I begin this post on a cold night in Late February. It feels like mid winter although the calendar tells me that spring is on the way. Just a few days ago the thermometer hit 50 degrees and I heard the chirp of birds waking up. They were winter birds, and their songs only served as a deceptive sound. Today their optimism was smothered by the "Polar Vortex."

I too am a winter bird, spending these months gliding over frozen water. Still, I can't help but feel the urge to play in waters liquid form. It is a March madness of sorts that I deal with. On one hand I delight in late winter snow storms and comfortable skiing temperatures. While on the other I drip in anticipation of the first trout and salmon to be hooked. By April I will be splitting my time between spring skiing in Tuckerman Ravine and testing out fishing spots for trout and landlocked salmon.

Once the bit is on I will abandon my skis and pick up the rod until November. Even now I can smell the ripeness of the thaw, a mix of mud, and fresh growth. A smell that always reminds me of a season of fish waiting to be tempted by the fly.

The memories rush through my mind. The flash of a crimson rainbow, a cartwheeling salmon, the crush of a spring brook trout. Yes, spring is on its way. It will be here before we know it. In the meantime I'll be dreaming of fish from April's past....

While the fishing can be phenomenal in April. It is a hit or miss game. If you'd like to experience the thrill of big spring fish, let me know, and I'll let you know when the bite is on....