April 2010 Almanac
~ THIS MONTH ~
Spring’s Here, But What About the White Stuff?
Open-water anglers wait patiently like children for Christmas, and finally, April Fool’s Day arrives and we head forth to fish. The snow stands deep, though, and ice covers most ponds and lakes, except where a rushing stream pounds into the still water. In short, our brain says, “Let’s fish,” but our eyes tell us, “Hey, it’s still winter!”
What’s an angler to do?
A few places in Maine do have open water, and boy, do all the anglers know about these spots. April 1 fishing offers participants a social sport for sure. Anti-social types need not apply. April 1 forays are for people lovers.
As the month progresses, though, ice goes out and flowing waters drop to fishable levels, spreading out the masses where folks can find solitude.
According to data from The One That Didn’t Get Away Club, the first four weeks after ice-out produce a good amount of the entries in this prestigious club run by The Maine Sportsman. Yes, this month produces big fish – eventually.
When black flies swarm, brook fishing for brookies turns hot. Red maples have those red (female) and yellow (male) blossoms on them, ushering in mayfly hatches. Those little flowers tell us the water temperature in rivers beside the maples have reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit, kicking off emerging insects.
Folks like to hike now, and that means they hit places with designated trails – Camden Hills State Park, Kennebec Highlands, etc. Only hard-core outdoors types strike out across the woods and enjoy being half lost much of the time.
Shooters get out now as clay-sport ranges pick up steadier business, and archers and riflemen practice more now. Turkey season lies around the corner, and crows and woodchucks interest a handful of shooters.
It’s a good month that passes as leisurely or as busily as an outdoors type chooses.
