Yesterday I took the afternoon off to spend a few post-winter hours on
my local river. It was 60 degrees and mild, with a few clouds. When I
arrived at the parking area (
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/pics/IM000419a.JPG ) it looked like it could
be a lot of fun. After donning the appropriate attire (sequined thong,
silk top hat, brown socks and black wingtips of course), I headed to the
stream. The path down was dotted with patches of ice, so it took me a
while to get there. Not being young and brave like our own Frank Reid, I
decided I liked my back and knees just the way they were with no
adjustments by the hard ground.

Once I was at the water, I watched for a while to see if I could spot
any activity - nope, nothing under or above the water. I decided there
might be a few holdouts in the deeper pools, and a guy I met walking his
dog said the state dropped a few stockers in earlier in the day. I cast
for a while from shore, then waded in to feel the water around me. Gawd,
it was good to be on the river again.
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/pics/IM000420a.JPG

I started to see a very few teeny-tiny flies coming off the water. They
looked like BWO's, but my eyes couldn't really tell - these must have
been 24-26 sized bugs or smaller. In any case, nothing was coming up to
the surface to greet them. I fished a few nymphs and streamers, various
sizes and styles, but never got as much as a nibble. But I got to flex
my new rod I bought over the winter and got quite a lot of casting
practice in. I played with the rod for a bit, getting the feel of the
load and action. I think it will suit me fine, but I'll be glad to get a
fish on it to be sure. ;-)
--
TL,
Tim
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http://css.sbcma.com/timj