluggish because their metabolism slows down considerably in water temperatures below 50 degrees. They will not chase a lure very far or fast. Lures with high visibility that can be fished slowly along bottom like Mepps or Panther Martin spinners are your best bet if you are fishing with arti- ficial lures.

One other thing to keep in mind is your visibility to the trout. Anytime you are fishing small streams be sure to stay as far from the water you are fishing as possible. Wear drab or camo clothing and use brush, streamside evergreens or high banks to disguise your outline. With no foliage cover, your outline is highly visible and likely to spook the trout.

But even if fishing conditions are poor, remember that getting out is what counts. It is a chance to see if your skills are as rusty as the hooks you forgot to take out of the pocket of your fishing vest. You will probably meet some old friends along the stream. It whets the appetite and gets up your spirits for the season to come. Fishing season is here again!

SHORT CASTS

Faulkner Honored by Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame: The NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame honors sportsmen and women for their many years of service to the cause of conservation or enhancing outdoor sports. In addition to in- duction of these people it has also created a series of special awards that periodically recognize individuals for outstanding achievement in specific fields. One such is award is the Dave Pierce Memorial Award.

The Dave Pierce Memorial Award is named for a person who devoted much of his time to involving youths in outdoor sports. This year the award goes to Scott Faulkner of Vernon Center. Faulkner is already an inductee into the Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and a past president and has remained active in many sportsman’s causes and organizations.

Scott Faulkner has been active in the Vernon Rod and Gun Club and the Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and has promoted youth activities within both of these organizations. He has been a Hunter Education instructor for many years and currently serves as Oneida County Coordinator for Hunter Education classes.

Scott initiated the Oneida County Youth Hunts for Turkey to take advantage of the state’s special weekend for youth hunts. To provide for youngsters who do not have a family member or friend to instruct them, he organized the youth hunts with ECOs, the National Wild Turkey Federation volunteers, and other sportsmen to serve as mentors. Youngsters are provided with a day of education, target practice and preparation a week before the actual hunt. On the day of the hunt they are provided with necessary equipment and get to hunt with two mentors.

This has been a very successful experience for many years and the model has spread to many other counties where the formula has been successfully copied. Under his leadership the Oneida County Federation has also started a Youth Goose Hunt as well. Hundreds of youngsters have gotten a successful start thanks to his leadership and effort.

These individuals, in addition to the regular inductees, will be honored at the annual banquet on April 29, 2017 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to attend. Reservations must be made by April 22 by calling 315-363-3896 or 315-225-0192.

Crossbow Coalition Asks For Support: The Crossbow Coalition reports that the bill giving equal recognition to crossbows as a hunting instrument is closer to becoming a reality. They ask your support this week to insure that it is not lost in the final days of negotiation. They urge all sportsmen to call Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and request that they adopt Part GGG of Senate Budget Proposal to bring full inclusion of crossbows into the archery season for all hunters statewide utilizing a bow privilege.

They are urging sportsmen to call today and Friday to keep up the momentum gained by the over 2,000 letters of support in the last eight weeks. Call Speaker Heastie’s office at 518-455-3791 and Majority Leader Flanigan’s office at 518-455-2071. If you are not available to call during office hours, you can call anytime and leave a message. If you have any questions contact the Crossbow Coalition by emailing info@nycrossbowcoalition. com.

Adirondack Outdoors Magazine: The Spring Issue of “Adirondack Outdoors” magazine is now available at many area newsstands. The current issue features many articles on spring fishing, destinations to hike and paddle and the usual popular features of recipes and news. This issue features a centerfold map of Raquette Lake with depths and techniques for fishing this large and popular lake.

CWD Free: The DEC announced earlier this week that for the eleventh year in a row New York State has remained free of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Over 2,400 deer were tested last year and none proved positive for CWD. The DEC reminds hunters of the regulations in place to prevent the introduction of CWD from other states as well as state regulations such as the prohibition against feeding deer.