Spring is my favorite time of year. Everything starts to green up after a long winter, the air begins to get crisp and fresh, the sun stays out longer, and the fishing becomes really good. Spring always seems like a fresh start to me, and it is a great time of year to upgrade some of your old fishing equipment.
Not that I have anything against old gear, just the opposite in fact. I think that most things are not properly broken in until they have been battered, beaten and perhaps duct-taped back together. Take my jeep for example. But, there is always something deep inside that pushes us for the newest and the best.
Wading boots are a great thing to upgrade in the spring. With an amazing array of models on the market such as Korker’s Predator and Patagonia’s Riverwalkers, sometimes the choice seems daunting. Here are some things to keep in mind. More and more fishermen are switching from felt soles to rubber. One of the main reasons for this is stopping the spread of nusiance species. Today, new breakthroughs in rubber technology have produced material that provide just as much, if not more, grip and traction as felt. Of course, studs help. Removable soles, such as those on Korkers’ boots, are a good choice, allowing you to switch given the conditions.
Walking into a fly shop, few things are more tempting than the rack of rods. Who can resist walking over and giving them a look? If you are like me, you have a long list of the rods you need. No matter the situation, a competent fly fisherman can come up with a need to explain a new purchase to the wife, girlfriend, or other figure who might turn their nose up at the new addition to your rod collection. Spring is the perfect time to buy that new rod. Perhaps you need one for chucking streamers during spawns and runoff. Or maybe that small stream 3-weight is calling your name.
Spring fishing can be cold. Very cold. The air temperatures haven’t quite reached the comfortable level and the water is still cold enough to need wader fleece. Wader fleece or long underwear can be a life saver on long spring days. A fleece jacket is also a good investment. Fleece is lightweight and warm, making it perfect for the river. However, in my circle of friends, a ratty old sweatshirt is the outerwear of choice. A waterproof jacket is invaluable for the often unpredictable spring weather.
Fly selection in the spring around these parts consists of large, heavy nymphs and a smattering of dries to match the midge and Blue Winged Olive hatches. As the water warms and the fish become more active, putting something big and buggy in their face, like a bead head stonefly nymph, can lead to some monster spring trout. Streamers can also be quite productive during the spring. Spring also brings the Skwalas, a productive hatch with big bugs. Once you catch this hatch, you will keep coming back for it year after year. Dont’t miss it.
Tags: Gear
