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Sports
& Recreation . Opening
Day on the New Haven Angling
is at best an inexact science, but
April 14th. Once again, Vermont Trout season will begin -- a long anticipated moment for many an enthusiastic angler. The 160-plus days that have elapsed seem like 1600 to some of us. Trout season is a rite of Spring, much more so than a rake in hand and leaves to gather. With a little help from the weather, opening day can be not only a day of fishing, but a wonderful way to traverse the natural landscape. If you look carefully, you may be able to catch sight of some of nature's more timorous creatures. Bring your camera, too. Investigating the river not only entails checking out your favorite fishing spots, but discovering the changes that have occurred from nature's incalculable moods. Rivers purge and realign themselves in many subtle ways. Ice out and spring rains often create new habitat, as well as destroy old ones. Water Temperature
Angling is at best an inexact science, but some techniques are proven to be better than others. As you explore the New Haven, you find that some of the best fishing is located on its outermost stretches. The ideal water temperature for trout fishing on the New Haven is between 55-65 degrees. But on opening day, the temperature on the New Haven will only range from 38-42 degrees. Of course, that's not going to stop the avid angler. Some of this author's most productive fishing on opening day has occurred in the mid-afternoon. The temperature of the water may be 1 or 2 degrees higher, and on opening day, this temperature differential can be very significant. In fact, the temperature of the water is much more important than rising at dawn. Reading Water Training your eye to "read water" is also important, and it comes with experience, as well as a little common sense. Fish seek optimum water flows, as well as cover. In the spring months, then, when the rivers are running strong, fish seek deeper pockets and pools for sanctuary. And since it is sanctuary they're after, they are most often located on the tail end of the deep pools, rather than in the swift-moving "pocket waters." A solid tip, then: Fish near the confluence of small feeder streams that discharge into the river. Even fish up these tributaries. They are "sleepers," and often serve as sanctuaries from spring run offs, as well as productive feeding lanes for some nice fish. Bait
As for bait, the "garden hackle" is the obvious choice of most anglers on opening day. But it is this author's opinion that the most often used is not necessarily the best choice. In the early part of the season, the trout's' diet consists mainly of small bait fish, crustaceans and macro- invertebrates. So real or imitation bait fish work exceptionally well. Some of the artificial options include Mepps Spinners #1 or #2, Phoebes, Panther Martin, Al's Gold Fish, and Countdown Rapalas cd-5-7. Fly fishing enthusiasts would use Maribou and Bucktail Streamers, as well Caddis Larva, Hare's Ear, and various Stone Fly imitations. Whatever technique you choose, the important thing is presentation. It is most important that the angler present the "bait" on or near the bottom of the streambed. The fish are quite sluggish this time of year, and the bait must be presented in a slow and deliberate fashion. Remember, the presentation must simulate their natural food source and create an impression of realism. The closer you come to achieving this objective, the greater your success is likely to be. So remember: imitation and presentation are key ingredients to a successful opening day. But as much as these techniques may pay off, patience and persistence are still the most rewarded qualities on opening day … or, for that matter, any other day. Good luck with those long casts and tight lines! Pete Diminico
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