After Hurricane Irene I was concerned that fishing would really change in the local ponds. We were starting to see water temperatures drop and fish getting into fall patterns before the storm but wind and rain can change things pretty quickly. The mid coast was fortunate we had some wind and about two inches of rain which did bring water levels up some.
This morning was the perfect late summer morning with crystal blue skies and no wind at all, so I took some time to see what had changed after the storm. First onto the perch to be sure that I have them for a series of video clips that the Maine Professional Guides Association will film on how to release fish. The only change to report is that the white perch seem to have left the shallows and been replaced by clouds of yellow perch.
It was fascinating this morning to watch large schools of perch chase flies and lures. Even more interesting were the pods of bass between two and six pounds; cruising the same shallow flats. Frequently chasing the perch away from a fly or lure, usually not to take it but simply to make sure another fish did not eat it. After casting to a bunch of them it was clear that if a bass was going to take a lure it happened the first time it was presented. If the fish simply followed the presentation back to the boat or watched it go by, that is all it would do. Even when presented with a different lure (easy to do with a half dozen rods in the boat and fishing alone).
While many areas to our west have way too much water and riding out a flood is their short term plan it appears that we are back on track for a normal late summer and fall. I am feeling very fortunate and looking forward to guiding tomorrow.
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