Alder Leaves the size of a Mouses Ear

All of the locals will tell you that the time to trout fish is when the alder leaves are the size of a mouse's ear. When Argy and I were on our walk I noticed that very moment was here! Today I stole a few hours away to take advantage because the weather forecast was calling for several inches of rain and if they are right our rivers will be running too high to wade for a week or so, relief from our low water conditions.

The weather was not what I like to advertise, 42 degrees Fahrenheit with a cool breeze from the northeast and occasional drizzle. The water temperature was just a little cooler than the air, I was very comfortable during the entire with good gear. A warm fleece jacket under a rain jacket with breathable waders on the bottom half kept me warm and dry during the entire outing.

I fished a nearby river stained dark brown by tannin from the leaves on the forest floor. A small river connected directly to Penobscot Bay, maybe even a chance for a sea run brook trout this early in the season. Just the right size for a short rod and light fly line. I had no luck with a couple of bug patterns switching first to a leech imitation and finally a streamer. The streamer proved to be the ticket. I managed 4 brook trout with the biggest going maybe eight inches. Bright spots on a dark background were the reward for a few hours in the rain.

I did have to share; the bank was covered with tracks. Raccoon, mink, beaver, an otter and clearly a heron had strolled part of the shore. At one point an eagle passed close overhead to make sure that none of the trout were lounging out in the open.

Make your reservations today to do a little trout fishing!