We have enjoyed some amazing spring weather over the last several days. Temperatures were well into the seventies with lots of sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. This is of course to balance out the rainy month of March. Our local weather station reported over eleven inches for the month. Needless to say the river was out of its banks and the ponds are beyond bank full!
When I picked up the Lund from the annual spring overhaul and drove back to Union, past the boat launch on Seven Tree Pond where many of my trips start. The water was over the parking lot and right up to the road. There were a couple of young fishermen standing on the edge of the road casting into the parking lot. You have to admire their eagerness and hope.
With the warm dry weather of the last few days I expect water levels to return to normal pretty quickly and that it will be time to start fishing. I can't wait and look forward to spending some time outdoors with you again this coming season.
Amazing Spring Weather!
The new fishing rule book just arrived. Rulebooks for each season land here because Maine Outdoors sells Maine licenses.
The legislature recently enacted a saltwater fishing license . Fresh or saltwater licenses when required are included in the price of all of our fishing trips . The cover of the new lawbook is not a photo but rather a reminder in big letters across the cover that it covers two years and not to throw it away. Another big change is part of that new book.
This year was the last opening day of fishing season in this part of Maine. In the future most of our bodies of water will be open year round. That new rule would have taken effect on April 1st but because of the nice weather in late March the legislature passed and the Governor signed an emergency law putting the new rules into effect a week early. Which just goes to prove that when something important needs to be done our political leaders can work together and make it happen.
I recently wrote a blog post describing what you need to know to go fishing in Maine. You can read it here. I wonder if the earlier season opening will make a difference in how early fishing parties start for me? The season has already spread nicely into the late fall. Could early spring be the new opportunity? Let's make a plan to give it a try in the next month or so.
Beep Beep Spring is here!
Argy and I have been walking in the evening taking advantage of the pleasant spring weather and the switch to Daylight savings time. One evening I heard a single Beeep.. and I knew that spring was here for sure. For those who do not know it is the sound that the male woodcock makes when getting ready to perform his territory / mating ritual.
A few beeps on the ground in an open space a little jig on the ground and a spiraling flight up into the air nearly out of sight followed by twittering back to earth in almost the exact spot where it all started. A great show that everyone should get out and see on warm spring evenings. While not the most attractive bird in the forest certainly a favorite. With a top flight speed of only fifteen miles an hour; it is a wonder that they migrate at all. But they do heading south to where the worms are available all winter.
Photo Courtesey of Mike Jurgiewich
I knew that there were a few woodcock around. Copper pointed one a couple of weeks ago in the woodlot behind the house. But it appears that the migration is well under way now and it won't be long until there are females on the nest in many or our woodlots. Spring is here!
What Have I been Doing All Winter?
It has been a very busy winter for me. My new role as Executive Director for the Maine Professional Guides Association has taken more than a little of my time to be sure. I have been fortunate though to be involved in some very interesting projects. One will allow folks to see what guides are available on a given body of water in Maine using Google Earth, along with a lot of other interesting information. You can download the file here. (you will need to have Google Earth installed on your computer)
The Association also has regular newsletters both electronic and printed which take more than a little time to get out. I also represent the Association at numerous meetings on a variety of topics. The biggest event of the Associations year is the annual banquet which is scheduled for next Saturday. After that my responsibilities will drop off and I plan to be spending a more of my time outdoors and less time talking about being there.
Please give me a call or send an e-mail I would love to hear what you have been doing over the winter.
